Is anything better than a cold pint in the sun? Yes, a cold pint in the sun sat in a beautiful beer garden. Suffolk is home to lots of lovely pubs with stunning gardens and here are 16 of our favourites
1. The Dog at Grundisburgh, Woodbridge
This charming village pub can be found just two miles outside of popular market town Woodbridge, in the pretty little village of Grundisburgh. The pub keeps things traditional, serving four real ales from an authentic hand pump and even lights a toasty log fire during winter months.
The highlight is the Mediterranean-themed beer garden complete with olive tree, lavender bushes and a wood-fired pizza oven. Absolutely perfect for evening drinks and food on the weekend and, as their name might suggest, the dog is welcome too!
Tucked away in the picturesque little hamlet of Henny, The Henny Swan is a quaint, independently-owned riverside pub.
The stunning views of the Suffolk valley are simply marvellous from the pub's spacious beer garden, especially with a pint of ice cold draught lager and some of their freshly prepared local fare that's served all day, every day.
The Bush Inn in Shimpling is a delightful family owned pub set in a rustic farmhouse that dates back to the 16th century. The village is surrounded by vast, open farmland and nothing is more peaceful than a cold glass of cider from the pub's beer garden during a warm summer's day.
Should you start to feel peckish, all of the food is home-cooked using the very best fresh locally soured ingredients.
4. Ye Olde Cross Keys, Aldeburgh
Ye Olde Cross Keys is located on Aldeburgh's seafront and enjoys spectacular views of the ocean and beautiful beach.
Dating back to 1540, the pub has an incredible history that attracts people of all ages from the local community. They serve a fantastic range of local Adnams beers that taste even better when they're sipped from the pub's comfortable beachfront seating area.
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5. The Swan Inn, Bury St Edmunds
Pay a visit to the rural village of Lawshall outside Bury St Edmunds and you'll find The Swan Inn, a quintessential countryside pub and resplendent 18th century building. The menu features all of the beloved pub classics as well as a few extra surprises cooked up by head chef and owner Lawrence.
The large garden is extremely popular during the summer months and the perfect place to watch on as the kids run off their Sunday roasts on the weekend.
The Locks Inn is a vibrant, traditional gastro pub situated right on the banks of the river Waveney. The large beer garden is loved by locals and visitors alike and there's no better place to perch with the dog and enjoy a refreshing cider or one of the free house's excellent beers.
The Locks is well known for hosting amazing live music and an eclectic range of events throughout the year to keep their guests entertained.
7. The Greyhound, Bury St Edmunds
Described by some as "Bury's best beer garden", The Greyhound can be found on Eastgate Street and is the hub of its local community.
Offering a staggering selection of real ales and lagers and a mouth-watering range of Italian stone-baked pizzas, it's the perfect destination for relaxed evenings after work. When the sun is shining, try to find a spot in the shelter of the garden's willow tree whilst the kids play on the lawn - bliss.
This traditional village pub close to Orford Quay oozes charm with a relaxed and casual atmosphere. With log burners and cosy spaces in winter months and spacious gardens and orchards overlooking the marshes for the summer, it'll be a go-to destination year-round.
Serving up a fantastic range of Adnams ales and tasty seasonal fare it's a perfect stop off after a boat trip or bike ride.
The Kings Head in Woodbridge is a bustling 15th century town pub serving real beer and real food to the masses day in, day out.
Dogs are more than welcome and even get their own "Mutt Menu" featuring a variety of tasty dog treats all just a £1 each. The outdoor seating is the perfect little sun-trap for a warm evening of drinks and light bites.
Sitting pretty on the Suffolk-Norfolk border just four miles from Beccles, The Wherry Inn A traditional English pub that offers a warm and friendly welcome to all who pay it a visit.
Serving fresh, locally sourced food and a large range of local Adnams beers, it's the perfect place to while away an afternoon, especially if you can find a seat in their beautiful courtyard and beer garden.
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First built in 1936, The Black Tiles is said to have been the favourite drinking spot for troops posted at Martlesham Heath Airfield.
Today its relaxed atmosphere and award-winning beer garden mean it's no less popular. Producing delicious fresh food made from the finest local ingredients, it's simple recipe for success will no doubt endure long into the future.
12. The Greyhound Inn, Woodbridge
The Greyhound Inn can be found in the quintessential Suffolk village of Pettistree in a rustic 14th century building. The food served is uncomplicated, comfort food classics making the most of local game and seasonal Suffolk ingredients.
This is complemented perfectly by the selection of local ales and unique and interesting variety of malt whiskeys from behind the bar. It's such a good summer spot that it was recently named as one of Britain's top 30 pubs to enjoy the sunshine.
This charming riverside pub nestled on the banks of the Deben is the perfect place to enjoy some fresh seafood whilst taking in the glorious views from the sun-soaked terrace. On the weekends during summer months they serve a traditional American barbeque and a wonderful selection of sharing platters which are ideal for a chilled evening with friends.
As one of the only south-facing pubs in the area, diners are able to experience beautiful sunsets making an evening spent here truly unforgettable.
14. The Beerhouse, Bury St Edmunds
The Beerhouse in Bury St Edmunds serves an astronomical number of beers with seven hand pumps all dedicated to real craft ales, 3 hand pumps for cider and six ever-changing kegs of craft beer.
They don't serve a full menu but drinkers can treat themselves on a delicious range of bar snacks such as fried whitebait or onion rings. The outdoor space can seat up to 50 people and is simply wonderful when the sun is shining.
15. The Edwardstone White Horse Inn, Sudbury
Sitting on the very edge of Constable Country in the small village of Edwardstone is Suffolk's hidden gem, The Edwardstone White Horse.
Having been a regular feature in the 'Good Beer Guide' for over 20 years, a winner of CAMRA's pub of the month and West Suffolk's CAMRA Cider Pub of the Year, the White Horse Inn has a pedigree that few other pubs in the region will be able to match.
This traditional country pub is renowned locally for its good food and marvellous range of real ales. The inn's gardens enjoy stunning views of the vast rolling hills of Suffolk's Stour Valley and the pub is also dog-friendly.
They're an ideal place for a refreshing summer drink and even cater to events such as weddings and parties.
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