Gloucestershire does beer gardens exceptionally well – and the county is packed with standout spots for outdoor drinking and dining. From classic country pub gardens to buzzing taprooms, there is no shortage of places to eat and drink outside.
Whether it's a crisp local ale, a chilled glass of wine or a low-or-no alternative, SoGlos’s pick of the best beer gardens in Gloucestershire makes it easy to find your next go-to spot in the sunshine.
Published annually for more than a decade, this is one of SoGlos’s most-read hot lists – returning for 2026, fully updated with the Gloucestershire beer gardens worth seeking out right now.
Gloucester Old Spot beer garden near Cheltenham
Set just outside Cheltenham, The Gloucester Old Spot combines classic country pub charm with a generous, laid-back beer garden and covered barn area that makes it a reliable choice whatever the weather.
Expect a consistently good food offering rooted in seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, with dishes ranging from beer-battered haddock and hand-cut chips to slow-cooked pies and standout Sunday roasts, making this a destination pub that works just as well for a hearty family gathering in the pub garden as it does for a relaxed pint outside.
Stroud Brewery beer garden in Stroud
Stroud Brewery's canalside taproom offers a laid-back spot to soak up some sun — and spot the local otters, if you're lucky! — while sipping one of its award-winning organic beers or tucking into a pizza.
Stroud Brewery also plays an active role as an important hub for the local community, hosting live bands and stand-up comedians through to local knitting groups, yoga classes, craft sessions and folk music jams.
The Saracens Head Inn beer garden in Symonds Yat
Riverside locations don't get more impressive than the centuries-old The Saracens Head Inn on the banks of the River Wye in Symonds Yat.
A popular pitstop for canoeists, The Saracens Head offers waterside drinking and dining with a traditional pub atmosphere, as well some stunning views – including the famous Sex Education filming location.
Imperial Garden Bar beer garden in Cheltenham
With its prime position behind Cheltenham Town Hall and within easy reach of Montpellier, Imperial Garden Bar is one of Cheltenham's most popular and sprawling pub gardens when the sun shines.
It is as ideal for solo sunbathing, leafing through a book and people watching, as it is for groups to meet up and toast the weekend in the park.
Dunkertons Cider beer garden near Cheltenham
Gloucestershire's most fashionable destination for outdoor drinking and dining, the stylish crowd sip on Aperol spritzes or pints of award-winning organic cider while soaking up the rays at Dunkertons Cider.
Located in Charlton Kings, a short drive from Cheltenham, tuck into burgers, Filipino and Indian street food and gelato from a variety of vendors – and keep your eyes out for a celebrity or two, with some big names DJing at the trendy hotspot and Jade Holland Cooper having her flagship boutique next door.
The Stump beer garden in Cirencester
Best known for its wood-fired pizzas from foodie duo Baz and Fred, historic roadside inn The Stump in Cirencester also boasts a sunny patio to enjoy a pint with a slice of pizza on warm days.
With a dedicated kids menu and Nutella pizza options, The Stump is particularly popular with families.
The Vine Tree beer garden near Stroud
Set in the village of Randwick near Stroud, The Vine Tree offers tasty home-cooked food and a choice of real ales.
The Vine Tree's large, tiered pub garden – boasting impressive views of the Five Valleys and across to Rodborough and Selsley Common – makes this a popular pub when the sun shines.
The Exmouth Arms beer garden in Cheltenham
Boasting the largest pub garden in Cheltenham, The Exmouth Arms offers a welcoming space to soak up the sun over a pint of Arkell’s ale on the bustling Bath Road.
Marking the unofficial start of the summer for locals each year, The Exmouth's outdoor pizza oven serves alfresco eats when the weather warms up, too.
The Ebrington Arms beer garden in Chipping Campden
The charming Cotswold beer garden at The Ebrington Arms, near Chipping Campden, offers a sunny spot to sample the pub’s award-winning ales.
The food offering has an excellent reputation for a fine dining treat, with the Sunday roast drawing regular diners from near and far.
The Mount Inn beer garden in Stanton
With expansive views across the Vale of Evesham towards the Malvern Hills and the Black Mountains in Wales, grab a table in the beer garden at The Mount Inn in Stanton to catch some of the most spectacular summer sunsets.
Nestled at the heart of one of the Cotswolds' prettiest villages, don't miss the chance to take a stroll around Stanton while you're there.
The Fleet beer garden in Twyning
Located on the banks of the River Avon in Twyning, near Tewkesbury, The Fleet makes for a special spot to while away summer days with a drink in hand.
Expect a locally-sourced lunch and supper menu — plus an outdoor pizza oven and Sunday roasts available, too.
Café René beer garden in Gloucester
Café René’s sunny courtyard is one of a handful places to relax and catch some rays over a pint in Gloucester city centre.
Famous for its regular programme of live music, don't miss the chance to catch some of the best bands and artists in the county performing at Café René, too.
The Riverside beer garden in Lechlade
Perhaps one of the most picturesque riverside locations along the Thames to be found in the Cotswolds, The Riverside in Lechlade offers an excellent range of pub food alongside its fantastic views.
Sandford Park Ale House beer garden in Cheltenham
With an impressive selection of cask ales on tap, Sandford Park Ale House on Cheltenham High Street is a haven for beer lovers.
It earned the title of Cheltenham CAMRA Pub of the Year 2025 — and has a sunny, south-facing beer garden, too.
The Boathouse beer garden in Tewkesbury
Surrounded by the River Avon with views of the marina, The Boathouse in Tewkesbury makes a memorable setting for sunset sips and riverside roasts.
The Black Horse Inn beer garden in Amberley
Located on Minchinhampton Common, the rear gardens of The Black Horse Inn in Amberley boast panoramic views of the Nailsworth Valley and is the perfect spot to watch the sun set behind the hills on hazy summer nights.
DEYA Brewing Company beer garden in Cheltenham
One of the liveliest places to get a homegrown beer in Gloucestershire, just a short walk from Cheltenham Spa station, DEYA Brewing Company's taproom spills out into a lively outdoor space that's more urban hangout than traditional pub garden.
Expect 25 lines pouring fresh releases – from hazy pale ales to crisp lagers – as well as cocktails from Four Cats, rotating food trucks on weekends and a programme of regular events including live music and DJs.
The Royal Oak beer garden in Gretton
Just outside Winchcombe, The Royal Oak in Gretton is situated on a hillside providing impressive views of the Gloucestershire countryside, all the way to the Vale of Evesham, from its beer garden and conservatory — as well as a tennis court for hire!
The Fountain Inn beer garden in Gloucester
Just a short walk from Gloucester Cathedral, The Fountain Inn is home to a hidden away cobbled courtyard garden in Gloucester city centre.
A nice setting for post-work drinks or a city centre lunch, it's famously welcoming to dogs too!
The Three Horseshoes beer garden near Burford
From garden games to cracking views over the Windrush Valley, The Three Horseshoes — formerly The Maytime Inn — is a popular Cotswolds pub near Burford with an award-winning walled garden.
The dog-friendly pub hosts its own outdoor bar, a wood-fired pizza oven and serves over 85 different types of gin.
The Rising Sun beer garden in Cheltenham
Picnic benches can be a real premium on sunny evenings at this small, sloping beer garden, but The Rising Sun on Cleeve Hill treats pubgoers to some of the very best views in the whole of Gloucestershire, so it's well worth a visit.
The Edgemoor Inn beer garden in Stroud
While The Edgemoor Inn is popular for its traditional, home-cooked food, its extensive terrace is a pull, too — providing some of the best views over the Painswick Valley.
The House in the Tree beer garden near Cheltenham
Set just outside Cheltenham, The House in the Tree is hugely popular with local families who head for its beer garden with newly-revamped play area when the sun's out.
With a populist pub menu, a welcoming no-fuss feel, and even a small petting zoo, it is a reliable choice for relaxed outdoor socialising with the kids.
The Pilot Inn beer garden in Hardwicke
A down-to-earth local pub, what makes the The Pilot Inn in Hardwicke so special is its location overlooking the banks of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal – providing a perfect place for a pitstop on a waterside stroll.
The Aviator beer garden in Staverton
For a beer garden that might not be pretty, but is completely unique, The Aviator in Staverton gives pub-goers the chance to watch the planes taking off and landing at Gloucestershire Airport right next door.
