Sunny spots! Cotswold pubs, cafés and restaurants with lovely gardens
Want to know the best sun traps for a spritz in the sunshine? From quintessential Cotswold pubs with babbling brooks, to Ibiza-style terraces and funky, fronded courtyards, here are the region’s finest places for a spot of alfresco sipping or scoffing.
The Bell, Sapperton, Glos

The multi-award winning Bell has a beautiful cottage-style garden that’s perfection on a sunny day. A rural retreat located between Cirencester and Stroud, you’ll find it on a sleepy lane in the village of Sapperton. Order from the rustic, locally-sourced menu or try one of the world wines. The most traffic you’ll hear from this garden is the odd horse trotting past (there’s even a dedicated parking spot for them).
The Bear of Rodborough, Stroud, Glos

National Trust-owned Rodborough Common with its endless views is the place you’ll find this locally-loved inn. It has a chic Ibiza-vibe terrace in its large garden with a Pavilion Bar, so you’re never far from your next Negroni. The garden has lovely grassy stretches where kids can run around, and various games from bean bags to table football in the summer. Speak it all up from the comfy garden sofas or a deck chair. The Common is famous for its free-roaming Belted Galloway cattle, keep an eye out for them ambling past.
The Wheatsheaf, Northleach, Glos

Why settle for one beer garden when you can have multiple beer terraces? The award-winning Wheatsheaf in Northleach has lots of private garden nooks and crannies to settle into with your pint, dotted with sweet-smelling potted plants and tumbling climbers. Don’t worry if the weather’s iffy, there are patio heaters so you can hang around well into the evening. Feast on their locally sourced menu or an alfresco pizza.
Pretty & Pip, Cirencester, Glos

This cool café in the heart of Cirencester has a secret garden tucked away at the back, perfect for an alfresco panini or slice of cake and iced coffee. It’s a gorgeous sun spot, and there are plenty of tables and chairs so you won’t be fighting for a spot and there’s a wooden pergola to hide under if the heavens decide to open. Explore the stunning Roman market town of Cirencester after you’ve had your fill.
The Swan Inn, Ascott-under-Wychwood, Oxon

This beautiful 16th Century pub in the honeystone village of Ascott under Wychwood has a beautifully designed courtyard garden with plenty of outdoor seating, including a snug area. Foodies rave about their range of delicious seasonal dishes on offer, so settle in to scour the menu and enjoy this almost too-perfect-to-be-true Cotswolds gem. Fancy a private feast? Book The Nest garden room – it seats up to 24 guests.
Burleigh Court, Stroud, Glos

The landscaped terraces and garden of Burleigh Court have some of the best views in the Cotswolds and are a top spot for a cocktail, glass of wine or dish from the outstanding Burleigh Court Restaurant. Complete with fire pits, a wood-fired pizza oven, and cosy throws to keep you warm as the sun sets. And brand new for Spring 2024, check out the new Wellness Zone Garden here, complete with Victorian plunge pool for some toe-dipping fun.
The Bathurst Arms, North Cerney, Glos

The candy-crush hued Bathurst Arms is one of the most chilled and scenic beer gardens in the Cotswolds. The meandering River Churn runs through the garden, complete with resident ducks and chickens. Graze on a menu of British classics mixed with modern bistro dishes, or go for one of the fantastic Sunday roasts.
The Three Horseshoes, Asthall, Oxon

Asthall is one of the most beautiful villages in the Cotswolds. No surprises, then, then its local watering hole The Three Horseshoes (formerly called The Maytime) has won awards for its breathtaking walled garden. Nestled in a peaceful spot in the Windrush Valley, it has views over the rolling Cotswolds countryside as far as the eye can see. Throw in an outdoor gin bar with over 100 gins and a boules pitch – what more could you want?
Teatro Bar & Restaurant, Cirencester, Glos

Come on in to Cirencester’s secret garden. This parasoled garden courtyard is the alfresco area of acclaimed restaurant Teatro. A Cotswold garden with a contemporary twist, enjoy a menu of British fusion cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients and excellent cocktails. The Sunday Lunch Chill Grill menu is popular, or go for a loaded plate of moules mariniére, with a glass of Prosecco. When you’ve wined and dined, see a show at The Barn theatre next door.
The Bell, Charlbury, Oxon

The Bell in the picturesque village of Charlbury has been restored by the Daylesford Estate, which supplies fresh produce from Daylesford’s Organic Farm. It’s a cosy bolthole made even more inviting by its beautiful garden set in an apple orchard. Order a wood-fired pizza and a glass of two of rosé and it’s hard to see how you could ever move from this lovely spot.
The Slaughters Country Inn, Lower Slaughter, Glos

The Slaughters Country Inn is one of the loveliest settings for a summery spritz. Set in five glorious acres, this chic manor house garden has the bucolic River Eye bubbling through it, a huge patio and is surrounded by pretty village and countryside walks to explore. There are BBQs and family fun days held in the gardens during the warmer months, or buy one of the lovely family picnic hampers to enjoy together on the lawn.
The Lamb Inn, Burford, Oxon

Squirreled away along a peaceful side street in the historic market town of Burford, The Lamb Inn is a pub in a former C15th weaver’s cottage. The vibe here is family-friendly, and tucked away around the back is the most beautiful oasis in a a secret walled Cotswold garden. Perfect for whiling away a sunny afternoon.