We have you covered with this guide to the best pub gardens across Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. From riverside gems to countryside classics, these outdoor spots are perfect for lazy lunches, afternoon drinks, and family days out.

The Fishes, Oxford

Tucked away in North Hinksey, The Fishes is a Victorian gem with a garden that’s an alfresco diners dream. The previous Muddy Award finalist boasts a glorious three acres, just a stone’s throw from Oxford’s city centre. It leads down to Seacourt Stream, and the outdoor space has a wraparound deck, riverside lawns, and a gorgeous teepee used for private gatherings. Think rustic elegance with modern comforts. Its menu is a seasonal showcase, crafted with some delicious local produce. You can buy a picnic from the bar and luxuriate in the sunshine after a long punt in.

The Abingdon Arms, Beckley

The Abingdon Arms to the northeast of Oxford is a community-owned pub (around 280 locals own shares) and its setting is right at the heart of rural life too. It’s slap-bang in the middle of the local RSPB nature reserve, so if you can tear yourself away from the beer garden with its incredible views over Otmoor, there are stunning walks galore on the doorstep. Evelyn Waugh famously drowned his sorrows here after learning he’d been awarded a third-class degree in his Oxford finals, but we reckon it’s still a place to celebrate!

The Stag & Huntsman, Hambleden

The Hambleden Valley in Bucks has totted up countless accolades as a foodie haven and all-round gorgeous place to live. Most recently it starred as the backdrop for Disney’s Enchanted sequel – serious chocolate-box territory! The menu changes seasonally but expect dishes like steamed Exmouth mussels, burrata on crunchy sourdough and creamed crayfish and clam tagliatelle. The Stag & Huntsman’s garden is one of Muddy’s favourite spots on a sunny day (plenty of parking next-door), but it’s a good starting point for a walk around the Culden Faw estate too.

The Swan, Ascott-Under-Wychwood

This gorgeous pub between Chipping Norton and Witney, the second from the creative powerhouse of Charlie and Willow Crossley, is a real peach. The focus is fabulous dishes cooked from local ingredients with a welcoming and laidback vibe. If you sit outside, you’ll tuck in to the garden grill menu, which is prepared in the outdoor kitchen equipped with a wood-fired charcoal grill and clay pizza oven. Dishes include the Swan cheeseburger or an all-time classic Fish & Chips. Dreamy.

The Three Horseshoes, Asthall

This Cotswolds cracker 10 minutes from pretty Burford (formerly called The Maytime Inn), has a glorious patio, garden, al fresco bar and even a pétanque pitch. It’s also super dog-friendly so your furball and the kids can play while you work your way through the extensive gin menu. 140 options including a wood-fired pizza menu? I’m always up for a challenge.

The Mole Inn, Toot Baldon

Just five miles from Oxford, this family-owned AA Rosette pub is a favourite spot for the Muddy team thanks to its gorgeous restaurant garden – it’s arguably one of the best in the county. Burrow into an afternoon at The Mole for top-notch lunch and dinner and a slap-up Sunday roast too. Dogs are welcome – and for more stunning outdoor scenes (and to walk off that lunch), you can head to Harcourt Arboretum in the next-door village to explore 130-plus green and leafy acres of endangered trees.

The Full Moon, Hawridge

Nestled in the South Bucks countryside, close to Chesham and a stone’s throw from the Herts border, you’ll find this unpretentious and popular local pub. You’re in prime family-striding, dog-walking country here, and the large garden, rural position and jaw-droppingly close windmill are the wow factors. Work up your appetite and enjoy your lunch looking onto the common.

The Three Oaks, Gerrards Cross

Admittedly more restaurant than pub, this Michelin Bib Gourmand winner has a grown-up vibe so it’s a fab date-night spot as well as a family/friends affair. Open Wednesday lunch through to Sunday Lunch. It has its ‘Oak Pods’ in the garden, which seat up to six and have lights, cushions and a heater.

The Lamb Inn, Burford

Elsewhere in Burford, you’ll find The Lamb Inn squirrelled away down a peaceful side street in a C15th former weaver’s cottage. Their new summer-sipping menus are out now. With food ranging from light-bites to hearty meals, each plate is paired perfectly with a sun-drenched moment and drinking a glass of fizz in the garden. The vibe here is family-friendly, and tucked away around the back is the most beautiful oasis in a a secret walled Cotswolds garden.

The Angel, Burford

The walled garden and sun terrace at this 500-year-old Cotswolds inn are diddy but very sweet. You’re just off Burford’s buzzing high street too, which is perfect for a browse in the sunshine.

The Double Red Duke, Clanfield

The Double Red Duke at Clanfield near Bampton is one of Oxon’s top gastropubs (and that’s saying something), with drop-dead gorgeous interiors that’ll have you planning a glow-up of your own humble abode. Its lovely outdoor terrace and garden is an insta-hit too, thanks to its jazzy red-and-white-striped parasols. Drop by for some flame-cooked seasonal food and artisan cocktails, plus local brews.

The Lawn Bar & Grill at The Swan at Streatley, Reading

What better pairing than the smell of grilling while soaking up the sun? The Lawn Bar & Grill at The Swan at Streatley is sat right on a wide stretch of the River Thames in the Chiltern Hills. This 17th Century inn has been converted into a swanky spot to relax and soak up the sun. The canopy covered bar and BBQ offers a variety of drinks – the cocktail menu is superb – and food including Wagyu beef burgers and dressed Devon crab.

The Nag’s Head on the Thames, Abingdon

This Grade-II listed pub, The Nag’s Head, sprawls halfway across Abingdon bridge on its own island in the Thames. Okay, its not quite the typical beer garden setting, but this river side gem has some serious beer garden credentials. It seats up to 200 (or more if you can), and it has a barge bar, and a wood-fired pizza oven. Did someone say al fresco dining? Enjoy the lovely views of the countryside and the town’s historic building while sipping on a cold glass of fizz (boat race ya?).

Killingworth Castle, Woodstock

Tucked away in the post-card pretty village Wootton, just outside Woodstock and Blenheim Palace, The Killingworth Castle is a 17th-century historic inn, turned into a culinary hotspot. Recommend for 9 consecutive years by the Micheline Guide, this cosy little inn offers 3 AA Rosette food that focuses on seasonal, wild and organic food from the Cotswolds. Its enclosed rear garden is a sun-trap haven (hello new tan), and recent enhancements include a front terrace, and dry-stone walling, adding even more charm to this hidden gem. Inside expect log-burners (hopefully not for now), rustic beams, and eight boutique bedrooms. Can I have a pint served with a side of posh, please?

The Trout Inn, Wolvercote

With peacocks patrolling the patio and the mesmerising waterfall in the adjacent river, The Trout near Oxford is an institution (just ask Inspector Morse, he spent half his time mulling cases over a pint in here). The patio terrace is a fantastic spot to while away a lazy Sunday afternoon.

Isis Farmhouse, Oxford

There’s no car access to this bucolic riverside spot at Oxford’s Iffley Lock, so you’ll have to walk (it’s about 30 mins from Christchurch Meadow in the city centre), row or cycle. But it’s worth the trek. The garden is enormous – like, three acres enormous – and you can sit in the shade of its huge trees or bask in the sun. Tables are on a first-come, first-served basis, but there are a lot of them.

The Black Horse, Great Linford

This North Bucks pub near Milton Keynes is right on the Grand Union Canal. Check out its gorgeous gardens stretching over two levels, and a shaded courtyard from which to nurse your glass of rosé. In 2024 the pub was recently refurbished, blending old pub charm with upmarket furniture and decor, cosy and stylish. The canal-side terrace has also been updated with modern glass cabanas, offering you the perfect alfresco dining spot this summer.

The Perch, Binsey

This charming thatched pub next to Port Meadow in Oxford and its meandering river has an outdoor bar, BBQ in the summer, large garden and great food. You can enjoy the full restaurant menu on the terrace, plus drinks and food from the Shed Bar if you’re after something less formal.

The Bell, Charlbury

The Bell in the picturesque village of Charlbury in the Oxfordshire Cotswolds 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 or two of rosé and it’s hard to see how you could ever move from this lovely spot.

The Navigation Inn, Cosgrove

Overlooking the Grand Union Canal and surrounding countryside, this light and airy Victorian inn near Milton Keynes has a great outdoor terrace. The Mediterranean-inspired menu is late-summer-fabulous, including wood-fired pizza and meats grilled in a charcoal-fuelled Josper grill.

Trout Inn, Faringdon

With a gorgeous garden rolling down to the river, The Trout Inn is made for sunny afternoons spent lingering outdoors. Tucked away in the Oxon Cotswolds, this laid-back pub serves up seasonal local produce, polished pub classics and plenty of award-winning Butcombe beer on tap. Whether you’re stopping by after a riverside walk or settling in for a long al fresco lunch, it’s a dreamy spot to soak up the sunshine.

Victoria Arms, Old Marston

The large sweeping gardens stretch down to The River Cherwell at this atmospheric Oxford pub. Ideal if you want to spend the day in the city but want the kids to roam free for a while. The Victoria Arms revealed its full internal and external refurb to much applause in early 2021, including a pergola terrace and snazzy bar. We’ve been enjoying it ever since!

The Old Swan, Minster Lovell

If your ideal pub garden involves sprawling countryside views and enough space to properly stretch out, The Old Swan delivers in style. Set within an impressive 65 acres of gardens, flower meadows and woodland in the Oxon Cotswolds, this charming 15th-century pub is all about relaxed country-house vibes. Expect riverside terrace seating, roaring fires indoors (not in this weather obv), hearty British classics and seasonal dishes – the kind of place you’ll arrive for lunch and accidentally stay all afternoon.

The Sir Charles Napier, Chinnor

More a restaurant than a pub, this elegant mainstay in South Oxon gets top marks for its vine-covered terrace and incredible garden, which is home to several beautiful statues by Wycombe artist Michael Cooper.

The King William, Ipsden

view from The King William Pub in Ipsden

This tucked-away gem is in the hamlet of Hailey near Wallingford. The garden is immense, with views of rolling hills and lush fields, gambolling lambs and red kites swooping overhead – talk about Disney levels of idyllic. Food wise it’s elevated pub classics – Ndjua Scotch egg anyone? With ales served straight from the barrel – the only Brakspear pub in the UK to do this.

Sun, spritzes and stunning views: the prettiest pub gardens near you

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