The best beer gardens in Cornwall

Food and Drink Wednesday 7th June 2023

Full to overflowing with incredible seascapes, epic circular walks, and an astonishing array of green spaces, Cornwall’s draw is never-ending - especially when you throw in the uber-satisfying list of restaurants, cafés, and local pubs that turn any stay into a foodie feast.

The famous bar on a beach beer garden at The Watering Hole in Perranporth

It’s not just cosy winter pubs on offer in Cornwall, oh no. This pub-tastic county boasts a whole host of top-notch beer gardens set amongst some seriously swoon-worthy locations, because what could be better than sinking a cool one in the great outdoors surrounded by to-die-for views and an uber-relaxed atmosphere?

If your idea of kicking back involves a glass (or two) of your favourite tipple while admiring Cornwall’s unbeatable landscape in all its glory, check out our favourite beer gardens to whet your appetite...

The Watering Hole, Perranporth

Looking over the waves at The Watering Hole on Perranporth Beach

Best for: Sand and sea views

Beach, 19 St Pirans Road, Perranporth TR6 0BH
thewateringhole.co.uk

The UK’s only bona fide bar on the beach - and one of Perranporth’s top eateries - offers sand-between-your-toes sundowners guaranteed to tickle all your senses. The sprawling north coast presents rugged terrain and oceanic panoramas as far as the eye can see, while The Watering Hole’s extensive menu and eclectic entertainment schedule is supremely crowd-pleasing (the annual Tunes in the Dunes festival is one of the best in the country). Both the beach and the bar are dog friendly, so bring the pup along for a seriously memorable beach day.

The Godolphin, Marazion

The amazing beer garden at The Godolphin overlooking St Michael's Mount

Best for: Fairytale views

West End, Marazion TR17 0EN
thegodolphin.com

A literal stone’s throw from the sea and boasting jaw-dropping vistas of the famous St Michael’s Mount, The Godolphin’s swish yet coastally cool restaurant and cocktail bar, Shutters, stocks all you could want for an al fresco bite or drink of the most unforgettable variety. Head out on the coast path first for a seascape wander – the walk between Marazion and Newlyn is wonderfully flat and packed with sparkling views – or turn your sandy toes towards the crystal clear waters for a swim beneath the fairytale mount.

Sloop Inn, St Ives

The historic Sloop Inn pub and beer garden above the golden sands of Harbour Beach in St Ives

Best for: Picture-perfect pints

The Wharf St Ives, St Ives TR26 1LP
sloop-inn.co.uk

Staring out over the cobbled centre of the town toward St Ives Harbour and the beautiful bay beyond, the Sloop - circa 1312, one of the oldest pubs in Cornwall - is both casual and quaint, providing the perfect place for a spot of prime-time people-watching. Sit and soak up the sea views with the pooch by your side before heading down the narrow streets for a bit of shopping (with an ice cream in-hand, obviously). You can even head out on a mini voyage before your harbourside wind-down with one of the town’s sun-soaked boat trips.

The Bowgie Inn, Newquay

Looking out over the beer garden at Bowgie Inn at the golden sands of Crantock Beach

Best for: Cliff-top coolers

West Pentire Road, West Pentire, Newquay TR8 5SE
bowgie.com

Showcasing a taste of Cornwall with its award-winning and locally sourced food and drink, the Bowgie also offers visitors glorious views from its enviable position on West Pentire Headland that faces the spectacular sands of Crantock Beach. The flower-topped cliffs around the headland make for a pretty spectacular place for a dog walk, so why not enjoy a cliff-top ramble before stopping by the Bowgie for a bevvy overlooking the beach.

Pandora Inn, Carrick Roads

Looking down the pontoon-turned beer garden at The Pandora Inn

Best for: A timeless tipple

Restronguet Hill, Creek, Falmouth TR11 5ST
pandorainn.com

Nestled on the edge of Restronguet Creek near Falmouth, dog-friendly pub Pandora redefines picturesque with its sublime waterside setting, timeless 13th century building, and award-winning menu – which features one of the best carveries in Cornwall. Simply sit, eat, drink and soak up the ambience with those dazzling views. You can drive or walk to this thatched haven, or you can arrive by boat for a particularly traditional visit!

The Shipwrights Arms, Helford

Looking across the Helford estuary at the Shipwrights Arms and its beer garden

Best for: Riverside relaxing

Helford, Helston TR12 6JX
shipwrights-helford.co.uk

If a lazy day by the river eating and drinking sounds like your idea of a successful stay in Cornwall, then the Shipwrights’ alluring combination of stunning river mouth setting, waterfront beer garden, and mouth-watering menu is a sure-fire box ticker. If you fancy a relaxed wander before or after your laid-back liaison at Shipwrights, enjoy a scenic stroll through dappled woodland and the charming streets of Helford, one of Cornwall’s prettiest villages.

Stones Reef, Praa Sands

Looking down on Praa Sands Beach with Stones Reef in the background

Best for: Post-surf sundowners

The Beach, Praa Sands, Penzance TR20 9TQ
stonesreef.co.uk

West Cornwall’s sheltered golden stretch is a picture postcard family favourite. Take the kids (and the dog) to Stones Reef for an uber refreshing bevvy by the sea. Dine in lip-smacking style on a menu full of Mediterranean delights or grab a Kelly’s ice cream (they have pup cups too!) and enjoy a truly Cornish moment with the sand between your toes. Feeling adventurous? A visit to Stones Reef’s Boatshed Activity Centre promises a variety of watersports you can get well and truly stuck into, from surfing and paddleboarding to kayaking and coasteering.

Chain Locker, Falmouth

Popular pub and beer garden Chain Locker perched on Falmouth Harbour

Best for: Boat-watching with a brew

Quay Street, Falmouth TR11 3HH
chainlockerfalmouth.co.uk

A fabulous fusion of timeless and contemporary, this beloved Falmouth pub’s lovingly restored 16th century building is home to modern cuisine and an extensive bar menu that can be enjoyed from the gorgeous beer gardens, while their cantilevered balconies jutting over the waters of the Carrick Roads provide even more al fresco options. Falmouth is home to a rather spectacular mix of things to do, from glorious beach days to beautiful gardens and scenic walks – combine as many as you like to create a jam-packed itinerary that finishes with an open-air refresher at the Chain Locker.

The Ship Inn, Porthleven

Looking out over Porthleven's harbour towards The Ship Inn with its terraced beer garden

Best for: Terraced tipples overlooking the harbour

Mount Pleasant Road, Porthleven, Helston TR13 9JS
theshipinnporthleven.co.uk

One of the county’s most coveted harbour towns, Porthleven provides a stirring spot whatever the season, whether you wish to storm watch from the cosy bar or soak up the sunshine (check out our webcam for a pre-view). The Ship Inn is the place for either, especially if you’re in the mood for some home cooked food, which can be devoured alongside staggering views in their scenic terraced garden. You’ll find plenty of dazzling walks nearby, with the surrounding cliffs providing lots of stop-worthy moments (Top tip: photos are the perfect excuse to catch your breath after a climb).

The Port William, Tintagel

Two people enjoying drinks in the beer garden overlooking the sea at The Port William

Best for: Sinking a scenic few

Tintagel Heights, Trebarwith, Tintagel PL34 0HB
theportwilliam.co.uk

Trebarwith Sands’ popular waterside haunt combines pub classics with local ales and sprawling sea views for an unforgettable al fresco experience. It’s also brilliantly child and dog friendly, allowing you to kick back and relax to your heart’s content with the whole family in tow. Extend your coastal excursion with a visit to one of Cornwall’s most famous castles, where history, myth, and perhaps even a ghost or two, abound.

Ready to kick back in total Cornish bliss? Explore our collection of holiday cottages – many of which boast equally jaw-dropping views – and start planning your next jam-packed visit to the Duchy.

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