Somerset is brimming with fantastic places to enjoy a summer’s day dining al fresco. From charming courtyards to picturesque pub gardens, we pick 18 of the best eateries with delightful outside dining

1. Silvers Pantry, Taunton

In the gorgeous countryside setting sits Silver’s Pantry, a charming café on Prokter’s farm in the village of West Monkton. A hearty breakfast or delicious lunch can be enjoyed in their outside dining area which overlooks the working farm where you’re likely to spot a goat or llama!

2. The Wheelhouse Restaurant, Minehead

The Wheelhouse restaurant provides the perfect refuge from Minehead’s hectic high street. Grab yourself a table on their delightful terrace where locally sourced and freshly prepared traditional British dishes can be ordered throughout the day.

3. Ponte Vecchio, Bath

For fantastic views of the Pulteney Bridge and the River Avon, look no further than Ponte Vecchio. Set in Bath’s arguably most scenic eating location, enjoy lunch or dinner on their outdoor veranda overlooking the Avon. Italian fare is the name of the game here: the varied menu includes authentic freshly made pizza, plates of fresh pasta and succulent steaks.

4.Lion Rock Tea Rooms, Cheddar

Nestled at the bottom of Cheddar’s Lion Rock, sits Lion Rock Tea Rooms, a 1950s style café decorated with kitsch furniture, vintage style bunting and tea served in adorable bespoke bone china. Find yourself a table in their beautiful secluded garden surrounded by bright blooms and views of the hills. There’s plenty of scrumptious homemade food to enjoy, we recommend the delicious strawberry cream teas.

5. Hare and Hounds, Bath

Just a little outside Bath you’ll find the Hare and Hounds, a pub serving breakfast from 8am and a variety of homemade British dishes throughout the day. Set in a winning location, the Hare and Hounds extensive menu should be enjoyed al fresco where during the day amazing views of Bath can be appreciated and at night Somerset’s city lights illuminate the sky.

6. The Kingsdon Inn, Somerton

Enjoy typical English comfort food revamped with Southern Italian influences at The Kingsdon Inn, a beautiful thatched family-run pub, in the heart of Kingsdon. Relax in the pub garden just at the front of the Inn where the eclectic menu and quintessential Somerset pub charm make for a wonderful setting.

7. Rainbows End Café, Glastonbury

Renowned for its homemade vegetarian dishes, ranging from mouthwatering mezze and falafel platters to decadent slices of chocolate cake, Rainbow End Café is definitely one to stop off at if you’re visiting Glastonbury. Enjoy a hearty dinner or coffee and a cake in the quaint walled courtyard garden, adorned with picnic benches, iron furniture, flowering hanging baskets and stone statues.

8. The Old Thatched Cottage 1774, Weston-Super-Mare

A trip to Weston-Super-Mare wouldn’t be the same without fish & chips by the seafront, and if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy the classic beachside treat, look no further than The Old Thatched Cottage 1774. The restaurant is famed for its classic English dining with a Mediterranean twist as well as their delicious fish & chips. Find yourself a table on the terrace, positioned in a superb seafront location, and enjoy gorgeous views of the bay.

9. The Plough Inn, Wrington

Wrington’s classic country pub has recently been refurbished while still retaining the charming character it’s known for. Make the most of the sun and enjoy dinner in the lovely pub garden. The Plough Inn focuses on country bistro cuisine with an emphasis on local and seasonal produce; think fresh fish, mouth-watering steaks and Somerset’s finest cheeses.

10. The Old Bath Arms, Frome

Frome’s The Old Bath Arms is as authentic as the pub experience gets. Try your hand at pinball, pool, one of the many videogames or play a track from the pub’s jukebox before you dine. Food is served daily from 12pm with a hugely extensive menu including pasta, freshly baked pizzas, steak and grills, burgers, lots of tapas, paella and roast dinners on a Sunday. Pick a table in the cosy courtyard and get deciding on your order – it might take a while!

11. The Good Earth, Wells

The Good Earth is a Wells institution, serving food and drinks to hungry visitors and locals for over 40 years. When the sun is shining, settle down in the lovely courtyard, buzzing with chatter, where you can enjoy a tasty vegetarian dish, gorgeous coffee and cake or filled sandwiches. You can guarantee freshness as all meals are prepared from scratch the same morning ensuring each lunchtime menu is a unique one.

12. Cotley Inn, Chard

Ideal for those who enjoy the delights of rural Somerset, the Cotley Inn is perfectly positioned in a tranquil valley with lovely views of the surrounding hills. Pick a table on the outside veranda to soak in the views as you enjoy one of the homemade classic English dishes made with local and seasonal produce.

13. The Talbot Inn, Mells

Exuding character, this former 16th century coaching inn is a delightful spot to enjoy al fresco dining. The stunning walled courtyard adorned with fairy lights is a lovely place to eat. Try and pop down on a weekend when fresh trout or a suckling pig is grilled on an open charcoal fire and served on a long dining table. Delicious!

14. The Bath Priory, Bath

The Bath Priory, just a short stroll from the city of Bath, is a stunning location for outside dining. The Michelin-starred restaurant based in the heart of the hotel and spa serves classic modern British dishes from lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Pick yourself a table overlooking the hotel’s gorgeous grounds for a pleasant, relaxing dining experience surrounded by nature.

15. The George Inn, Nunney

When visiting the historic village of Nunney, views of the formidable moated Nunney Castle can be marvelled from the waterside terrace of The George at Nunney. After spending your day soaking in the sights of the village, this restaurant is the perfect place to relax and enjoy a contemporary British dish.

16. The Circus Restaurant, Bath

With a relaxing friendly atmosphere and delicious freshly-cooked dishes, it’s no wonder The Circus Café & Restaurant is quick to get booked up. The food and drinks menu has been carefully chosen by the owners, expect locally sourced and seasonal ingredients making up your meal matched with an interesting wine menu.