The Best Pub Stays with Beer Gardens in South East England
Beer Gardens | Featured | Gastropub | Posted 2026.06.03
Looking for a pub stay where you can enjoy a pint in the sunshine, linger over lunch outdoors, and retreat to a comfortable room just steps away? South East England is home to some of Britain’s finest pub stays with beer gardens, from countryside inns overlooking rolling hills to coastal retreats with sea views.
Whether you’re planning a summer weekend, a walking holiday, or a relaxing countryside escape, these ten pub stays combine excellent accommodation with outdoor spaces that make the most of the warmer months.
Why Choose a Pub Stay with a Beer Garden?
There’s something uniquely British about spending a sunny afternoon in a pub garden. Add a comfortable bedroom upstairs and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a relaxing short break.
The best pub stays with beer gardens offer more than just outdoor seating. They provide a place to unwind after a day exploring, enjoy local food and drink in the fresh air, and soak up the character of their surroundings. From riverside terraces to country gardens and coastal patios, South East England offers some exceptional options.
1. The Merry Harriers, Godalming, Surrey
Nestled in the Surrey Hills, the Merry Harriers combines traditional country pub charm with one of the most attractive beer gardens in the region. Surrounded by rolling countryside, the pub’s garden is an ideal spot to relax after exploring nearby walking trails.
The location makes it particularly appealing for walkers and outdoor enthusiasts, while the peaceful rural setting creates a sense of escape despite being within easy reach of London.
2. The White Horses, Rottingdean, East Sussex
Positioned on the Sussex coast near Brighton, the White Horses combines stylish accommodation with outdoor seating that makes the most of its seafront location.
Guests can spend the day exploring Brighton, walking the coast path or discovering the characterful village of Rottingdean before returning for a drink overlooking the water.
3. Flower Pot Hotel, Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire
Located close to the River Thames near Henley, the Flower Pot Hotel is a classic riverside pub stay. Its outdoor seating areas are particularly popular during the summer months, when visitors can enjoy the relaxed pace of life along the river.
Henley’s famous riverside setting and surrounding countryside make this a wonderful destination for a weekend away.
4. The Peat Spade Inn, Hampshire
Set in the beautiful Test Valley, the Peat Spade Inn offers a traditional country pub experience with a lovely outdoor area surrounded by Hampshire countryside.
The location is ideal for exploring Stockbridge, the River Test and nearby Winchester, making it popular with walkers, anglers and those looking for a slower pace of life.
5. The Colney Fox, St Albans, Hertfordshire
Just outside historic St Albans, the Colney Fox offers a spacious outdoor area that works equally well for sunny lunches and relaxed evening drinks.
Its location provides easy access to St Albans Cathedral, Verulamium Park and the surrounding Hertfordshire countryside, making it a convenient base for exploring the area.
6. Botany Bay Hotel, Kent
For those who prefer sea views to countryside vistas, the Botany Bay Hotel delivers in spectacular fashion. Overlooking one of Kent’s most iconic stretches of coastline, its outdoor spaces offer breathtaking views across the cliffs and sea.
The nearby coastal paths and sandy beaches make this a superb destination for a seaside break.
7. The Plough Inn, Kelmscott, Oxfordshire
Located near the Thames in the picturesque village of Kelmscott, the Plough Inn is surrounded by some of the most beautiful countryside in the Cotswolds fringe.
Its outdoor seating provides a peaceful place to enjoy the surroundings after exploring nearby walking routes and riverside trails.
8. The Bell, Buckinghamshire
The Bell offers the perfect blend of traditional pub hospitality and countryside relaxation. Situated close to the Chiltern Hills, it provides an excellent base for discovering Buckinghamshire’s villages, walking routes and rural landscapes.
Its outdoor spaces are ideal for long summer evenings spent enjoying good food, local ales and great company.
9. The Bedford Arms, Hertfordshire
Set on the edge of the Chiltern Hills, the Bedford Arms is a favourite among walkers, cyclists and countryside lovers. The outdoor terrace and garden provide the perfect place to recharge after a day spent exploring the surrounding landscape.
The nearby Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers countless walking routes and scenic drives.
10. The Swan, Staines, Surrey
Positioned beside the River Thames, the Swan offers one of the most enviable waterside beer gardens in South East England. Watching boats drift past while enjoying a drink is hard to beat on a warm summer evening.
Its riverside setting also makes it an excellent base for exploring nearby Windsor, Runnymede and the Thames Path.
