Sip Back & Relax!
Our guide to the best Swindon pub gardens, patios and terraces
It’s not so long ago that a trip out for a drink in the open air meant venturing into the uncertain world of pubs with fibreglass tree houses and tables that acted like see-saws.
These days - thankfully - things have improved somewhat, with pubs better equipped and more sophisticated – and a number of other choices for sipping back and enjoying a warm summer’s day or balmy evening.
So we’ve taken a stroll through the patios and terraces as well as the gardens of pubs in our area to find out which are the best for visiting when it’s too hot to be indoors.
The country pub
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The Royal Oak |
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Bishopstone
Swindon
SN6 8PP
01793 790481
A genuinely unspoilt and much-loved pub which the Michelin Guide recommend for its good food. But it has even more to offer in the summer months because of its friendly little garden - where you can even camp with pigs in late August! - and weekend barbecues. |
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Bakers Arms, Badbury |
> Bakers Arms - website |
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Badbury,
Near Swindon
SN4 0EU
01793 740313
The Bakers Arms near Swindon is probably as close as it is possible to get to the archetypal little, down-to-earth, country 'local'.
And with a lovely pub garden to boot.
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Calley Arms, Hodson |
> Calley Arms - website |
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Hodson
Swindon
SN4 0QG
01793 740350
Once again, you'll find this pub just a gentle stroll from Coate Water, with brilliant views of countryside around it.
A very dog-friendly pub, your four-legged friends are also welcome.
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Just out of town
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The Sun Inn |
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Coate
Swindon
SN3 6AA
01793 523292
Just the place for all the family, especially before or after visiting neighbouring Coate Water or the Richard Jefferies Museum. The garden includes a children’s playground and on sunny days the barbecue area is busy. You may even catch a live band playing outdoors in the thatched shelter. |
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Sally Pussey's Inn |
> Sally Pussey - website |
Wootton Bassett
Wiltshire
SN4 8ET
01793 852430
Brilliant when the sun's out and not half bad if you prefer the shade.
The garden at Sally Pussey's is perfect for a summer pint or a bite to eat.
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The Highworth |
> The Highworth |
Highworth
Wiltshire
SN6 7HJ
01793 762364
Just far enough out of Swindon to be relaxing, The Highworth's terrace/garden is quietly tucked away behind its Georgian facadé, letting you enjoy your drink without that 'goldfish bowl' feeling.
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Best in North Swindon
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The Tawny Owl |
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Taw Hill
North Swindon
SN25 1WR
01793 706770
If only all modern estate pubs were like the Tawny Owl. On the edge of Swindon’s huge northern expansion and only opened in 2003, the pub has surprising charm and elegance for such a young pub, and this is complemented by its smart patio. No wonder it was the first Swindon pub licensed to hold wedding ceremonies.
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West Swindon
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Woodlands Edge |
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Sparcells
Swindon
SN5 5AN
01793 887 635
A refreshing port of call in Sparcells, West Swindon. Plenty of seating and even views of the Peatmoor lagoon.
Footy fans can also expect big outside TV screens this summer for the Euros. |
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Down by the river
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The Riverside |
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Lechlade
GL7 3AQ
01367 252534
With its stunning location in the shadow of the ancient Halfpenny Bridge over the River Thames at Lechlade, The Riverside is not just popular with drinkers and diners but also ducks, swans and heron. Just the place for parking up your car or your boat and taking in the pub’s priceless atmosphere down by the riverside. |
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The Trout Inn |
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St John's Bridge
Faringdon Road
Lechlade
GL7 3HA
01367 252313
The Trout is one of the area’s most picturesque pubs – both inside and out. In the summer the marquee is filled with the sound of music – famously jazz but also folk, blues and covers. But probably the greatest attraction of all – especially after a stroll along the banks – is the pub garden that extends right down to the River Thames. |
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Red Lion, Castle Eaton |
> Red Lion - website |
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Castle Eaton
Swindon
SN6 6JZ
01793 740350
Right on the Thames path at Castle Eaton this is another country pub well worth the drive or cycle-ride.
Always busy in the summer and popular with families, children will also love a walk along the river with plenty to explore.
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Old Town
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Twenty at The Kings |
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20 Wood Street
Swindon
SN1 4AB
01793 522156
A hidden gem with its own real ale bar at the back of one of Old Town’s busiest venues. Good food as well + available for small private parties.
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Mackenzies |
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18 Wood Street
Swindon
SN1 4AB
01793 430111
We couldn't do a guide to Swindon's top places to enjoy a summer drink without including Mackenzies because it's been one of the best and most popular locations when the sun's out for over twenty years. Ideal as well come evening and night time with it's very own bar open 'til late.
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Longs Bar |
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86-87 Victoria Road
Swindon SN1 3BB
01793 534 519
Open daily from 11am, and 12pm on Sundays
Ideal to take a seat and enjoy a drink in their open plan main bar or conservatory. Or, of course, take in a glass or two on the terrace and watch Old Town go by. |
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Town Centre
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Rudis |
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21 Regent Circus
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1PR
01793 523 892
A summer favourite since the 60s and still ideal for a lazy summer afternoon or evening drink. And for those who fancy a true taste of the continent, Rudis also serves tapas every evening.
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Revolution |
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51-53 Bridge Street
Swindon
SN1 1BL
01793 539 931
Revolution is proof that outdoor drinking doesn’t have to be about swings and roundabouts. This modern bar over two floors in the heart of Swindon’s liveliest drinking quarter has a spacious outdoor terrace at the back. A place right of sight that most definitely surprised us when we found it. |
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The GW |
> The GW - website |
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Station Road
Swindon
Wiltshire
SN1 1DH
01793 694997
The GW's pub garden is a real sun-trap, perfect if you fancy a swifty before catching the train or a bus.
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Lake view
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Stanton House |
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The Avenue
Stanton Fitzwarren
Swindon
SN6 7SD
0870 084 1388
What we think is probably the best view in Swindon during the summer months - Stanton park and lake from the Stanton House Hotel terrace that overlooks it.
Open from 10am-10pm serving drinks and food, and accessible from the park itself so walkers and dog-owners are welcome too. |
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And there's more!...
These are also highly recommended.
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Pubs and Bars
