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Six of the best pub gardens around Salisbury

There’s nothing quite like a cold pint or a chilled glass of wine in a country pub garden when the sun’s out. Luckily, we’re spoilt for choice around Salisbury and nearby villages.

Here are six of our favourite pubs with gardens that are well worth a visit – whether you live nearby or are just passing through.

The Compasses Inn, Lower Chicksgrove

The Compasses in Tisbury is a cosy thatched pub that ticks all the boxes. Inside, it’s full of character with flagstone floors and low beams. There’s a peaceful, flower-filled space out the back with picnic benches and views across the fields. It’s dog-friendly, child-friendly, and now and then you might see a chicken or two wandering about! The seasonal menu includes local lamb, trout, and a good Sunday roast.

The Queen’s Head, Broad Chalke

In the middle of the Chalke Valley, The Queen’s Head is a proper village pub with a warm feel. It has garden tables overlooking a stream and plenty of space to stretch out.

It’s a good stop-off if you’re walking or cycling in the area. The menu covers everything from pub favourites to more modern dishes, and there’s lots of local produce on offer. There’s even a little shop and café inside the pub itself, so you can pick something up for later.

The Bridge Inn, Upper Woodford

If you’re after a riverside spot, The Bridge Inn in Upper Woodford is hard to beat. Right on the banks of the River Avon, it has a large grassy beer garden with a few picnic benches under the trees, and dogs are welcome. The menu is classic pub food with generous portions, like scampi and chips, steak and ale pie, and a cracking Sunday roast.

The Royal Oak, Swallowcliffe

Just outside Tisbury, The Royal Oak is a smart but relaxed pub that’s recently had a lovely refurbishment. The food is a bit more gastropub-style, but it still feels like a proper local.

The garden is terraced and looks out over the valley — perfect for a summer evening. There are tables, umbrellas, and plenty of room. Dogs are welcome here too, and the menu often includes things like wild mushroom risotto, burrata, or slow-cooked pork belly.

The Lamb, Hindon

A little further out towards Shaftesbury is The Lamb in Hindon. The country pub has multiple outdoor spaces, including a lawn with picnic benches, wrap around terrace, courtyard garden and even a petanque pitch if you fancy a game!

It’s a la carte menu can be enjoyed outside, and you can avoid the queues at the bar by ordering your favourites direct to your table. They offer summer packages for large groups if you’re planning a get-together with family or friends.

The Fox & Goose, Coombe Bissett

Just a short drive from Salisbury, The Fox & Goose has a big garden that’s great for soaking up the sun. It’s surrounded by fields and hills, so it feels rural without being far from town.

There’s a lovely mix of shady spots under the trees and sunny tables out on the lawn, and it’s all very relaxed and welcoming. Dogs are made to feel just as at home as their owners, and the menu is full of hearty pub classics with a few seasonal specials added.