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Beer Gardens

The great British pub beer garden is something to be celebrated. Sitting outside enjoying a drink is one of the great pleasures of the summer so make the most of some of our brilliant beer gardens in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. We've pubs next to the river, pubs surrounded by forest and pubs next to ancient ruins, pubs with walled gardens, pubs with playgrounds and of course there is always top pub grub made with local produce and local drinks on tap and in bottles all round.

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has more than its fair share of pubs, but its beer gardens are extra special because of the nature of the area and its surroundings. Our many pubs are perfect to sit outside on a hot sunny day or a warm summer evening, enjoying a local pint and regional sourced food plus they are all near our gorgeous countryside with plenty of nearby things to do.

Our top pub beer gardens in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley are:

The Saracens Head Inn, Symonds Yat – historic hand ferry and river views

A 16th century riverside inn sits on the east bank of the River Wye at Symonds Yat, where customers can watch life on the water while enjoying wine, real ale or food from a quality menu. The inn has two riverside terraces, both of which overlook the glorious River Wye, and also overlook the unique hand ferry as it ferries people from Symonds Yat East to Symonds Yat West. The pub has been named one of the Guardian’s Top 10 Waterside Pubs and is a favourite location for a beautiful Wye Valley pub walk.

The Speech House Hotel, Forest of Dean - idyllic rural setting and great food

A former 17th century hunting lodge, the Speech House Hotel is an iconic venue in the heart of the Forest of Dean with woodland walks all around. The forest is literally on the doorstep and the hotel offers guest a warm welcome and original charm, combined with modern day hotel facilities.

The Red Hart Inn, Blaisdon – village life and family fun

An award-winning traditional village pub serving CAMRA accredited real ales, and good home cooked food. Visitors can enjoy the large fabulous garden with amusements for kids to swing, roam or slide, with a recently refurbished playground, while parents can take advantage of the more secluded patio area. There’s even a paddling pool with towels supplied on a mini washing line in summer. The BBQ on the patio is used throughout summer and is available for private functions.

The Fountain Inn, Parkend – steam trains and forest village setting

A beautiful, award-winning inn, well known locally for its excellent meals and real ales. With its distinctive bay window, the inn has been a familiar Forest of Dean landmark in this Forest village for over two centuries, offering warm hospitality to travellers arriving by road or via the Dean Forest Railway just across the road. Sit outside and listen out for the whistles announcing another arrival at the station of a heritage steam train.

The Ostrich Inn, Newland – walled garden and cathedral views

Described as a “Proper 13th century country pub” complete with wonky floors and ceilings it sits in the heart of the village of Newland, opposite the 'Cathedral of the Forest' with eight real ales on tap. In the summer months visitors can relax on the front terrace or in the beautiful walled garden that can seat up to seventy at the back of the inn, designed to be very relaxing, with scented plant borders, lawn and a patio. What better place to chill out with great food?

The Alma Inn, Ross-on-Wye – music festivals and kids’ playground

A real ale pub, set within spacious grounds, The Alma Inn is cosy and relaxed, where visitors and locals alike can enjoy a good pint or tuck into a tasty bar snack or pub meal. At the rear an acre of land and stage is used for both an annual music festival and the Linton Summer Sessions. There’s lots of space for kids to run around and let off steam. Their cosy beer garden features wooden tables and chairs, hanging baskets and flowers and lavender borders all contained by a hedgerow.