Like many, we here at Bitten cannot wait to soak up the glorious sunshine (with a drink in hand) in the coming months! Oxford has such a fantastic range of pub gardens. Whether you a people watcher, nature lover, ale enthusiast or cocktail drinker, there is something for everyone. We hope this extensive list gives you some inspiration for your next visit.
The best pub gardens in Oxford, in no particular order:
⭐ UPDATED 16th June 2021 ⭐
The Victoria Arms
Turn up by car, foot or punt, then laze away a hazy afternoon on the banks of The River Cherwell, with a chilled glass of something nice. With views over the river and fields, this is one of the most picturesque and relaxing places to spend a sunny day – you might even doze off with the sounds of wildlife filling your ears.
📍 Mill Ln, Old Marston, Oxford OX3 0QA 01865 241382 butcombe.com/the-victoria-arms-oxfordshire
Rose & Crown, North Parade
The menu mixes British with Mediterranean, plus roasts on a Sunday – all very reasonably priced. More of a courtyard than a garden, the outside dining area is small but cosy, decorated with bunting, vintage signs and lanterns. Situated in one of Oxford’s ‘foodie’ streets, The Rose & Crown shares North Parade with coffee shop Brew, produce store 2 North Parade, curry house Jee Saheb, plus a monthly farmers’ market.
📍 14 N Parade Ave, Oxford OX2 6LX, 01865 510551 roseandcrownoxford.com
The Marsh Harrier
Grab a picnic table with friends and family, order some tasty bar snacks to share, plus a glass of Pimm’s each, then sit back and relax. A small’ish but perfectly formed pub garden, with a chilled out vibe – perfect for a spot of sun worshipping or hangover healing. With regular live music there’s a little something for everyone.
📍 40 Marsh Road, Oxford OX4 2HH, 01865 718225 marshharriercowley.co.uk
The Gardener’s Arms
The Gardeners Arms offers an enclosed garden that will seat around 40, with ample space for larger groups as well as couples. It boasts some undercover seating around the back of the garden, that also has heat lamps with the central tables having parasols for cover.
📍 39 Plantation Road, Oxford OX2 6JE, 01865 559814 thegardenersarms.com
The Fishes
HUGE garden, with lots of tables, so you will only struggle to find somewhere to sit if it’s a boiling hot day and you get there really late. Great varied food menu, good service, parking, plus plenty of room for little monsters to run around.
📍 North Hinksey Village, Oxford OX2 0NA, 01865 249796 fishesoxford.co.uk
The Trout Inn
Here at Bitten HQ, we may not be massive fans of the food at The Trout, but we simply cannot knock the setting. A beautiful riverside pub… next to a rushing mini waterfall… with peacocks?! It sounds almost absurdly picturesque, which it kinda’ is.
📍 195 Godstow Rd, Oxford OX2 8PN, 01865 510930 thetroutoxford.co.uk
Cafe Tarifa
Although not technically a pub, this laid-back bar has a lovely enclosed garden . Perfect for a cocktail in the summer! The Spanish inspired decor and garden almost fools you into thinking you are no longer in the South East of England.
📍 56-60 Cowley Rd, Cowley, Oxford OX4 1JB, 01865 256091 cafe-tarifa.co.uk
Turf Tavern
Hidden away, behind part of the old city wall and down a long winding passageway, sits The Turf. With foundations dating back to the 13th Century, this historic old pub has seen it’s fair share of interesting punters, including Bill Clinton and former Australian Prime Minister Bob Hawke, along with a barrage of Oxford University students. A large, mostly paved, garden with plenty of seating means this is a hot spot for catching a few rays whilst enjoying a good selection of real ales. As far as food goes, it’s not quite gastro-pub, but it does serve up a decent choice of pub classics along with a few interesting additions.
📍 4-5 Bath Pl, Oxford OX1 3SU, 01865 243235 greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/oxfordshire/turf-tavern
The White Hart, Headington
The garden is in a lovely setting, a proper hidden gem. If you like your real ale, it’s worth noting that The White Hart was crowned Oxford CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year 2017. Expect proper pub grub including award-winning pies and Sunday roasts.
📍 12 St Andrews Road, Headington, Oxford OX3 9DL, 01865 761737 thewhitehartheadington.com
The Isis Farmhouse
Don your wellies, your walking shoes or your boating hat, because there ain’t no reaching The Isis by car. It’s well worth the effort though to be transported to an idyllic countryside setting on the banks of the River Thames.
📍 The Towing Path, Oxford OX4 4EL, 01865 243854 theisisfarmhouse.co.uk
The Anchor
The Anchor has a new large outdoor terrace which looks great , we look forward to trying it out in the summer! Their new menu features charcoal grill dishes and kebabs, plus classic fish & chips and roast dinners.
📍 2 Hayfield Rd, Oxford OX2 6TT, 01865 510282 theanchoroxford.com
The Masons Arms
Awarded Oxford CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) pub of the year 2019 (And 5 other years since 2004), the Masons Arms offers a great range of beer. They also host the annual Headington Beer Festival. They have a large garden, perfect for enjoying a pint, and you can even have a game of ‘Aunt Sally’. For anyone scratching their head, Aunt Sally is a traditional English game in where you throw sticks at a model of an old woman’s head (how lovely!). Today, it’s mainly only played in Oxfordshire and some bordering counties.
📍 2 Quarry School Pl, Headington, Oxford OX3 8LH, 01865 764579 themasonsarmshq.co.uk
Kings Arms
Located right next to the picturesque Thames Path, the garden is a perfect location for a drink after a beautiful stroll along the river. Overlooking the water, you can admire the boats passing by navigating the Sandford Loch. Hasn’t been amazing food in the past, but it’s been a while!
📍 Church Rd, Sandford-on-Thames, Oxford OX4 4YB, 01865 777095 chefandbrewer.com/pubs/oxfordshire/kings-arms
Head of the River
Less garden, more patio – but with a pretty riverside setting. Pull up a chair literally inches from The River Thames and order yourself a drink or three and tuck into the mostly British menu.
📍 St Aldate’s, Oxford OX1 4LB, 01865 721600 headoftheriveroxford.co.uk
The Perch
The Perch’s garden is as pretty as a picture, made somewhat whimsical by big weeping willows, a delightful place to daydream the day away. Food is excellent, also, with a ‘British farmhouse focus’ and it’s a popular spot for a wedding!
📍 Binsey Ln, Oxford OX2, 01865 728891 the-perch.co.uk
Tap Social Taproom
Not strictly a ‘garden’ but definitely a quirky outside space at Tap Social. Chilled vibes and craft beer from their on-site brewery. Think lots of picnic tables on a bustling industrial estate, with live music and regular street food pop-ups (when allowed).
📍 27 Curtius Industrial Estate, N Hinksey Ln, Oxford OX2 0LX,01865 236330
Jacobs Inn
Deli-cum-pub-cum-cafe Jacobs Inn replaced the more traditional Red Lion in Wolvercote. Recently renovated and refurbished, Jacobs Inn not only has a lovely large garden with plenty of seating, but it also has livestock to keep you company. Pop in for fresh bread, coffee or a meal, there’s wifi throughout so you can even pretend to be working!
📍 130 Godstow Rd, Oxford OX2 8PG, 01865 514333 jacobs-inn.com
The Red Lion
Be prepared for it to get busy but the Red Lion has a decent and lively garden in a great central location in Gloucester Green. Part of the same chain at The Trout in Wolvercote, with an almost identical menu, but often much tastier. Great for Sunday roasts and full English breakfasts, the menu is British with International mixed in.
📍 14 Gloucester St, Oxford OX1 2BN, 01865 726255
The Chester Arms
Famous for their steak platter, the Chester Arms has a small but pretty lovely garden and caters well for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. They also host a regular beer and cider festival, so be sure to follow them on socials for updates!
📍 19 Chester St, Cowley, Oxford OX4 1SN, 01865 790438 thechesterarmsoxford.co.uk
The Angel & Greyhound
The seating out front is great for watching the world go by in St Clements – so if you enjoy a bit of people watching this is for you.
📍 30 St Clement’s St, Cowley, Oxford OX4 1AB, 01865 242660 angelandgreyhound.co.uk
Rusty Bicycle
We are big fans of the pizzas and burgers at this Dodo pub, their hot wings are bangin’ too! This relaxed garden has picnic tables and cute colourful garden huts. Be warned – it can get very busy, walk-ins only so get in early.
📍 28 Magdalen Rd, Cowley, Oxford OX4 1RB, 01865 435298, dodopubs.com/locations/the-rusty-bicycle
The White Rabbit
Delicious pizza, good beer, and a beautiful new terrace? Of course we needed to add The White Rabbit, tucked beside Gloucester Green in the centre of Oxford, it’s perfectly placed to escape the throng of the city centre and tuck into some beer and good grub.
📍 21 Friars Entry, Oxford OX1 2BY, 01865 241177, whiterabbitoxford.co.uk
The White Hart, Wytham
A gorgeous old English pub in the village of Wytham, with a well above average gastro menu, plenty of parking, a HUGE covered terrace and cute little dining pods – perfect for groups, family, friends and a little bit of romance (should you be so inclined 😘). Plus, Wytham Woods are just around the corner, so you can build up your appetite with a walk beforehand (walking permits are required!).
📍 Wytham, Oxford OX2 8QA, 01865 244372, whitehartwytham.com
The Jolly Farmers
An LGBTQ+ pub located within easy access in the city centre, between The Westgate and Oxford Castle, plus a sun trap of a garden. They don’t serve food, but are happy for you to order takeaways to be delivered!
📍 20 Paradise St, Oxford OX1 1LD, jollyfarmers-oxford.co.uk
The Star
Another local pub that doesn’t serve food, but actively encourages you to BYO food or order in – and what a cracking garden! Many a night has been spent here by East Oxford residents – a favourite drinking hole for many.
📍 21 Rectory Rd, Cowley, Oxford OX4 1BU, 01865 492364, facebook.com/starpuboxford
The Nag’s Head
A bit further afield in Abingdon, you can find the picturesque Nag’s Head. Conveniently, there’s an outdoor bar to order from- enjoy sitting at a picnic table over looking the River Thames. Serves a decent roast and fish & chips.
📍 Abingdon OX14 3HX, 01235 524516, thenagsheadonthethames.co.uk
Have we missed any?
Feel free to recommend your favourites for the best pub gardens in oxford in the comments below if you think we’ve missed any!
What about The White Rabbit Pub? They even have heated seats for when it gets cold!
Jolly farmers paradise Street has an excellent beer garden and a great sun trap.