As the days grow chilly and the nights draw in, there's a certain magic to alfresco winter dining with family and friends. Twinkling lights, roaring log burners, candlelit dinners, spiced mulled tipples, and thick woollen throws to keep you warm.

A lot of the inns within our Collection have turned their gardens into sparkling winter wonderlands, ready to welcome you for warming drinks, joyful dinners, and bundles of festive spirit. Think heated tipis, wooden pods, winter cabins and more. Discover eight across England below.

All inns with alfresco winter dining >

1. The Northgate, Suffolk

Hidden in the historic market town of Bury St Edmunds, this impressive Suffolk gem prizes luxurious surroundings, top-quality food, and a carefully curated cocktail menu.

Dine under the stars in their Winter Garden Tipi with mulled wine, hot chocolate, flame heaters and faux furs to keep you warm.

2. The Packhorse Inn, Suffolk

A marvellous country inn with a stylish interior and bedrooms full of charm. With a big drinking trade, buzzing bar and gastropub-feel, this is a popular choice with the locals, bolstered by its prime location in horse racing country.

Escape to their Winter Garden Tipi, adorned with twinkling trees and a roaring log burner, and melt into their festive menu, featuring hearty seasonal dishes and warming winter drinks.

3. Banyers House, Hertfordshire

Formerly Royston's Georgian Rectory and one of the town's most iconic buildings, this Grade II listed pub with rooms draws in both loyal locals and lovers of good food and drink from further afield.

Enjoy dinner and drinks under twinkling lights in one of your own heated OakPods with an integrated music system and a 'call for service' button.

4. The Greyhound on the Test, Hampshire

Former Hotel du Vin chef and much-loved pub operator Lucy Townsend has transformed this 15th century building in Stockbridge, England's fly-fishing capital, into a civilised country inn with plenty of passion and panache. Its gorgeous garden backs onto the River Test.

5. The Swan Inn, Somerset

Serving the community for over 300 years since first opening its doors as an ale house, The Swan is part of the niche Stay Original group of pubs which boasts a winning combination of boutique swagger with a real sense of heritage and period charm.

Out the back you'll find a leafy terrace adorned with fairy lights and a roaring outdoor log burner. Sip on warm drinks wrapped in thick throws and enjoy the peaceful garden views.

6. The Durham Ox, North Yorkshire

Sitting atop the hill of 'Grand Old Duke of York' fame in the heart of beautiful Crayke, Michael & Sasha Ibbotson's unassuming 300-year-old inn affords stunning views across the Vale of York from the rear cottage bedrooms and the garden.

Dine under the stars with a wood burning stove, heaters and thick throws to keep you warm. Plus, every hour is happy hour through December. Cheers to that!

7. The Three Hills, Cambridgeshire

At the heart of a tiny estate village, within easy reach of Newmarket and Cambridge, this striking 17th century Grade II listed inn stands close to the walls of Bartlow Park, boasting stylish interiors, inventive food and six cosy bedrooms.

Make the most of the fabulous patio (covered, heated and lit in winter) in the beautiful, landscaped garden at the back. Dishes evolve with the seasons and make sound use of the rich larder on the doorstep, including game and venison from surrounding estates.

8. The Lion Inn, Gloucestershire

Nestled in the heart of the picture-postcard medieval village of Winchcombe, this 500-year-old inn combines heritage and modern-day comforts to deliver a relaxed yet charming place to wine, dine and stay overnight.

In the pretty pub garden, discover four individual heated cabins and a twinkling tipi, perfect places for meeting friends and family this festive season. Look out for their new fondu and hot cocktail menus!

Last updated: 17.12.21