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.

 

 

Featured Venue

 

Fox & Hounds, Wroughton	> The Fox & Hounds - website
Markham Road, Wroughton Swindon, Wiltshire SN6 9JT 01793 815415 One of the best pubs in the area for food, the garden makes the ideal place to eat al Fresco or just enjoy the afternoon with a swifty or two. Farmyard animals in their own paddock too!

  

The country pub

 

The Royal Oak	> Royal Oak - website
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 front terrace & friendly little garden where you can enjoy weekend barbecues - and even camp with pigs in late August!

 

    

The Old Boathouse, Cotswold Water Park	> The Old Boathouse - website
Lake 6, Cotswold Water Park Near Swindon GL7 5FP 01285 864000 At The Old Boathouse, you can enjoy all-day dining and drinking with views of the Water Park from their lakeside tables and outside decking.

 

The White Horse, Woolstone	> The White Horse, Woolstone - website
Woolstone, Near Swindon SN7 7QL 01367 820726 A 16th century thatched inn just a short drive east of Swindon with new decking, covered terrace & woodburning pizza oven perfect for the summer season.   One of the most picturesque pubs in the UK.

 

Just out of town

 

The Sun Inn	> The Sun Inn - website
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.

The Tawny Owl	> Tawny Owl - website
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.

  

The Kingsdown	> The Kingsdown - website
Upper Stratton Swindon SN2 7PE 01793 824802 Drive past The Kingsdown and you'll only get a sneak peak of their wonderful pub garden. It's one that locals and visitors in the know have enjoyed for years - whether that's a quiet drink with family and friends, a live music event or the chance to enjoy the pub food al fresco.

 

West Swindon

 

Woodlands Edge	> Woodlands Edge - info.
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. Sports fans also love it when the big games are on with outside screens showing all the action.

 

Down by the river

The Riverside	> The Riverside - website
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.

 

The Trout Inn	> Trout Inn - website
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.

 

Red Lion, Castle Eaton	> Red Lion - website
Castle Eaton Swindon SN6 6JZ 01793 740350 The first pub on the Thames at Castle Eaton makes this another country pub well worth the drive or cycle-ride. Add in some very good cooking and riverside views and you almost have the perfect summer destination for drinking & eating.

 

The Runner	> The Runner - website
Rushy Platt Swindon SN1 4NQ 01793 523903   Yes, down by the river in Swindon town centre! The Runner, formerly the Running Horse, has a new terrace overlooking the meandering River Rey plus a big adjacent garden with children's play area.

 

Old Town

 

Twenty at The Kings	> 20 Kings - website
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.

 

Mackenzies	> Mackenzies - website
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.

 

The Plough, Old Town	> The Plough - website
26 Devizes Road Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 4BQ 01793 610694 Always a delight on a bright sunny day, the 'secret terrace' at the back of The Plough is worth seeking out!

 

Town Centre

 

The GW	> The GW - website
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.

 

Lake view

 

 

And there's more!...

 

These are also highly recommended.

 

> Crown at Broad Hinton

> The Plough at Badbury