We take you on a whistle-stop pub crawl around some of Somerset’s most scenic beer gardens.
The Sheppey Inn, Lower Godney
Don’t be fooled by the unassuming frontage of this centuries old pub in the village of Godney. It has a distinctively decorated, light and airy restaurant and cosy bar area, and has built a reputation for great live music. But head to the decked terrace with the view across the Somerset Levels and overlooking the River Sheppey. Keep an eye out for otters whilst enjoying a local ale or cider.
thesheppey.co.uk
The Crown Pilton
The 18th century coaching inn underwent a complete renovation and reopened to great acclaim in 2022. For the summer months, the large beer garden is the draw, including a Smoke House offering smoked and BBQ food on Monday and Tuesday evenings.
A stone’s throw from the Glastonbury Festival site, there is a stage and large deck area for summer music events and the kid’s play area comes complete with its own Pyramid Stage.
thecrownpilton.com
Tarr Farm Inn, Dulverton
It would be difficult to find a more picturesque location for a pub. This riverside inn, dating from the 1600s, is deep in the heart of Exmoor National Park right by Tarr Steps, the historic clapper bridge over the River Barle.
The pub garden takes full advantage of this setting, surrounded by woods and moorland with tables enjoying a riverside view. There can be few more tranquil places to enjoy a summer pint.
tarrfarm.co.uk
Tucker’s Grave Inn, Faulkland
There is no bar counter in this 200 year old cider house, so if you can tear yourself away from the tap room and the original features (it is listed on the National Inventory of Historic Interiors), there is an enormous no-frills beer garden to enjoy with spectacular countryside views. Live music events and barbeques are held throughout the year in the open-sided barn, which also provides atmospheric protection for wet weather drinking.
tuckersgraveinn.co.uk
The Lock Keeper, Keynsham
Flooding at the beginning of the year took its toll and caused the temporary closure of this stunning Grade II listed inn sitting by the Keynsham Lock. Thankfully it opened its doors again in the spring following a sympathetic refurbishment, which included a new and improved terrace by the side of the River Avon. This leads down to the beer garden, complete with a pétanque pitch should you feel the urge to play.
lockkeeperbristol.co.uk
The Prince of Wales, Stoke-sub-Hamdon
This traditional pub, popular with families and dog walkers, is perched on top of Ham Hill, set within Ham Hill Country Park which comes complete with an Iron Age hillfort.
The terrace at the front of the pub boasts unbeatable, far-reaching and stunning views across Somerset. Meanwhile, the rear beer garden comes into its own on Sundays during the summer months when there is live music, a pizza oven and an outside bar.
princeofwaleshamhill.co.uk
The Litton, nr Wells
The old village inn and former mill has been transformed into a welcoming, charming award-winning country pub and boutique hotel. During the summer months the pub’s glorious countryside setting comes into its own with a wraparound garden, complete with fire pits, comfy cushions and piles of blankets for the cooler evenings. There is a tranquil sunken courtyard at the front of the pub and a terrace by the side of the River Chew.
thelitton.co.uk
Leather & Lace Bar & Grill, Chilton Polden
This is certainly not your run-of-the-mill country pub. The eccentric interior decoration that sets it apart from other pubs, extends through to the large dog-friendly beer garden bringing seasonal fun and colour.
As well as more regular seating options, there are intimate exterior dining pods and a ‘garden shed’ which is decked out with armchairs and sofas, perfect on cooler summer evenings. Live music is held in the garden throughout the summer.
leatherandlacebarandgrill.com
The Bottom Ship Inn, Porlock Weir
Situated in the harbour by the pebbled beach, this 400 year old pub does not have a beer garden as such, but the views offered from the large outside seating area overlooking the Bristol Channel are second to none.
Keep a look out for WEIRFEST 2024 which takes place over four days in early July. The pub’s annual festival offers live music, food and over 60 real ales and ciders to try.
shipinnporlockweir.co.uk
The New Inn, Blagdon
The New Inn is nestled on the northern edge of the Mendip Hills, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This historic pub in the village of Blagdon has an extensive beer garden which offers stunning views over the valley and Blagdon Lake, with its wildflower meadows and woodlands. If you’re feeling particularly energetic you could enjoy a walk by the lake first before finishing for well earned refreshments at the pub.
new-inn-blagdon.co.uk
