Pubs with Beer Gardens in Cornwall
Sitting in the warm sun with a cool drink is holiday heaven. From ocean-view terraces to grassy gardens, there are all sorts of places to enjoy an outside meal or drink in Cornwall. Take a look at some of our favourite Cornish pubs with beer gardens.
The Sloop, The Wharf, St Ives
A holiday in St Ives must involve a visit to The Sloop, one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall. Rain or shine, day or night, there is always a lively mix of locals and visitors enjoying food and drink on the benches by The Wharf. The sheltered Upper Deck serves cocktails, chilled beers and fabulous pizzas, and has wonderful views of the harbour and St Ives roofscape. This sun-soaked spot is reserved for over-18s only (although dogs of all ages are welcome).
Pedn Olva, Porthminster Beach, St Ives
Speaking of roofscapes, the terraces at Pedn Olva have some of the best views in town. The recently refurbished St Austell Brewery hotel is built on the rocks above Porthminster Beach, and its elevated terraces overlook the beach, harbour and Atlantic. Come here for an al fresco lunch, coffee and cake or a relaxed sundowner, watching the tides and skies change with the day.
The Godolphin, Marazion
There is nowhere in the world like The Godolphin in Marazion. Shutters, the boutique hotel’s modern restaurant and bar, features balconies where diners can enjoy the unmatched view of St Michael’s Mount and Mount’s Bay. We love the larger lower terrace with its sun umbrellas and lively atmosphere. Just at the head of the causeway and built right on the beach, The Godolphin is arguably the best-located pub in West Cornwall.
Red River Inn, Gwithian, Hayle
You have a choice of outdoor spaces in this welcoming Gwithian Inn. The benches next to the front door are well-known suntraps and an excellent place to watch the world go by; however, if you plan to eat here (and we do recommend it), book a table in the Mediterranean-esque courtyard. Yearn for the days of traditional beer gardens? The Red River has a large grassed garden across the road, complete with the time-honoured wooden picnic tables.
The Old Coastguard Hotel, Mousehole
The beautifully planted lawned gardens slope down towards Mousehole’s rocky eastern shore. The hotel garden is the perfect place for sunny-day live music and events, so keep an eye on the Coastguard’s calendar. Enjoy a sundowner while you watch Newlyn fishing boats and the Scillonian return home (the views from the airy Sun Lounge are still splendid if the rain sets in). The recent addition of the Crab Shack, a bar and kitchen in the garden, is a real summertime bonus.
The Driftwood Spars, St Agnes
This historic inn is the home pub of local brewery, Driftwood Spars. Its location in lovely Trevaunance Cove is absolutely stunning, with a sun-filled beer garden just across the road. Try a refreshing pint of Lou’s Brew (named for the landlady) or Bawden Rocks (after the rocks just beyond the cove). The garden is home to the Crib Shack, which serves drinks, snacks and ice cream, although you can still order outside from the pub’s delicious full menu.
Shipwrights, Padstow
Shipwrights is a friendly St Austell Brewery pub that originally served the fishermen, sailors and traders who passed through this busy port. Today, the harbourside inn is a popular place that welcomes everybody, including dogs. People-watchers will dive for the tables at the front of the pub, while those preferring a more chilled-out setting can seek out the secret courtyard. Overlooking bustling Padstow harbour, this is a truly special place for a relaxing drink or home-cooked pub grub.
Find your perfect stay in Cornwall
Finding a good pub within walking distance is always a holiday highlight. All these excellent establishments are close to luxury Cornish Escapes holiday accommodation. Even better, many of our family-friendly escapes feature private gardens, courtyards or balconies – perfect for an effortless al fresco drink at home.