12 of the best pubs with gardens in Hampshire
We are fortunate in Hampshire to have hundreds of country pubs. This will be a growing list, but I’ve started with 12 of the best pubs with gardens in Hampshire. They get bonus points if there is play equipment for children. Pub visits are more enjoyable when the kids are playing!
With so many waterways in Hampshire, this list also features many pubs with beautiful riverside views. And I’ve included a mixture of budget-friendly and more fine-dining options. If your favourite beer garden isn’t on the list then please get in touch – I love to hear recommendations!
The Ship Inn, Owslebury
I will start with one of my favourite pubs with gardens in Hampshire. This pub has been open since 1681 and is in a pretty village, close to Twyford and Marwell Zoo. There is a really nice circular walk which you can do from here as well which I’ve done before, and The Ship is the perfect place for refreshments when you are finished.
The garden is huge, with a terraced area, plenty of tables on the grass and a children’s play area. Many of the ingredients are grown in the kitchen garden, and the ones that aren’t, are sourced from local farms. I can thoroughly recommend the pie!
2 Whites Hill, Owslebury, Winchester SO21 1LT
The Northbrook Arms, East Stratton
I came across this pub on a charity walk in 2020, and immediately bookmarked the large pub garden for a future visit. It’s just 8 miles north of Winchester, and has undergone some serious renovation work in preparation for opening their lovely self-catering accommodation.
There are dozens of tables on the large green outside and they regularly host sell-out comedy nights.
Stratton Ln, Winchester SO21 3DU
The Watership Down Inn, Whitchurch
This pub overlooks the River Test and also has rooms you can stay in. It’s very close to the distillery of Bombay Sapphire, making it the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat after a distillery tour. You can read more about gin tours by reading my blog in the handy links section.
This is more of a fine-dining option, and I hear excellent recommendations on the seasonal menus. And yes, this is the famous Watership Down which inspired the book with the creepy rabbits!
11 Priory Ln, Whitchurch RG28 7NJ
The Mayfly, near Stockbridge
The Mayfly is one of the best pubs with gardens in Hampshire because the beer garden runs adjacent to the River Test. The pub is dog friendly, and there are lots of walks nearby. The head chef uses lots of local produce, including from Laverstoke Park farm. This pub garden is an idyllic spot on a sunny day, where you can sit and watch the swans and ducks swim along the river and enjoy a refreshing drink.
Fullerton, Stockbridge SO20 6AX
The Greyhound on the Test, Stockbridge
Another place on the River Test is the Greyhound. More of a hotel and restaurant than a pub, it deserves a place on the list because of the gorgeous views from the large garden. If you get the timing right, the sun sets just over the river, so enjoy the view whilst you sip a G&T from the Garden Bar.
They have retained their Michelin Guide Plate for 2021 for good reason, with delicious menus and great service.
31 High St, Stockbridge SO20 6EY
Bartons Mill, Basingstoke
Bartons Mill is one of my favourite pubs with gardens in Hampshire because I can walk to it! The beer garden has always been popular, particularly with dog walkers and is usually bustling on warmer days. There’s a decent food menu and a good choice of drinks.
In 2020 they covered the outdoor dining area and it has heating as well, making it a great place to visit for evening drinks as well as daytime. There is a children’s play area around the corner and a large common.
Bartons Ln, Old Basing, Basingstoke RG24 8AE
The Rose and Crown, Farringdon
The Rose and Crown has a huge beer garden with plenty of tables and parasols, and it’s extremely dog-friendly. They serve an excellent Sunday roast with unlimited Yorkshires and gravy. They also put on new specials on a regular basis which all look delicious. When the weather isn’t good enough for outdoor dining there’s a cosy fireplace and a basket full of board games to play.
Crows Ln, Upper Farringdon, Alton GU34 3ED
The White Horse, Otterbourne
This one wins bonus points for having a children’s play area in the secure outdoor space. There are highchairs, baby-changing and a great children’s menu so it really is a great family-friendly pub. It is also excellent for food; particularly Sunday dinner. They serve lots of local drinks like my favourite River Test Distillery gin.
Main Rd, Otterbourne, Winchester SO21 2EQ
The Fisher's Pond, near Eastleigh
I don’t know if it counts as a garden, but there is a gorgeous outdoor seating area overlooking Fisher’s Pond. You’ll be able to spot the local wildlife as you sip your drink; perhaps a cocktail at happy hour. They have an especially good brunch menu and are very welcoming if you bring your dog with you.
183 Main Rd, Fisher’s Pond, Colden Common, Eastleigh SO50 7HG
Kimbridge Barn, Romsey
Not a pub, but I couldn’t miss the gorgeous Kimbridge Barn off my list. There is a children’s play area to help entertain the kids and the food is excellent whether you are looking for brunch, afternoon tea or dinner. They run regular events such as Firepit Feasts, outdoor cinema nights, barn dances, gin tastings and more so keep an eye on their social media.
Kimbridge, Romsey SO51 0LE
The Purefoy Arms, Preston Candover
This one is on the higher end of the budget, but the food is worth it. They regularly win awards here for their menu and it is really good. The rack of ribs is a speciality in itself and once you’ve had them it’s hard to choose anything else off the menu. They have a tasting menu which looks fantastic too. They make the list for having a large garden at the back of the pub, and it’s also a great endpoint after a country walk around the Candovers.
B3046, Preston Candover, Basingstoke RG25 2EJ
The Bush Inn, Ovington
This regularly crops up in conversation about the best pubs with gardens in Hampshire. The Bush Inn sits on the River Itchen and has a pretty garden area. It’s very accessible to some good country walks. Though I’ve only eaten from the lunch menu, the food and drinks are good – I’ll have to go back for dinner some time to try some more.
Ovington, Alresford SO24 0RE
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