It’s the weekend, the sun is shining and the pub is calling your name, but where is the best place to go? Fortunately for you we’ve picked ten of the best pubs with beer gardens in Cheltenham. Enjoy, you deserve it!
1. The Railway, New Street
The Railway pub has a large beer garden perfect for absorbing those summer rays with a pint of real ale and a few plates from the pub's Smokey Phi Phi Thai Barbecue menu (trust us, its delicious). The Railway is also dog friendly so it makes for a great pit stop on an afternoon dog walk.
2. The Strand, High Street
As it is located at the top of Cheltenham's High Street you'd be surprised to find a pretty pub garden behind The Strand. Surrounded by lots of leafy trees with the top of St Luke's Church just visible in the background, it almost feels like you're in the heart of the countryside. The beer garden is small with a great atmosphere during the summer and there are many events held throughout the year for pub goers to enjoy. There is a selection of great beers on tap as well as Prosecco by the glass, all there to be enjoyed with one of the tasty sharing platters.
3. The Exmouth Arms, Bath Road
On a hot summer's day, head over to The Exmouth Arms and the large beer garden will always be abuzz with families, friends and their dogs - the pub's popular Dog Show takes place in June - soaking up the sunshine with a drink or two. Located on the popular Bath Road, the pub is renowned for its great selection of ales and extensive menu of classic pub dishes. The popular wood-fired pizzas will also be making a return during weekends of the warmer months - weather permitting of course.
4. The Kemble Brewery, Fairview Street
We're expecting quite the backlash for sharing one of Cheltenham's best kept secrets but it is simply selfish to keep it to ourselves. The Kemble Brewery is tucked away in a residential street in Cheltenham with a wonderful courtyard garden for drinkers to enjoy. The staff are friendly as are the clientele and there are some brilliant ales on offer too. It is a traditional English pub and there is nowhere in Cheltenham quite like it.
5. The Beehive, Montpellier
The Beehive is the heart of Montpellier's community and it has already been mentioned in our article about Cotswold Life's favourite real ale pubs. But did you know the pub has got a lovely beer garden too? The Beehive is the heart of Montpellier's community and it has already been mentioned in our article about Cotswold Life's favourite real ale pubs. But did you know the pub has got a lovely beer garden too? People of all ages congregate here to celebrate the weekend, enjoy great beer and eat delicious food - don't miss the Sunday lunch or the Lovett pies. The Beehive describes itself as a country pub in the centre of town, and it certainly has the bonhomie atmosphere to match.
6. The Retreat, Suffolk Parade
The Retreat is a regular haunt for those seeking a lively night of drinking in Cheltenham and in summer the beer garden is full of people soaking up the sunny atmosphere. There are plenty of spirits, beers and great wines behind the bar and there's always eclectic music filling the air. Lunch is served between 12pm and 3pm with a range of delicious dishes created using seasonal ingredients.
7. The Cheese Rollers, Shurdington Road
Synonymous with the quirky tradition of cheese rolling, which takes place a few miles down the road, The Cheese Rollers is well-loved by locals and visitors alike for its 'proper village pub' qualities. The menu includes classic pub fare: think filled baguettes with chips, sausage and mustard mash or a homemade pie of the day. When the sun shines dinner can be enjoyed al fresco in the pub's large beer garden.
8. The Bell, Shurdington Road
Whether sitting in The Bell's delightful conservatory or in the beer garden, pretty views of the adjacent cricket pavilion - especially lovely when the sun begins to set - can be admired. This traditional pub along the Shurdington Road is just a short drive from the town centre and the friendly service, local ales and ciders and the delicious, home-cooked dishes are worth jumping in the car for. We have it on good authority that the roast dinners are also spot on.
9. Jolly Brewmaster, Painswick Road
Tucked away far the from the crowds in Cheltenham, the Jolly Brewmaster can be found on a residential street only a few minutes walk from Bath Road. Ale and cider is the name of the game at this pub so grab a pint, a packet of crisps and a newspaper to while away the afternoon in the spacious beer garden. Four-legged friends are more than welcome to join in the fun too.
10. Sandford Park Alehouse
Beer lovers are in good hands when it comes to a visit at Sandford Park Alehouse with a wide range of well-kept ales, craft and bottled beers on sale. The pub also has a large rear garden with plenty of outdoor seating so unwind in the sun with a pint of real ale in comfort and peace.
We also love…
The Imperial Garden Bar
When the summer rolls round, there's nothing quite like sitting back and soaking in the sunshine in the Imperial Gardens or in the bar's pretty courtyard. The well-stocked bar has a great range of beers, ciders and cocktails, as well as ice cream cones and sorbets - perfect for a hot day.
Unsure of which pub you'd like to visit? Maybe one of our extensive pub guides can help make your mind up!
