Best Beer Gardens In Cambridge

Located in the oh-so-gorgeous village of Madingley, just three miles outside of Cambridge, The Three Horseshoes is a true English beauty. The thatched roofed pub boasts a bright and airy conservatory dining room that leads onto a luscious green beer garden, speckled with private dining pods and traditional deck chairs.

If you're wondering where to drink outside in Cambridge, The Crown & Punchbowl is a charming option. A quaint Grade II-listed pub in the village of Horningsea, it fronts roaring fireplaces and exposed beams. In the summer months though? The rustic outdoor terrace takes centre stage, packed out with sun worshippers tucking into hearty pub grub and ice cold pints.

When it comes to pubs with beer gardens in Cambridge, The Tickell Arms always comes out on top. Easily identified thanks to its baby blue exterior, the Whittlesford boozer is home to a Victorian walled rose garden and pond; the perfect calming oasis for a chilled out Saturday. 

For those on the hunt for an outdoor terrace in Cambridge city centre, the Pint Shop is a popular choice. The gastropub is home to an impressive selection of craft brews alongside a short but sweet menu of cocktails. Perch yourself on one of the alfresco benches to soak up some rays while you sample them all.

While not technically a beer garden, we felt that Revolution's gorgeous rooftop terrace was worthy of a mention when it came to alfresco sipping in Cambridge. Found on the fifth floor of the city centre party palace, the sprawling sky-high space has its own bar and a retractable roof for those scorching summer days. 

There are beer gardens, and then there are rooftop beer gardens. Perched atop The Varsity Hotel you'll find this gorgeous green oasis, complete with comfy sofas, warm heaters and views for miles. Head here just as the sun is setting to enjoy orange-tinged tipples and a selection of grilled delights, from fresh lobster to smoky BBQ ribs.

For outdoor dining in Cambridge, Stolen are our go-to guys. The quirky King Street restaurant specialises in dishes fresh from the grill, be it a 12oz truffled ribeye steak or roasted monkfish doused in a confit garlic glaze. And on Sundays? Swing by the alfresco terrace to feast on a hearty carvery, complete with all the trimmings.

Another corker of a Cambridge beer garden is The Portland Arms. The popular pub boasts one of the warmest welcomes in town, with live music throughout the week. If you're craving a dose of vitamin D, head through the watering hole to find its suntrap of a terrace, decked out with spacious booths that are ideal for a group day out in the sunshine.

The Anchor is home to one of the prettiest waterside terraces in Cambridge. Take in the views of the Mathematical Bridge and watch the punters bob past as you enjoy an alfresco lunch, created from local seasonal ingredients and washed down with a craft beer (or two).

The Punter is one of the city's cosiest watering holes, often topping the list of pubs with beer gardens in Cambridge. Tucked away on Pound Hill, the gem is covered in vintage knick-knacks and is the perfect escape from the chaos of the city in peak season. 

Small but perfectly formed, The Old Bicycle Shop's beautiful outside space has been designed with long lunches and balmy evenings in mind. While rich in history (it's claimed that Charles Darwin bought a bike from here), the Regent Street spot is best-loved for its tasty brunch plates and extensive list of handcrafted cocktails.