Best pub gardens according to Bridport News readers

We’re spoilt for choice here in west Dorset for beautiful country pubs with gorgeous gardens.

We asked our readers for their favourite beer gardens to create a handy list for anyone looking for a pint or two in the stunning west Dorset countryside. 

We are a little spoilt for choice in and around Bridport but we wanted to know what stood out among the community.

Here are some of the most popular establishments that readers mentioned.

The Spyway Inn

Another place popular for its garden isThe Spyway Inn at Askerswell, just outside Bridport.

Dating back to 1764 this pub recently came under new owners only this year.

They bill themselves as a countryside house with a wood-fired pizza and BBQ.

Reader Omah Daiz wrote: “The Spyway, it’s hard to beat those views!”

And good news for dog lovers as they will be welcome at the pub, too. 

The Anchor Inn

This pub at Seatown on the Jurassic Coast also received its fair share of comments in support of its garden.

The Inn puts an emphasis on its locally sourced food and award-winning real ales and ciders.

Reader Helen Golding wrote: “The Anchor Inn at Seatown. The sea views from the garden cannot be beaten. Shame it’s now table service only, no doubt a reason for doing so.”

Marquis of Lorne

This pub and inn in Nettlecombe Bridport is another that received many comments in support.

Situated half a mile from Powerstock the 16th-century inn has views across the valley toward Powerstock and Eggardon Hill.

Reader Nicola Darby said: “Definitely the Marquis of Lorne, a lovely garden that caters for everyone, plus they do great food!”

The New Inn, Stoke Abbott

This establishment in Stoke Abbott near Beaminster was another to several pointed out as a favourite for its garden.

The Inn sources all its ingredients locally where possible, and all the menu items are made from scratch.

They even have a large safe area for children to run around in.

Hare and Hounds Waytown

Three miles north of Bridport in the village of Wayton can be found the Hare and Hounds.

If you want to go out for a walk and then sit and enjoy a pint whilst soaking in the rolling Dorset hills then this is yet another choice readers have recommended. It has panoramic views of the Dorset countryside.

Even better, dogs are welcome.

Three Horseshoes Pub & Kitchen

This pub in Burton Bradstock is a three-hundred-year-old thatched stone property on the Jurassic Coast.

They are within walking distance of the coastal path and the stunning Hive Beach.

They have a suntrap beer garden for the summer and are dog-friendly, children are welcome and muddy boots are allowed.

The Half Moon, Melplash

The Half Moon is a traditional thatched Dorset country pub, dating from the 1600s, only a few minutes from Bridport or Beaminster.

The beer garden sits at the back of the pub. Its menu features seasonal local produce.

On top of scenic views, they also offer takeaway.

The Shave Cross Inn

This historic 700-year-old pub in Marshwood Vale is just under 4 miles from the Jurassic Coast.

Sitting at the crossroads of the Shave Cross hamlet, it bills its beer garden as ‘quintessentially English’ with twining violet wisteria racemes, scattered rustic picnic tables, a traditional cobbled courtyard, a classic cottage garden and flower-laden terracotta pots.

The Pymore Inn

This pub in Pymore near Bridport is nestled into the hills and fields of West Dorset.

They have a large walled garden offering al fresco drinking and dining during the summer months.

With an ‘eclectic’ food menu they bill themselves as having something for everyone.

Winyards Gap Inn

An establishment that proved very popular was the Winyards Gap Inn in Chedington, Beaminster.

This country pub has stood for 300 years overlooking Dorset and Somerset hills.

The Inn bills itself as having ‘one of the best views in the west country’.

One reader, Martin Vickery, wrote: “There isn’t many I haven’t been to in west Dorset. The views from Winyards Gap take some beating.”