The sun is shining, the skies are blue… where better to sit and drink it all in than a sun-drenched pub garden in Cornwall. Better yet, quench your thirst in one of the many beer gardens that boast jaw-dropping views, whether you fancy sinking a Cornish ale ocean-side or surrounded by rolling hills and wild moors.
Oh yes, the season of lazy afternoons in Cornwall’s many fabulous pub gardens is well and truly upon us, and we intend to make full use of it, including tasty treats from the many moreish menus that pair perfectly with a golden sun and ice-cold cocktails.
For an even better experience, we recommend heading out on Cornwall’s stunning coast path first for a soul-quenching walk with the exceptionally wonderful knowledge that there is a pub waiting for you at the other end.
Itching to get your face in the sun and a drink in your hand? Here are some of the best pub gardens in Cornwall to go on your list…
The Ship Inn, Porthleven
Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven, Helston TR13 9JS
Not only is The Ship harbourside, but its tiered pub garden also boasts increasingly beautiful views of the historic harbour and ocean beyond, creating a dreamy spot to sit back and enjoy the sun and sea. Taste your way through a selection of Cornish drinks, from cask ales and ciders to sip-worthy gins and rums, after a revitalising walk along the cliffs. Feeling peckish? A tempting menu of pub essentials - including ham, egg, and chips and fish finger baps - ensure you’ll leave utterly satisfied from tip to toe.
Pandora Inn, Restronguet
Restronguet Hill, Creek, Falmouth TR11 5ST
Nestled by a peaceful creek, this award-winning inn promises a rather special setting. You can arrive by foot, car, or boat, and the pontoon-turned pub garden is the perfect place to soak up the sun and oh-so-relaxing vibes for which the thatched pub is known. Dogs are welcome too, which means the whole pack can enjoy the tranquil setting. Famous for its Sunday roast and near some beautiful waterside walks, this historic inn is the ultimate spot for an al fresco Sunday.
The Watering Hole, Perranporth
Beach, 19 St Pirans Road, Perranporth TR6 0BH
It’s not often a bar lists ‘beach’ as its address. In fact, The Watering Hole in North Cornwall is the only one in the UK! Oh yes, perched on the golden sands of Perranporth beach, this beach-top bar is the place to be for a sun-soaked drink surrounded by sand and sea. Perranporth beach is dog friendly all year round, as is The Watering Hole, so it’s a great spot for sandy paws and toes. Offering a wide selection of food and drink, stop by for a post-surf sundowner.
The Great Western, Newquay
Cliff Road, Newquay TR7 2NE
One for families, The Great Western boasts an astonishing cliff top position as well as a fun-filled play area for the little ones to let off steam. Nestled between Newquay’s Great Western and Tolcarne beaches, you can’t ask for a better mix of sparkling blue vistas as you sip your ice-cold refresher. Dine on the likes of homemade burgers and cream teas and watch the kids enjoy the fabulous ship-shaped play area before heading down to one of the beaches for a sandcastle building competition – beach day perfection!
The Cornish Arms, St Merryn
Churchtown, Padstow PL28 8ND
Combining the culinary delights of Rick Stein with the ambient setting of a suntrap garden, The Cornish Arms is a very merry way to spend a sunny afternoon indeed. Bask in the dappled delights of a summer’s day as you dine on pizza fresh from the outdoor oven and sink a cooling drink or two at this charming village pub. Bring the dogs, the family, or just your favourite someone and let the hubbub of life melt away alongside the ice in your glass. You’ll find an excellent selection of St Austell Brewery ales here too, giving plenty of choice for your sun-soaked visit.
The Gurnard’s Head, Zennor
Zennor, St Ives TR26 3DE
Oh, how we love being wined and dined in the sunshine! At The Gurnard’s Head, you can spread out amidst ancient countryside, with the bright blue ocean a stone’s throw away. Serving Michelin recommended food, this distinctive yellow pub is a must for the foodies out there. Dine on fresh Cornish fare that comes from the surrounding land and sea, from Cornish beef to mackerel, as you wet your whistle with a selection of excellent world wines and local draughts. The nearby Zennor to St Ives walk is one of the most beautiful routes in the county, providing the ultimate way to spend a day in West Cornwall.
Bowgie Inn, Newquay
West Pentire Road, West Pentire, Newquay TR8 5SE
Looking for sea views? Crantock beach has one of the best going and it can be enjoyed sunny side up from the cliff top Bowgie Inn. Surrounded by fields of yellow, and with views reaching out over the sparkling waters to the headland, this coastal pub has a setting you won’t forget, but will definitely want to return to. Feast on a variety of pub grub dishes or simply pop in for a refreshing drink under a Cornish sky. Crantock beach is dog-friendly all year round, as is Bowgie Inn’s fabulous pub garden, making it a great spot for your next dog walk.
Camel Valley, Bodmin
Nanstallon, Bodmin PL30 5LG
Ok, while not technically a ‘pub’, the award-winning Camel Valley vineyard is a pretty spectacular spot to enjoy a glass of the good stuff right where it was grown and made. The sun terrace looks out over the vines, giving you an unabridged view of the vineyard as you enjoy the marvellous Cornish wines by the glass. Their sparkling wines are internationally recognised, with their Cornwall Brut taking the world of wine by storm (it has the royal stamp to prove it). We can’t think of a better way to spend an afternoon than basking in the sun with a crisp sparkling wine in your hand.
The Sloop Inn, St Ives
The Wharf St Ives, St Ives TR26 1LP
Not only is The Sloop Inn one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall, it’s also home to one of the most iconic scenes: St Ives. Perched on the cobbled harbourfront of this pretty Cornish town, The Sloop enjoys crystal clear sea views from both its upper deck terrace and the tables out front. Wind your way through the narrow streets as you tour the many independent shops, pop to one of the beautiful beaches for a swim, and finish it all off with a beachside brew at The Sloop – heaven in Cornwall!
The Idle Rocks, St Mawes
Harbourside, Tredenham Road, St Mawes, Truro TR2 5AN
Another harbourside dreamscape, The Idle Rocks in St Mawes was made for sunny days. The south-facing terrace is a total sun trap and the gentle lap of the water below creates the perfect Cornish setting. Treat yourself to a sparkling cream tea or browse the extensive wine list for the perfect pairing to your sun-soaked afternoon. St Mawes is jam-packed with things to do, whether you fancy a soul-stirring boat trip or an idyllic walk around the Roseland Peninsula.
St Kew Inn, St Kew
St Kew, Bodmin PL30 3HB
Surrounded by charming countryside, this historic inn in St Kew goes from cosy dream to sunlit paradise in the summer, when the lush pub garden comes into its own. A variety of trees line the garden, creating a verdant spot to enjoy a drink or two. It’s not just a rich garden and bar that’s on offer either, as a tempting menu turns this rural inn into a culinary experience not to be missed. The dramatic beauty of North Cornwall is all around you here, so why not combine your pub-stop with some jaw-dropping scenery hopping.
The Working Boat, Falmouth
Harbourside, Greenbank Quay, Falmouth TR11 2SR
Whenever you fancy enjoying your day on Cornish time (which means getting anywhere dreckly), a visit to The Working Boat in Falmouth is a chilled out must. Enjoying views over the stunning Falmouth harbour, it’s incredibly easy to just sit with a pint of Cornwall’s finest as you watch the day (and boats) bob on by. You’ll also find a hearty menu at The Working Boat, which serves up the likes of fish and chips, burgers, and tacos, the perfect side dish to your waterside evening.
Ready to make the most of the great outdoors with a visit to a Cornish pub garden? Our beautiful holiday cottages are the perfect setting for your sun-soaked stay, with many near a pub or boasting excellent al fresco opportunities of their own.
