The sun is finally shining, and its time to enjoy dinner and drinks al fresco at one of Somerset’s charming pubs. With a little help from our readers, we pick 15 great pubs with beer gardens in the county

1. Red Lion Inn Babcary

A popular spot just off the busy A303, the Red Lion Inn at Babcary is a cosy country pub with wooden-beamed rooms, mismatched furniture and stacks of wood ready for the fire during the winter months. The Red Lion is also home to a rather pretty beer garden, complete with a pizza bar. Weather permitting, soak up the sun with a cider in hand and enjoy a delicious wood-fired pizza al fresco.

2. King Alfred Inn, Burrowbridge

After a long walk over the Somerset Levels and admiring Burrow Mump, rest your weary feet and refuel at the King Alfred Inn in the small village of Burrowbridge. This dog-friendly, in fact, all-round friendly, country pub boasts a lovely beer garden, with even lovelier views over the Levels to match. Grab yourself a cider, enjoy a bite to eat from a menu of homemade dishes and relax in the - fingers crossed - sunshine.

3. New Inn, Blagdon

Come to the New Inn in Blagdon for the views and stay for the delicious pub fare and local ales. This authentic village pub's enviable position offers patrons unrivalled views over Blagdon Lake and the surrounding patchwork countryside. There's nothing quite like a pint in hand on a sunny day while you enjoy the beautiful scenery.

4. Kingsdon Inn, near Somerton

Hailed as a local treasure, think yourself fortunate if you reside a stone's throw from Kingsdon Inn or happen to stumble across this beautiful thatched inn. You won't find bland pub grub at the Kingsdon Inn, instead they have a menu boasting carefully-crafted dishes that have been inspired by the pub's owners Adam (chef) and Cinzia Cain (front-of-house). Think cider-braised pork belly and boards of award-winning, local cheeses. Weather permitting, the pub's small garden to the front is a lovely spot to enjoy drinking and dining.

5. The Sheppey Inn, Lower Godney

Adjacent to the river and with a position to admire glorious views out across the Somerset Levels, you can be guaranteed a scenic backdrop to your evening at the pub at The Sheppey Inn. This popular spot has been welcoming its patrons for well over 100 years and up until this day, retains its buzzing atmosphere due to its fantastic foodie reputation, a jam-packed programme of events and its friendly, warm welcome.

6. The Cross Keys, Lydford on Fosse

The spacious suntrap beer garden of The Cross Keys in Lydford on Fosse is the perfect spot to soak up some rays, with a few jars of real ale or local cider and something tasty from their extensive food menu (expect no-frills, classic pub dishes cooked well). The village pub also arranges plenty of live entertainment including gigs, quizzes, themed evenings and a beer festival.

7. The Prince of Wales, Stoke-sub-Hamdon

After dinner and drinks with a view? Views don't get much more awe-inspiring than The Prince of Wales' desirable position on top of Ham Hill. Aside from the picture-perfect backdrop in the pub's large beer garden, you can expect friendly, courteous service as well as a great range of well-kept local beers and traditional ciders and a menu of delicious pub classics. Keep your eye out for the pub's busy programme of events over the summer.

8. The Masons Arms, Odcombe

A long beer garden stretches all the way down the hill behind this beautiful thatched pub in the heart of Lower Odcombe. When the weather's not great, grab a chair in their huge wooden teepee, gracefully surrounded by flowers. Dogs are always welcome at The Masons Arms and they have a great selection of pub grub available to go with your pint.

9. The Ring O' Bells, Compton Martin

The lovely beer garden at the rear of the Ring O' Bells gives patrons a chance to enjoy the pub's wonderfully vibrant atmosphere in the - touch wood - summer sunshine. Well-known for their music connections (did you know Coldplay once performed there?) and hosting fantastic events all year round, this not-so-typical country pub will ensure your thirst is quenched, your stomach is filled and that you'll be leaving with a smile on your face.

10. Hare & Hounds, near Bath

One of our favourite pubs to enjoy a spot of al fresco drinking and dining, the Hare & Hounds near Bath boasts a pretty terrace commanding fantastic views and a huge beer garden so you needn't worry about finding a table outside! The menu is a mixture of pub snacks and sharing boards to sumptuous a la carte dishes while there's lots of choice on the Sunday lunch menu too.

11. The Lord Poulett Arms, Hinton St George

With a string of accolades to its name, you're in good hands when it comes to dinner at The Lord Poulett Arms in Hinton St George. We've previously mentioned how much we love their Sunday lunches but we now have the opportunity to shout about their beautifully kept garden too. On a sunny day, sit back and relax in the gorgeous green space behind the pub with a bottle of wine and dinner enjoying the sunshine.

12. The Swan, Wedmore

For al fresco drinking and dining in the sunshine, there's plenty of room at The Swan in Wedmore. You can watch the world go by at the tables in front of the pub, dine on the pretty terrace or take a seat in The Swan's delightful beer garden (a very popular spot during the warmer months). This lovely, gastro-style pub offers seven light and modern bedrooms, as well as a menu of River Cottage, inspired dishes: think simple dishes carefully executed and cooked to perfection.

13. The Dolphin, Ilminster

Loved by locals and newcomers alike, The Dolphin in Ilminster exudes charm and character and offers a warm and personable service on every visit. Well-behaved dogs are very welcome too. Expect well-kept local ales and beers, delicious and home-cooked pub fare and live sports on screen. Sun-seekers can enjoy a few jars al fresco - there's plenty of seating out the front.

And we just had to mention (even though it's technically not a pub)...

14. The Pig Hotel, Pensford

The Pig Hotel is a short drive from either Bath or Bristol but far enough away in the county's beautiful countryside to enjoy some peace and quiet. The Pig Hotels are well-known for their excellence in dining and drinking, and their extensive menu and wine-list is best perused while sat outside, admiring the gardens bursting with home-grown produce. On warmer days, guests can enjoy dinner courtesy of the wood-fired oven or opt for the sharing boards of tasty cured meats.