After two weeks of glorious sunshine, the UK has been greeted with a return of grey skies and rainfall. However, we're keeping our fingers crossed for the sun to make a comeback so we can visit one of Cornwall's many beautiful beer gardens and outdoor drinking spots for a pint in the sun. We've compiled a list of our top pub gardens and sun traps, and have scoured all the reviews on TripAdvisor to curate a list of the best places to gather with family and friends for a drink or a meal. Of course, the list below is not exhaustive but we are fortunate to have a huge variety of fantastic pubs and restaurants in Cornwall. Best beer gardens in west Cornwall The Sloop Inn, St Ives The Sloop in St Ives is legendary for its meat raffles in winter and its sun deck in summer. Rammed with visitors on a sunny day, it's the perfect spot to watch the world go by. Tinners Arms, Zennor Take the world's most beautiful road (OK, so we're a bit biased but it is amazing) between St Ives and Land's End and you'll find the Tinners' Arms, probably rammed on a sunny day because, well, it's just lovely. Gurnards Head, Zennor Walk a mile down the road and you'll find another great garden but if it's a nice day you'll have to get there early as it's incredibly popular. The food's not bad either. Coastguards, Mousehole Beautiful beer garden overlooking one of the prettiest coastal villages in Cornwall. Come for the views, stay for the food. And then head to the little harbour beach after for a spot of crabbing or a play on the sand. The First and Last Inn, Sennen The most southwesterly pub in mainland England, this historic boozer has a great beer garden and also a children's play area. It is said to be one of the most legendary inns in Britain and a haven for smugglers and shipwreckers since the 17th century. You can enjoy home-cooked food using fresh local ingredients, real ales and live music by a roaring log fire inside or if the weather’s a little warmer, you can take your drinks outside in the sheltered beer garden at the back of the pub. Best beer gardens in mid-Cornwall Driftwood Spars, St Agnes What a spot! Overlooking St Agnes beach, perched above the shoreline, the Drifty has not one but two beer gardens. The lower garden is in the car park, the cliffside garden - also used as a perfect wedding venue - is probably one of the best places in Cornwall to enjoy a pint in the sun. Pandora Inn, Restronguet This place is sublime. Sit on the deck and watch the boats go by on Restronguet Creek, set amongst some of the most expensive homes in Cornwall. You'll never want to leave. The Working Boat Pub, Falmouth The Working Boat is said to be a 'proper pub' on the waterfront where you can sink a few on Cornish time whilst admiring the view across Falmouth harbour. Shipwrights Arms, Helford Stunning views over the Helford estuary and a really lovely place to enjoy a glass of wine in the sunshine. The Watering Hole, Perranporth Not a beer garden but a beer beach. A favourite in Cornwall. Best beer gardens in north Cornwall Fort Inn, Newquay Situated on the fringe of Newquay’s vibrant town centre and enjoying stunning views along the coast, the Fort Inn is a family-friendly pub that’s recently undergone a refurbishment. Bowgie Inn, West Pentire The Bowgie Inn and Terrace is perched on the cliff-top overlooking Crantock Beach, boasting stunning views over West Pentire headland. With the South West Coast Path running right past the doorstep – Bowgie Inn makes the perfect start, mid or end point to your Cornish adventures. The Cornish Arms, St Merryn Rick Stein's pub, the Cornish Arms at St Merryn, is a country pub with some of the best pub food in Cornwall. Throughout the summer months, its beer garden welcomes a woodfired pizza menu, making the perfect addition to an alfresco supper in the Cornish sunshine with a glass of something cold. St Kew Inn, Bodmin A traditional pub with food to die for. Roaring fires in winter and a beautiful beer garden set amongst the trees to enjoy a summer lunch out. Last year, it was hailed as having the best roast in Cornwall, in the South West England category in The Good Food Guide's Top 50 Best Sunday Roasts 2024 list. The Falcon Inn, St Mawgan Nestled in the picturesque village of St Mawgan, The Falcon Inn is a traditional village pub with a roaring fire, wooden beams and an award winning garden. According to its website, the pub believes in "serving good-quality, home cooked food alongside offering excellent, friendly service." The Three Pilchards, Polperro Be warned, it's up 13 steep steps but the beer garden is worth it with views out to sea described as "amazing". Want the latest Cornwall breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join CornwallLive on WhatsApp and we'll send breaking news and top stories directly to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.