In such a beautiful setting, there’s no excuse to stay inside when it comes to summer in the Cotswolds. After a trip out, or perhaps a leisurely ramble in the countryside, there’s nothing like enjoying drinks and dinner al fresco at one of the region’s charming pubs
Horse and Groom, Bourton-on-the-Hill
Opening May 17
When the weather allows, the spacious garden to the rear of the Horse & Groom in Bourton-on-the-Hill is ideal for a spot of al fresco dining. Expect a great pub atmosphere, well stocked real ales and wines and a menu brimming with delicious dishes making use of locally sourced ingredients and seasonal produce. The pub even grows some of its own!
, Asthall
Opening May 17
After a long walk along the scenic walking routes of Asthall, rest your weary feet and soak in the pretty views in the charming beer garden at The Maytime Inn. On a warm day, nothing beats enjoying a pint of local ale or refreshing cider, or perhaps even tucking into something from the a la carte menu in this scenic spot. You could even grab a selfie in the garden's extra-large seat!
Ebrington Arms, near Chipping Campden
Opening for one day on April 12 and then outside dining from April 16 Fri-Sun
This quintessential Cotswold watering-hole is renowned for its cosy interiors, award-winning ales and sumptuous pub classics reflecting local ingredients and seasonal produce. Not only does the Ebrington Arms make for a great trip to escape the cold in the winter, it also boasts a delightful beer garden for guests to soak in the sunshine with a pint in hand.
The Rising Sun, Cleeve Hill
After a walk on the Cleeve Common, and savouring the mesmerising views stretching over Cheltenham and beyond, take a seat in the spacious beer garden of The Rising Sun. As part of the Old English Inns chain, expect hearty pub classics cooked well and an extensive drinks menu bursting with choice for a summer's evening tipple enjoyed al fresco.
The Royal Exchange, Hartpury
Opening April 14
Although buried in the peaceful Gloucestershire countryside, The Royal Exchange is anything but quiet! Popular with locals and visitors alike, the pub provides a warm welcome, fantastic food and drink and a lively atmosphere. Try and find a seat outside to enjoy views across a tapestry of countryside greenery and the perfectly manicured garden. As the evening draws in, the heated covered deck and supply of blankets means you can finish drinks in front of the sunset without feeling the cold.
The Lamb Inn, Eastcombe
Opening April 12
Soak in the sunshine and enjoy the magnificent views of Toadsmoor Valley in the pretty pub garden and terrace of The Lamb Inn in Eastcombe. Hearty British pub classics cooked well are the name of the game here, and the popular Sunday lunches draw diners from far and wide. After something to eat, retreat and relax in the garden with something refreshing to drink.
The Perch, Oxford
Opening April 12
After a stroll along the banks of a beautiful stretch of the River Thames, rest weary legs at The Perch, a charming and traditional watering hole with a pretty terrace and an enviable beer garden alongside the river. For those enjoying the sun in the garden, order something tasty from The Perch's 'Shed Bar' and wash it down with a garden cocktail. Yum!
The Fleece Inn, Bretforton
Opening April 12th
Named one of our favourite cosy pubs in the Cotswolds, history-rich The Fleece Inn is an ideal country retreat after admiring the pretty chocolate-box village of Bretforton and nearby scenery. While away an afternoon in the pub's pretty garden with a pint of local ale or cider, or two, or three!
The Wheatsheaf, Nortleach
Opening April 12th
On a beautifully sunny day, it's quite a treat to sit among the colourful flora and well-maintained gardens of The Wheatsheaf in Northleach. The atmospheric coaching inn boasts unpretentious luxury; whether you choose to spend a night in one of the delightfully decorated bedrooms or just popping by for something delicious from the dinner menu.
The Bell in Sapperton
Opening April 16
Enjoy a peaceful drink and bite to eat in the sunshine from the garden of The Bell in Sapperton. Sitting between Stroud and Cirencester, this charming pub and restaurant of Cotswold stone is the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet. The hearty traditional dishes served at The Bell are truly delicious including their much-loved Sunday lunches.
The Trout Inn, Lechlade
Opening TBC, check social media
Perched in an idyllic spot by the River Thames, a seat in the large beer garden of The Trout Inn immediately installs a sense of relaxation. This traditional, family-run country inn offers patrons tasty pub classics and a well stocked bar including a great choice of real ales, ciders and wine. Keep up-to-date with the pub's latest events, including the popular 'Troutfest', an annual beer and music day.
, Shurdington
On sunnier days, take a seat in the The Bell's pretty beer garden overlooking the nearby cricket ground and pavilion. Just a short drive from the regency town of Cheltenham, this charming spot offers a warm welcome, a menu of home cooked, British classics, including a mouth-watering roast, and plenty of well-kept cask ales and local ciders.
Fox Inn, Great Barrington
Opening April 12
A backdrop to a pub lunch doesn't get much more scenic than at the Fox Inn in the sleepy village of Great Barrington. Sat alongside a beautiful stretch of the River Windrush, order yourselves a local ale or glass of Pimms, and sample the classic pub dishes on offer if you feel peckish, while you soak in the views and immerse yourself in the tranquillity the location boasts.
The Feathered Nest, Nether Westcote
Opening April 12
For those looking for a location to spoil a loved one, try an evening meal at The Feathered Nest in Nether Westcote. A friendly welcome, impeccable service and 3 AA Rosette award-winning British fare awaits you, and to top it all off, views from the garden are breathtaking. Enjoying a bottle of wine or bubbly out there would be the perfect treat.
Old Badger Inn, Eastington
Opening April 12
This traditional boozer is much loved by locals for its excellent choice of local cask ales, its friendly, lively atmosphere and a menu packed with mouthwatering dishes. The Old Badger Inn's interiors maintain a traditional feel with beer badges, vintage adverts and interesting decorations adorning the walls and shelves. On those warmer days, head outside to the large beer garden to enjoy a few pints and dinner in the sun. We recommend the tapas available on Friday and Saturday evenings for an assortment of delicious nibbles to share with friends.
The Fuzzy Duck, Armscote
Opening May 17
Wear your stretchy trousers as a hearty evening dinner at the Fuzzy Duck in Armscote is a tasty, and filling, treat. Expect a diverse menu with contemporary Cotswold dishes prepared using only local produce and flavour combinations. Enjoy dinner al fresco in the pub's pretty patio garden; there are even blankets available when the temperature drops.
The Hollow Bottom, Guiting Power
Opening April 12
A proper country pub in the beautiful, sleepy village of Guiting Power, The Hollow Bottom is a vibrant, atmospheric spot to enjoy a few drinks or take advantage of the menu brimming with tasty treats. A few cocktails or pint of local ale, and a sharing board or tapas to share between friends while you relax in the beach-themed beer garden, is a perfect way to spend those sunnier days.
Old Spot Inn, Dursley
Opening April 12
There are so many reasons the Old Spot Inn in Dursely is worth a visit; from the friendly, hospitable welcome to the extensive selection of real ales and gins to the traditional, homemade dishes that are served. To top it all off, there's even a pleasant courtyard garden to soak in some rays if the weather allows.
, Oakridge Lynch
A pint of local ale and plate of delicious, homemade fare in the setting of a glorious beer garden sounds ideal to us, and that's exactly what you can expect on a visit to The Butchers Arms in Oakridge Lynch! The charming village pub also offers a delicious Sunday dinner - we featured the pub on our favourite Cotswold countryside pubs to enjoy a tasty roast lunch.
The King's Arms, Didmarton
Opening April 12
When the sun is shining, there's no better place to be than in the Cotswold countryside and for those who find themselves in or near Didmarton, make sure to pay a visit to The King's Arms. The cosy, country inn boasts a delightful beer garden to embrace the warmer weather, and over the weekend alongside the lunch and dinner menu, you can also tuck into a freshly prepared pizza from the outdoor wood-fired oven.
The Trout at Tadpole Bridge, Buckland Marsh
Opening April 12
With the River Thames on the doorstep, The Trout at Tadpole Bridge is a wonderful spot to enjoy a few drinks with a view. Dishes from a menu reflecting the best of local and seasonal produce are simply divine - and a walk along the scenic river bank afterwards is the perfect way to walk off dinner.
The Cherry Tree, Stoke Row
Opening April 12
Only a stone's throw from the Oxfordshire market town of Henley-on-Thames, The Cherry Tree at Stoke Row is the perfect place to enjoy peace and quiet in a pretty location. The pub is gorgeously decorated inside and exteriors are well-maintained; and on a sunny day, find a seat in the large beer garden to sample tasty fare and something from the well-stocked bar.
The Gardeners Arms, Alderton
Opening April 12
The striking white and black beamed frontage, and thatched roof, of The Gardeners Arms is enough to tempt anyone into the 16th century pub while in Alderton. The fantastic range of beers, ciders and spirits, including a drink's list brimming with cocktail classics, the warm welcome and a menu full of traditional pub fare is enough to keep you there. If the weather allows, enjoy drinks and dinner al fresco - the pub and garden are dog-friendly too!
The Crown Inn, Frampton Mansell
Opening April 12
After enjoying a delicious dinner within the delightful interiors of The Crown Inn, take your drinks to the picnic benches outside just to the front of the pub. The history-rich, 17th century 'cider house' is nestled in the quintessential Cotswold village of Frampton Mansell so admire the views of the surrounding countryside and watch the world go by.
Seven Tuns, Chedworth
A cosy and charming 17th century inn, head to the Seven Tuns in Chedworth for a locally brewed ale, fresh coffee or tasty bite to eat. One of our favourite dog-friendly pubs, doggy snacks are available from the bar and the beautifully decorated beer garden is the perfect spot for you and the pooch to enjoy the sunshine.
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