When the sun is shining, we think there’s no better place to relax than in one of these amazing pub gardens in Windsor! Come and find out our favourites, including some lovely local spots.
There’s something about Windsor in the sunshine that gives you a thirst for a cold pint or a refreshing G+T. Well, that’s how we feel after living here for a while anyway! We see a pub garden trip as a great reward after a stroll along The Long Walk or a leisurely mooch along the Thames.
Plus, let’s face it, the summer months can be pretty busy in Windsor. While there are some great pub gardens right in the centre, we’re happy to share a few of our favourite spots just beyond, too. Some of these are more local spots, in residential streets. You’ll get to soak up a bit of the real Windsor life, rather than simply mingling with other tourists talking about their trips to Windsor Castle!
As locals, we’ve made it our mission to find the best places to make the most of those warm afternoons. There are pretty waterside spots like The Boatman, with its unbeatable river views. We’re big fans of historic pub, The Two Brewers, which is moments from the gates of Windsor Great Park and The Long Walk.
But, we also adore pubs away from the hubbub of the town centre, such as The Vansittart Arms, with its laid-back local feel, or The Alma, where the beer garden is so big you might lose your mates after a few rounds!
We’ll even admit that the Wetherspoons (yes, that one next to the castle) has a surprisingly decent garden if you’re on a budget.
So, whether you’re a local looking to try somewhere new or you’re on a day trip and want some top tips, our guide to the best pub gardens in Windsor will come in handy. It’s been a hard job researching this one (!) but we did it for you guys!
9 Best Pub Gardens in Windsor
The Boatman
10 Thames Side, Windsor SL4 1QN
Can you believe this is Windsor’s only pub right on the river? The Boatman boasts a large outdoor terrace with beautiful views over the Thames. You can sit back and enjoy a meal or a drink while watching boats drift by.
We find this pub gets really busy on sunny days, so you might find you’re fighting people for a table! It’s a lovely spot all the same. Book ahead if you can.
The Two Brewers
34 Park Street, Windsor SL4 1LB
With a building dating back to 1709, The Two Brewers is one of Windsor’s oldest pubs. It’s full of character and charm, but I should warn you – it’s tiny! There are a handful of tables inside, plus a few benches out on the street. While it’s not a proper pub garden, if you can bag one of those outdoor tables, it’s an amazing people watching spot!
It’s in an ideal location for visiting the town centre or The Long Walk.
The Royal Windsor
4–5 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PL
If you’re looking for somewhere right in the middle of town, but with a peaceful setting, we’re big fans of The Royal Windsor. It’s a stone’s throw from Windsor Castle, the River Thames and the train stations. But, the garden is a little bit tucked away! You won’t realise until you step through the pub to the back, that it boasts one of the best pub garden views in Windsor. Yes, the castle is right there, towering over it!
It’s a great option for drinks after a day of sightseeing. It’s also dog-friendly. Food is on the pricey side, but the menu is varied and the quality is decent. Inside, the pub has a modern gastro-pub vibe. There’s also a pizza menu, although if you’re craving pizza in Windsor, we have other recommendations for Italian restaurants!
The George Inn
77 High Street, Eton, Windsor SL4 6AF
While we’re mainly sharing our favourite pub gardens in Windsor, this one is just over the bridge and Eton and is definitely worthy of a mention. The George Inn is a characterful 18th-century pub and has a charming beer garden tucked behind the building. It’s a large space with lots of tables, and one that’s a great option if you’re struggling for availability over the river.
The menu features all the hearty pub classics you’d expect (sausage and mash, fish and chips, Sunday roasts). It’s also the flagship pub of the Windsor and Eton Brewery, so you can try some local ales while you’re there!
The King and Castle
15–16 Thames Street, Windsor SL4 1PL
Across the street from Windsor Castle and moments from Windsor and Eton Central train station, The King and Castle is often overlooked. Why? Because it’s a Wetherspoons! We’re keener to fly the flag for local, independent spots, but this one does have a great pub garden at the back and it’s seconds from the action.
As you’d expect, the prices are ridiculously low. It’s also a really good option for families with lots of hungry mouths to feed.
Many alcoholic drinks will give you change for £5. You can even get a full English breakfast for £4! This Windsor pub garden backs onto the tennis courts and the diamond jubilee water fountains. Windsor really is full of surprises!
The Windsor Trooper
97 St Leonard’s Road, Windsor SL4 3BZ
Head along Peascod Street and continue onto St Leonard’s Road, and you’ll eventually reach The Windsor Trooper. This definitely feels just far enough away from the town’s tourist attractions to have more of a neighbourhood feel.
The garden space along the side and back of the pub is quite spacious, with lots of seating. The pub sometimes hosts special parties and festivals in the summer months too, so keep an eye on the website for what’s on.
The Vansittart Arms
105 Vansittart Road, Windsor SL4 5DD
This is one of our favourite Windsor pub gardens! The Vansittart Arms is on a residential street around 10-minutes from the town centre. It’s a bit of a local favourite, with a spacious and peaceful pub garden (with a range of seating options) plus an appealing menu of food and drinks.
It’s great for families, and is dog-friendly, too. This is another pub that hosts events and specials throughout the week, including quiz nights, poker nights, pie and pints, steak offers and more! It’s one of the best pub gardens in Windsor for a laid-back afternoon with friends or family.
The Prince Albert
2 Clewer Hill Road, Windsor SL4 4BS
If you’re ready to leave the centre behind, The Prince Albert is a friendly local pub in the south of the town. It’s moments from pathways leading into the rugged fields of Windsor Great Park, so can be a great option if you’re planning a pub and a walk.
There’s a pub garden, which also has a covered seating area with heaters for cooler days. This pub also has accommodation, which makes it popular for families visiting Legoland Windsor.
The Alma
61 Springfield Road, Windsor SL4 3PQ
This is one of our closest pubs, so we’ve been there a lot! The Alma is a community pub on Springfield Road, around 20-minutes’ walk from the centre of town. It’s on a pretty residential street, and boasts one of the largest beer gardens in Windsor.
It’s not a touristy spot, so it’s a great place to rub shoulders with the locals. Prices are a little more reasonable than some of the central pubs too.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our guide to the best pub gardens in Windsor. We love the variety here. You could pick a tranquil riverside spot for a romantic date, a family-friendly spot with crowd-pleasing food, or a lively beer garden for a big session! There’s something for everyone.
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