The Scottish beer gardens named among best in UK as scorching 21C sunshine looms this weekend
One is described as 'the stuff of dreams'
CHEERS TO THAT The Scottish beer gardens named among best in UK as scorching 21C sunshine looms this weekend
THREE Scottish beer gardens have been named in a list of the best boozers in the UK ahead of a rise in temperatures this weekend.
With the mercury likely to soar to 21C, many of us will be looking to make the most of warm afternoons with a cool, refreshing tipple.
Advertisement
3
Cold Town House bar and restaurant in Edinburgh made the list
Credit: Alamy
3
The Ben Nevis Inn in Fort William boasts gorgeous surroundings
3
The Old Mill Inn in Pitlochry is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink
Credit: Facebook
With that in mind, experts at Big 7 Travel unveiled their yearly list of the 30 best beer gardens across Britain.
They rated everything from vibes and views to grub and booze, perfect if you're hunting for the best spot to enjoy a pint in the sun.
Advertisement
Edinburgh's Cold Town House in the city's Grassmarket came in at number 25 and was hailed for its "breathtaking" views.
The pub boasts three floors and a rooftop bar serving cocktails and cold pints.
Researchers said: "From the remote English countryside to the bustling capital of Scotland, you'd be forgiven for thinking that a beer garden in such a busy centre would be impossible.
"However, the views from the Cold Town House in the Grassmarket area of Edinburgh's Old Town are nothing short of breathtaking.
"Picture the scene: you've had a busy day exploring the city's sights, find a beautiful pub in the historic Old Town, order your drinks, head out to the beer garden, and you're not just greeted with a fantastic view of the Old Town, but Edinburgh Castle itself looming over you as you enjoy a drink. The stuff of dreams!"
Advertisement
The Ben Nevis Inn in Fort William, Highlands, was ranked number 10 in the list.
Positioned at the foot of the UK's highest mountain, the pub was originally a stone-built barn to house cattle built in 1806.
And if the pull of the beer garden is too much, you can even stay at one of three self-catering rooms underneath the restaurant and bar.
Locals Heartbroken as Auchenmalg's Only Pub, The Cock Inn, Closes Down
Experts said: "Views up towards the snow-capped peak of Ben Nevis are hard to beat, but even the lush green fields and wild hills surrounding the pub make this not just one of the best beer gardens in the UK, but arguably one of the best beer gardens in the world."
At number four is The Old Mill Inn in Pitlochry, Perthshire.
Advertisement
Originally built in the eighteenth century, it functioned as a mill, and it still has a working waterwheel today.
The beer garden is tucked away to the side and back of the pub, offering a secretive recluse away from the town's main street, making it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet drink.
Big 7 Travel said: "Gentle splashes from the nearby stream add a relaxing feel to the atmosphere, and the bridge that connects the pub to the beer garden adds an extra layer of privacy and serenity."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
25 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
I've discovered a unique pub with a real beach in central London – we sipped wine with our feet in the sand
Plus, the English pub where the beer garden is on the beach that people say feels 'more like Miami' DRINK IT IN I've discovered a unique pub with a real beach in central London – we sipped wine with our feet in the sand Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LIVING in central London can sometimes make you feel boxed-in - like there is no escape of either countryside or sea. And whilst this is one of the sacrifices you have to make when you live in the city, wouldn't it be ideal to find a spot in the city that gives you the feel of being by the sea? Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Founder's Arms is located on the Thames between The Tate and Blackfriars station Credit: Cyann Fielding 6 In addition to the beach below, there is an outdoor terrace Credit: cyann fielding 6 When the tide is out, the golden sand beach appears Credit: cyann fielding Well, after five years of living in the capital - I have finally found that spot. Between the Tate Modern and London Blackfriars Station, the Founder's Arms on the River Thames seems like an ordinary Fuller's pub. But when the sun is shining and the tide washes out, directly beneath the pub a sandy beach emerges. Now, I know you might be thinking that the Thames just has mud and probably an old tire. But when I say beach, I mean it - golden sand and all. Myself and fellow travel reporter, Alice Penwill grabbed a glass of wine and headed down to the beach. A medium glass of white cost me just over £7 - and for a lunchtime tipple, I would say it was a generous medium. The sitting in the beaming sunshine, watching a couple boats whizz by, Alice and I did feel like we were somewhere else. Whilst the water obviously doesn't looking inviting, we were sat on a beach in the city, with wine - all during our lunch break. Not many Londoners can say they have popped to the beach during the working day. Pub With A 'Floating' Beer Garden By The Beach The beach was also surprisingly clean, with only a few stones scattered across. A couple nearby visitors were investigating the beach - presumably mud-larking for treasures. But the most noticeable difference compare to the seaside on the coast? No screaming gulls. Despite not having an ice cream in my hand, I felt confident that if I did have one, it wouldn't have been snatched by an over-confident bird. The pub itself also has a nice seating area outside, that overlooks the Thames and across to St Paul's cathedral. 6 Alice (right) and I (left) nipped down to catch some sun and sand on a lunch break Credit: cyann fielding 6 From both the pub and the beach, you can see London's impressive skyline Credit: cyann fielding If the weather does take a turn for the worse, like it often does in the UK, there is also a bar inside and plenty of seating that looked comfy and cosy. Pooches are also welcome in the pub, thankfully. Make sure to head to to check when the tide is out, to ensure you get to enjoy the beach on your visit. In the mean time, there is another London pub that has a secret beach behind it. Plus, the English pub where the beer garden is on the beach that people say feels 'more like Miami'.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Scotland's 'most beautiful places' crowned as island with stunning beach tops list
It is also known as the Scottish 'Cradle of Christianity'. Scotland's "most beautiful places" have been named by The Times. Topping the list is a tiny island with a fascinating history. On Wednesday, June 11, The Times published an article titled "16 of the most beautiful places in Scotland". The roundup spotlights scenic destinations around the country, from the Scottish Borders to the Outer Hebrides. Coming in at number is Iona in Argyll and Bute. Iona is approximately one and a half miles wide and three miles long, and is home to a population of around 170 people. Despite the island's small size, The Times noted its long and storied history. Known as the 'Cradle of Christianity' in Scotland, St Columba and 12 companions arrived on Iona from Ireland in AD 563 to establish a monastery from which missionaries were sent to northern Britain to convert people to Christianity. Iona Abbey is the island's most notable landmark. It is open to visitors, who can admire its centuries-old architecture and take in sights such as St Oran's Chapel and Reilig Odhráin. The island was also praised for its beaches, namely the White Strand of the Monks. Iona was singled out for its "white sand" and "turquoise water". For those looking to spend the night, Iona is home to the St Columba Hotel. Standing next to Iona Abbey, the hotel features a range of clean and comfortable rooms and a restaurant and bar. The Times wrote: "There is a deeply spiritual aura to this little green chip of land that lies off the southwestern corner of the island of Mull. Iona has been a place of pilgrimage ever since St Columba arrived in AD563 and today pilgrims step off the ferry and weave their way to Iona Abbey. "At Iona's northern tip is the White Strand of the Monks, springy machair—wildflower-rich grassland—lined with white sand. The turquoise water is the perfect backdrop for contemplation while watching the gannets dive into the Sound. "The island is at its best when the day-trippers have gone, so stay over at the St Columba Hotel and enjoy produce from its organic garden." Elsewhere, following behind in second place on The Times' list is Scotland's northwest coast. The newspaper singled out the stretch up to Cape Wrath—the most northwestern point in Great Britain—as well as Balnakeil Beach. Placing third on the newspaper's roundup is Big Tree Country, spanning Perth and Kinross and the Highlands. Home to countless Douglas firs, maple, redwoods, and more, The Times noted The Queen's View as an especially stunning beauty spot. Rounding out the top five on The Times' list are The Great Glen and Knoydart, both situated in the Scottish Highlands. The Great Glen runs from Fort William to Inverness and was singled out for its various scenic lochs, while Knoydart is a peninsula located between Loch Nevis and Loch Hourn that earned praise for its wildlife spotting opportunities and the remote Old Forge pub. Other places featured on the newspaper's list include The Argyll and Bute coast, the Heart of Scotland, and the Isle of Skye, placing sixth, seventh, and eighth respectively. The Scottish Borders and Lewis and Harris in the Outer Hebrides complete the top 10. More information and the full list of the "most beautiful places in Scotland" can be found on The Times website.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Ditch Cornwall for my seaside county this summer – we get less rain, an earlier sunrise… and we actually want tourists
Avoid cramming into Cornwall or scrambling into Suffolk this Summer - choose Norfolk and escape the chaos SEASIDE SECRETS Ditch Cornwall for my seaside county this summer – we get less rain, an earlier sunrise… and we actually want tourists Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVERYONE might be heading to Cornwall this summer for their summer staycation - but my English county is a much better option. Born and raised in Wells-next-the-Sea in Norfolk, my teenage summers were spent eating chips on the quay and hosting beach parties with my friends. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 12 My home county is a much better option that Cornwall Credit: Alamy 12 I remember running down to the beach after school to catch the sunset I've since travelled the world, from Iceland to California, yet nothing compares to the sunsets I've seen from my bedroom window in Norfolk. Not only does it get less rain than Cornwall (which is actually one of the UK's wettest regions) but we get a much earlier sunrise and we want tourists to visit. The vast open space makes our skies clear and full of stars, and I've even caught a glimpse of the Northern Lights from Brancaster harbour. From discovering secluded beaches to trying just about every fish and chip shop along the coast, I've put together the perfect guide to my home county to show you why Norfolk is the best place to spend your summer in the UK. The Best of Beaches When it comes to beach days in Norfolk, we're truly spoilt for choice. Away from the packed and pebbled beaches of the south coast, here you'll find stretches of golden sand that go on for miles. If you're looking for a slice of private paradise, the beach at Holme is my favourite spot hands-down. As the masses flock to Sheringham and Cromer, the dunes of Holme are only visited by the odd dog-walker and locals in the know. Nearby Thornham beach is equally as beautiful, and often even more quiet. The walk down to the shore through the pine forest and into the marshes is long but scenic, perfect for those seeking seclusion. It usually takes about 20 minutes to walk from the main road down to the sea, but you'll soon realise the walk is worth it once you have the whole stretch of sand to yourself! Pretty Norfolk coastline has sea lions and award-winning beaches- 12 The dunes at Holme stretch for miles - and you often have the place to yourself! Credit: Getty 12 The Norfolk Coast Path takes you through 84 miles of scenic sands Credit: Getty 12 The marshes on the way down to Thornham make the walk worthwhile Credit: Getty Another way to take in the views of Norfolk's Blue Flag beaches is to walk the famous Norfolk Coast Path (or at least a section of it, unless you fancy walking 84 miles from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea)! Smack bang in the middle of the Coast Path you'll find the White Horse in Brancaster-Staithe. You'll spot their Marshside bar from the path, the perfect pit-stop for a pint on your journey. Soak up the Sights It may be named England's 'flattest county', but Norfolk's wide and sandy coastline makes for some of the most stunning sunsets I've ever seen. For the most breathtaking of views, you'll want to catch the sunset from Hunstanton Cliffs. It's the only spot on the East coast that faces West, so it's the perfect place to park up and watch the sun dipping into the sea. My personal favourite way to watch the sunset is out on the sea in Burnham Overy Staithe. 12 The beach at Old Hunstanton is still one of my favourite spots to show my friends Credit: Jenna Stevens 12 Bring your own, rent one or join a tour - paddleboarding is a great way to see Norfolk on the water Credit: Jenna Stevens Take a stand-up paddleboard (or take a lesson with North Norfolk Paddleboards from £48) and get out onto the marshes for a truly magical way to view the sunset on the water. Alternatively, if you watch from Cley or Blakeney point, you might see a seal or two pop up to join you! If you want to get up close and personal with the local seals, take a trip with Beans Seal Trips from Morston Quay to visit them out on the sandbanks. The trips run every day from April through to October, and cost £20 per adult or £10 per child (pre-booking is essential, they're very popular!) 12 Common seals and grey seals are dotted all along the North Norfolk coastline Credit: Getty Fun for all the Family Not only do we have stunning nature here in Norfolk, but there's plenty of family-friendly attractions to keep the kids happy on your holiday. Our coastline is dotted with picturesque seaside towns from Heacham to Cromer, packed with traditional arcades and endless activities. I grew up bowling at Hunstanton Pier, and endlessly trying to win a giant Hello Kitty teddy at the Pop Inn Amusements in Wells (spoiler alert: she's now sat on my bed). If you're bringing the kids, visit Hunstanton to explore the aquarium and meet Ernie the green sea turtle, or try your hand at the Aztec-themed crazy golf on the promenade. Crabbing on the quay at Wells-next-the-Sea is a must on your trip to North Norfolk, and if you're feeling brave, visit the next town along, Holkham, for their action-packed ropes course. 12 The coastal charm of ice cream parlours and amusements makes Norfolk the perfect pick for a traditional British holiday Credit: Getty Top Food and Drink In Norfolk you'll be spoilt for choice for the best bites to eat. From award-winning fish and chips to delicious stonebaked pizza, I've ticked just about every coastal restaurant off the list. My top pick for traditional fish and chips has to be French's in Wells-next-the-Sea. There's a historic rivalry between the two quayside chippies, French's and Plattens, but French's takes the cake with its fresh fish and tasty new potatoes. You'll see lines out the door during peak times, so it's best to pop in early to avoid the queues. 12 French's fish and chips - I promise they're worth the wait! Credit: Getty I usually go just before midday - the queue that forms in the early afternoon often runs all the way into the evening. If you can't decide what you fancy, head to Thornham's Drove Orchards. Here you'll find a variety of restaurants and pop-ups, so you can mix and match whatever you please. Stop by Eric's pizza for a traditional margherita in a unique Yurt, or pop into Mim's for a scoop of gelato after a day of lounging in the sun. My favourite part about living in Norfolk is how dog-friendly we are. A large majority of our pubs and cafés welcome dogs, so there's no need to leave your furry friend at home. 12 The Rose and Crown is a classic and cosy British pub serving excellent local food Credit: If you're looking for a solid pub with great food where you can bring your pet along, the Rose and Crown in Snettisham has a dog-friendly bar and restaurant, as well as a cosy, walled beer garden. But perhaps my favourite corner of the coast is Old Hunstanton Beach Café. After letting the dog run wild on the beach, you can stop by for a great full English and a cup of tea. But the best part is their dog wall of fame, where you can pin a picture of your four-legged friend to remember your trip together.
