Best Pub Gardens in Devon, Cornwall, Somerset & Dorset – A Local Travel Writer’s Picks

Pint of Guinness in the Luttrell Arms Secret Garden, Dunster

The Glories of Pub Gardens

As I strode along Cogden Beach in warm sunshine recently, my thoughts turned to the great reopening. By which I mean not pubs after lockdown—but the simple return of warmer days and the end of winter.

Over Easter I saw any number of pubs, restaurants and cafés throwing open their outdoor spaces—and they were rammed. We are, it seems, a nation that simply needs to be outside when the weather plays ball.

And few pleasures compare to what I call “eating the view.”

Best Pub Gardens in Cornwall

View of Bryher in the Scillies from close to New Inn Tresco

The New Inn, Tresco, Isles of Scilly

After a Skybus-and-ferry journey, this is bliss. Sub-tropical planting, sea views to Bryher, and food that always seems to taste better for the effort it took to get there. https://www.tresco.co.uk/eat-drink/new-inn

Cadgwith Cove Inn, Lizard

A proper working fishing village backdrop and a pint after a long drive down the Lizard—hard to beat. https://www.cadgwithcoveinn.co.uk

Looking out of the Cadgwith Inn to the small cosy garden

The Mariners, Rock

For those who like their garden with a side of serious food—this one has a loyal following for good reason. https://www.themarinersrock.co.uk

Looking across Camel Estuary to Rock, home of the Mariners Inn

The Ship Inn, Porthleven

A classic harbour-side perch where the view does half the work and the atmosphere does the rest. https://theshipinnporthleven.co.uk/

Gurnard’s Head, West Penwith

Wild, remote, and beautifully understated—this is outdoor dining with a sense of place right out in the hills of West Penwith. https://www.gurnardshead.co.uk/

Local foraging exert gathers wild greens for the Gurnard's Head

Best Pub Gardens in Devon

The Turf on the Exe Estuary

The Turf Locks, Exe Estuary

Half the pleasure is getting there—bike, boat or boot leather. Then comes the reward. Booking highly recommended. https://www.turflock.co.uk

Bike or walk - the only way to get to Turf Lock on the Exe Estuary

The Ferry Boat Inn, Shaldon

A grandstand view of estuary life—boats, birds, and the odd bit of drama. https://www.ferryboatinnshaldon.co.uk

The garden at the Ferry Boat Inn, Shaldon with views across to Teignmouth

The Pig’s Nose, East Prawle

Not so much a garden—more a village-wide sprawl on sunny days. All the better for it. One of my favourite pubs in all the world. https://www.pigsnoseinn.co.uk/

The author and the landlady - Martin Hesp with Lesley from the Pig's Nose

The Malsters, Tuckenhay

A dream pub with a fabulous waterside garden that encourages lingering. Great food and good rooms. https://www.themaltstersarms.co.uk

The Maltsters at Tuckenay in South Devon

The Drewe Arms, Drewsteignton

Right on the edge of Dartmoor—classic, timeless, and exactly what you hope for. https://www.thedrewearms.co.uk

The Drewe Arms at pretty little Drewsteignton on the edge of Dartmoor

The Millbrook Inn, South Pool

Known for its garden setting and strong food reputation. A bit tucked away—and all the better for it. https://www.millbrookinnsouthpool.co.uk

Collecting vegetables for the excellent food at the Millbrook Inn

The Mason’s Arms, Knowstone

Food-led, but with a garden that makes you want to linger. A truly fabulus inn located in an out of the way village close to southern Exmoor. https://www.masonsarmsknowstone.co.uk

Two journalistic colleagues at the Mason Arms, Knowstone

Best Pub Gardens in Somerset

View from the "Secret Garden" at Dunster - looking across to Dunster Castle

The Luttrell Arms, Dunster

One of my regular haunts. The “secret garden” is sheltered, atmospheric, and ideal for a quiet pint. https://luttrellarms.co.uk/

The 'secret garden' at the Luttrell Arms, Dunster

Porlock Weir Hotel, Porlock

Right on the harbour edge—peaceful, scenic, and wonderfully unhurried. And great food. https://porlockweirhotel.co.uk/

View from the garden at Porlock Weir Hotel

The Farmer’s Arms, Combe Florey

Near the Quantocks, with a proper country garden and excellent food. https://www.thefarmersarmscombeflorey.co.uk

Jane and Tim, landlords of the Farmer's Arms, Combe Florey

The Carew Arms, Crowcombe

A classic village pub with a generous lawn and right next to the beautiful Quantock Hills. https://www.carewarmscrowcombe.co.uk

Garden at the Carew Arms, Crowcombe

The King Alfred, Burrowbridge

Out on the Levels—open, slightly wild, and especially good at sunset. https://www.kingalfredinn.co.uk

Best Pub Gardens in Dorset

The Club House Garden, West Bexington

The Club House, West Bexington

Sea air, seafood, and that glorious Chesil Beach backdrop. https://www.theclubhousewestbexington.co.uk/

Fish at the Club House, West Bexington

The Anchor Inn, Seatown

A fine place to sit and watch the world—and the tide—go by. And a great centre for some dramatic coastal walking. https://www.anchorinnseatown.co.uk

The Anchor Inn at Seatown, Dorset coast

The Bottle Inn, near Lambert's Castle

One of the best and most quirky pubs in Dorset. Very simple food but good - and fabulous beer and cider. https://www.thebottleinnmarshwood.co.uk

Landlord and landlady of the Bottle Inn, Dorset

Unique & Unusual Outdoor Dining

River Exe Café

A floating dining experience reached by boat—still on my list, I must admit. https://www.riverexecafe.com/

A Final Thought

This is, of course, a ridiculously short list. After decades of beetling around the West Country I could easily name dozens more—and no doubt you have your own favourites.

If you know a pub with a garden that deserves a mention, do drop me a line at how@martinhesp.co.uk.

Because when the sun shines in this part of the world, there are few better places to be than sitting outside with a pint, a plate, and a view worth savouring.