7 min readWe’ve rounded up some of the best beer gardens in Bristol to get you in the mood for a nice cold pint in the spring sunshine. We can almost taste the cider now…
The White Lion
This Clifton pub has one of the best views in the city from its back terrace, overlooking the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge.
The menu at The White Lion is a mix of traditional pub favourites, and the terrace is heated for chillier evenings when you can't tear yourself away from that iconic vista!
Image - The White Lion
The Cottage Inn
You can enjoy more iconic views at this harbourside pub, which looks across to the colourful houses of Cliftonwood, and is the perfect spot for watching boats, windsurfers, paddleboarders and more.
Image - The Cottage Inn
Racks
Nestled between Clifton Village and the Triangle, Racks Bar & Kitchen has a pretty heated terrace to relax in on sunnier days as well cosy alcoves inside for the winter months. It's especially worth stopping by for their regular special offers on both food and drink.
Image - Racks
Harbour House
Looking for something a bit snazzier than your usual pub? Enjoy a drink with a waterfront view at this stylish bar and restaurant on The Grove. Nearby Mud Dock also has a terrace with a view, and an all-day menu of casual plates and local drinks.
Image - Harbour House
Arnolfini Café Bar
There are few sights more typically Bristol than that of people sat on the quayside outside Arnolfini.
Rather than a traditional beer garden, Arnolfini's Cafe Bar opens out onto the harbour, with an ever-changing view of boats, cranes and paddleboarders. The menu is a short and sweet selection of seasonal dishes, perfectly combined with one of their Bristol Beer Factory tipples.
Image - Arnolfini
King Street Brew House
One of the busiest places in the city for al fresco beers has to be King Street. With one end known fondly as 'The Beermuda Triangle' for its trio of top notch craft beer bars, this small street boasts eight pubs, and that's without including The Apple cider boat which sits at the end of the street!
The King Street Brew House has a fabulous selection of beers, as well as wine, cider & spirits. The perfect place to start any ambitious pub crawl!
- Read more: Beer and breweries in Bristol
Image - King Street Brew House
The Architect
Catch the evening sun with a view of the water from the harbourside terrace at The Architect on Narrow Quay, while watching passing ferry boats & the lively festival culture. Pair your view with coffee and cake or wine and one of their delicious cheeseboards.
Image - The Architect
The Ostrich
Another pub which doesn't have a pub garden as such but instead a huge terrace overlooking the harbour, The Ostrich is another of our favourites for enjoying a drink in the open air, complete with some top views of Redcliffe and the passing river traffic.
Apparently there are smuggling caves underneath the pub, as well as a pirate skeleton (fake, well, we hope!) in one of the cave entrances in the corner of the pub - spooky!
Image - The Ostrich
Wiper and True Taproom
There's more than enough space inside and out at this huge brewery taproom near Old Market. As well as being able to taste your way through Wiper and True's range of craft beers, you can also snack on Japanese delights from Eatchu and other ever-changing pop-ups on the terrace.
Image - Wiper and True taproom
The Gallimaufry
A top spot for people-watching on Gloucester Road from their front terrace, The Galli is a popular haunt for locals and music lovers.
Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar
One of the largest outdoor spaces on the list, Tobacco Factory has a massive terrace, perfect for hosting a multitude of events, from beer festivals to street food markets.
There's also an outdoor bar which serves a tasty pizza menu, and music on selected evenings.
The Full Moon
This lively venue is one of the most buzzing pubs along Stokes Croft, hosting a range of music and club nights every month.
Its huge beer garden is great for people watching or making new friends, and you can also refuel with a pizza from their pop-up kitchen, which offers vegan and gluten free options.
The Hope & Anchor
Sandwiched between the harbour and the steep hills of Clifton and Park St on Jacobs Wells Road, this small pub and its quirky tiered garden is a little oasis in the middle of the city.
Image - The Hope & Anchor
Channings Hotel
Tucked in among the grand houses of Clifton, you'll find this friendly pub with a huge front garden, serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day.
The Spotted Cow
If you're in Bedminster to check out the Upfest murals, The Spotted Cow is one of the top pubs in the area to rest your feet.
A local favourite due to its big beer garden, you'll almost always be able to find a space on the grass or at one of the many tables.
Image - The Spotted Cow
Chequers Inn
Home to a huge riverside beer garden, the Chequers Inn is an East Bristol favourite, where you can enjoy some delicious pub grub while watching rowers, paddleboaders and local wildlife go by.
Image - Chequers Inn
Beese's Riverside Bar and Garden
A short drive or boat ride from the city centre, Beese's sits beside a tranquil stretch of the River Avon, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the scenery.
Stop by for a relaxed drink, cream tea or roast dinner. During the summer months you can also watch bands play here every Friday!
Bristol Packet Boat Trips offers a cruise through the Harbour and upstream, along beautiful rural stretches of the Avon, before locking through Hanham Lock and stopping for lunch at The Old Lock and Weir or the Chequers Inn. You can also book trips with Bristol Ferry from the city centre to this riverside hotspot.
Image - Beeses
The Farm
Tucked away in the St Werburghs district of the city, just a short walk or cycle ride from Stokes Croft is The Farm, so-called for its close proximity to the city farm next door.
The garden here is big and spacious, and the roasts are legendary. Well worth the trip from wherever you are in the city.
Image - The Farm
Country pubs
Just a short distance from Bristol you'll find rolling hills and stunnnig countryside, with plenty of choice of pubs to stop off at after a rural stroll or visit to local sights.
On the outskirts of the city between Bath and Bristol, relax in the pretty gardens at The Upton in Bitton or Lock Keeper in Keynsham.
Image - Lock Keeper
In the scenic Chew Valley, close to Chew Valley Lake, you'll find pubs such as the Ring O' Bells and The Pelican, each boasting large and family-friendly beer gardens.
Over in the Mendips, close to local attractions such as Cheddar Gorge and Wookey Hole, you can stop in for an al fresco pint and lunch at The Swan Inn, The Railway Inn or The Langford.
Image - The Swan Inn
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