Since we moved to London in 2010, we have tried plenty of pubs—some excellent and some not so memorable. On a warm day, a good beer garden is one of our favourite places to stop while exploring the city.
A London beer garden can be anything from a leafy pub garden to a courtyard, rooftop terrace or riverside outdoor area. Some are covered or heated, but outdoor sections may close earlier than the main pub and tables can be difficult to find on sunny weekends.
Our advice: check the pub’s own website before travelling, especially if you want food, need an accessible table or are visiting with children. Opening times, garden access and booking arrangements can change.
Beer gardens in central London
Punch & Judy, Covent Garden
Punch & Judy overlooks Covent Garden Piazza. Its balcony and courtyard seating make it a convenient stop while visiting the market, although its location means it becomes busy quickly.
Crown & Shuttle, Shoreditch
The Crown & Shuttle is an East London pub with a large garden close to Shoreditch High Street. It is a lively choice rather than a quiet retreat, particularly in the evening.
Beer gardens in north London
The Garden Gate, Hampstead
The Garden Gate, beside Hampstead Heath station, remains one of our favourite beer gardens in London. The large garden makes it a particularly good stop after a walk on Hampstead Heath.
The Spaniards Inn, Hampstead
The Spaniards Inn combines a historic pub interior with a walled garden offering sheltered tables and patio heating. It is another personal favourite, but its position on Spaniards Road is less convenient than pubs close to a Tube station.
The Edinboro Castle, Camden
The Edinboro Castle is between Camden’s markets and Regent’s Park. Its very large garden is useful for groups, but booking ahead is sensible when the weather is good.
The Lock Tavern, Camden
The Lock Tavern has a secret garden and an all-weather rooftop terrace close to Camden Market. The pub has been operated by McMullen’s since 2024, so older menus, prices and happy-hour offers found online should not be relied upon.
The Woodman, Highgate
The Woodman is a family-run pub next to Highgate Underground station. Its large garden wraps around the side of the building and includes covered outdoor seating.
Beer gardens in south and west London
The Magic Garden, Battersea
Often described as a “festival in a pub”, The Magic Garden combines a colourful garden with live music and DJ events. It is at 231 Battersea Park Road, close to Battersea Park.
The Crabtree, Fulham
The Crabtree sits on the Thames between Hammersmith and Putney bridges. It has a spacious beer garden and riverside terraces; the pub advises that some terrace seating is reserved for dining and may operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
The County Arms, Wandsworth
The County Arms is opposite Wandsworth Common. Its outdoor space includes garden huts and a raised terrace, making it a useful option when the weather is changeable.
Riverside terraces and pub gardens
Founders Arms, Bankside
Founders Arms is on the South Bank between Tate Modern and Blackfriars station. Its riverside terrace is better described as outdoor seating than a traditional leafy garden, but the Thames views make it a popular choice.
The Anchor, Bankside
The Anchor Bankside is close to Borough Market and Shakespeare’s Globe. This historic riverside pub has outdoor seating and is convenient if you are already sightseeing along the South Bank.
Tattershall Castle, Westminster
Tattershall Castle is a permanently moored boat opposite the London Eye, between Westminster and Embankment stations. Its deck provides river views, while the venue also hosts comedy and evening entertainment.
Planning your beer-garden visit
- Book when possible: sunny afternoons and weekends are the busiest times.
- Check outdoor-area rules: gardens and terraces may close before the main pub, and not every outdoor table can be reserved.
- Ask about accessibility: historic pubs, rooftops and boats can involve steps or uneven access.
- Check family times: some pubs welcome children during the day but apply age restrictions later.
- Expect menus and prices to change: use the official links above rather than relying on an old offer.
You can combine several of these stops with our itineraries for London in two days or London in three days. Please drink responsibly and use public transport rather than driving.
Hi, we are Alberto and Amy, the London locals behind PlanTrip London. We’ve lived in London since 2010 and have spent every year since exploring the city, from its famous landmarks to the markets, pubs, parks and hidden corners most visitors never find. Over the years we became the go-to trip planners for friends and family visiting London, so we created this site to share the same first-hand, tried-and-tested advice with you. Every itinerary, tip and recommendation here comes from our own experience with our two children, so you can plan a London trip that’s easier, better value and far more memorable.