< Guides
Let's Go Al fresco!
This spring sunshine is stunning. So here's the best places in & around Swindon to enjoy a bite outdoors
The Sun Inn, Swindon
Coate, Swindon, SN3 6AA
Telephone: (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 Old Boathouse, South Cerney
Lake 6, Cotswold Water Park, South Cerney, Nr Swindon, GL7 5FP
Telephone: 01285 864000
This terrace & lakeside view make the short trip down the A419 from Swindon well worth it. Food served all-day.
The Brewers Arms, Wanborough
High Street, Wanborough, Swindon, SN4 0AE
Telephone: (01793) 790707
Terrace with its own outside garden bar open in the summer + large grass area behind too with kids play area.
The Red Lion, Castle Eaton
The Street, Castle Eaton, Swindon, SN6 6JZ
Telephone: 01285 810280
The first pub on the Thames at Castle Eaton makes this another country pub in Swindon well and truly on the to-do list. Add in some very good cooking and riverside views and you almost have the perfect summer destination for drinking & eating.
The Kingsdown, Upper Stratton
Upper Stratton, Swindon, SN2 7PE
Telephone: (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.
The Runner, Swindon
Wootton Bassett Road, Swindon, SN1 4NQ
Telephone: (01793) 523903
Terrace by the river in Swindon town centre?... Yes! Possibly Swindon's most dog-friendly pub offers a great menu and a big garden, too.
The Saracens Head Hotel, Highworth
High Street, Highworth, Swindon, SN6 7AG
Telephone: (01793) 762284
Plenty of room outside here incl. a NEW COVERED patio area with an outside screen. Proper pub food, too.
The Crown Inn, Broad Hinton
Broad Hinton, Swindon, SN4 9PA
Telephone: (01793) 731302
Head south-east just a few miles outside Swindon for this lovely spot. The food matches the great view. Fish 'n chips served from their 'Get Battered' van every Friday & Saturday evening, too.
The Tawny Owl
Taw Hill, North Swindon, Swindon, SN25 1WR
Telephone: (01793) 706770
Lots of tables in the sun & undercover - or pop up the umbrella - and drink & eat from a menu full of pub classics. Good kids' menu.
The Plough on the Hill, Badbury
Marlborough Road, Badbury, Swindon, SN4 0EP
Telephone: (01793) 740342
Just off Junction 15, M4 and with a lovely view of Liddington Hill. Very good food here.
The White Horse at Woolstone
Woolstone, Near Faringdon, Oxfordshire, SN7 7QL
Telephone: (01367) 820726
Head to the hills (or the White Horse Hill to be precise), ladies & gents, and you'll find one of the cutest pubs in old England where you can enjoy homemade pizza in the garden (Thursday & Sunday evenings) & drinks!
The Sally Pussey Inn, Royal Wootton Bassett
Swindon Road, Just off Jn16, M4, Royal Wootton Bassett, Wiltshire, SN4 8ET
Telephone: (01793) 852430
Just the right mix of sun & shade on the terrace at Sally Pussey's. Ideal for al fresco dining!
The Riverside, Lechlade-on-Thames
Park End Wharf, Lechlade, Gloucestershire, GL7 3AQ
Telephone: (01367) 252534
Right on the Thames at Lechlade with food served all day, plus a very useful quick-service garden bar at weekends with bottles on ice.
Mackenzies
16 Wood Street, Old Town, Swindon, SN1 4AB
Telephone: 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 five years. Ideal as well come evening and night time with its very own bar open 'til late.
The Fox & Hounds, Uffington
High Street, Uffington, SN7 7RP
Telephone: 01367 820 680
With views of the White Horse at Uffington on a summer's day, this pub take a lot of beating. Garden room very handy if it starts raining.
The Royal Oak, Bishopstone
Cues Lane, Bishopstone, Swindon, SN6 8PP
Telephone: (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!
