Brilliant Beer Gardens in Wiltshire

With the restrictions on outside dining and drinking set to be lifted from 12 April, there’s now the opportunity sit outside in the spring sunshine with a pint of cold beer or a glass of Pimms. Luckily, Wiltshire is home to some gorgeous historic country inns and vibrant city pubs with beautiful green gardens. So, if you're in Wiltshire and the sun is shining, head to a local beer garden for a relaxing alfresco pint or a summery meal in the sunshine. Here are some of the very best beer gardens to visit in the area...

The Red Lion in Pewsey
It may have won a Michelin Star and a whole host of other awards, but the Red Lion near Pewsey is still at heart a laid-back and unpretentious country pub. Children and dogs are both welcome at this friendly thatched pub located in East Chisenbury on Salisbury Plain. The pretty beer garden has a lovely atmosphere and great views of the pub's picturesque exterior. The Garden is perfectly suited to deliver everything, and can promise heating, lighting and cover for those chillier evenings. 

The Bridge Inn, Woodford Valley
The beer garden at The Bridge Inn, in Upper Woodford is a large open grassy space set alongside the River Avon. This charming family-run country pub, is all about its quintessentially English riverside garden with Willow Trees for shade and Swans for company. They have also recently installed a marquee to take cover in when the classic British Summer weather takes hold. The Bridge has a regularly changing menu, but always offers home-cooked traditional pub fare, as well as a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free meals.

The Three Tuns Freehouse near Marlborough
The Three Tuns Freehouse is an award-winning village pub in the pretty village of Great Bedwyn near Marlborough. This friendly pub serves local Southwest beers and delicious food, both of which you can enjoy outside in their dog-friendly beer garden. It even has a boules pitch for some gentle after-lunch fun.  

The Boat House, Bradford on Avon
Fancy a canal-side walk? Why not stop for lunch in the beer garden or on the terrace at The Boat House in Bradford on Avon while you're at it! The Boat House enjoys a truly unique setting overlooking the marina, where you can see pretty canal boats moored. A perfect location to enjoy a few drinks in the sunshine and watch the world go by.

The Old Ale and Coffee House in Salisbury
The Old Ale and Coffee House is situated in the heart of Salisbury, just moments away from the Cathedral Close. The food here is top-notch and includes modern versions of pub classics as well as an all-day brunch menu. It is always great to find a beer garden at a city pub, and the garden here is a lovely little suntrap with some quirky touches, including the option of choosing a dining table inside your own personal beach hut. 

The Crown and Anchor, Ham near Marlborough
The Crown and Anchor, situated in the little Village of Ham, boasts a cosy little Garden Terrace. In preparation for re-opening the terrace has been covered with a stretched tent and with heaters & rugs, you will not need to worry about the British weather letting you down. The terrace has been reserved for dining only, but garden space at both the front and the rear of the pub will remain free to those wishing to sup a pint of its own local Ham 1840 Bitter

Most establishments will require you to book in advance, so please check individual websites for the latest guidance and information.

What's your favourite Wiltshire beer garden? Let us know in the comments below.