In celebration of pubs being able to reopen next month, the Dorset Echo takes a look at ten of the best pub gardens in the Dorchester area.
As announced, from April 12 at the earliest pubs will be able to open their beer gardens, rooftop gardens and patios across England as lockdown rules begin to ease.
And, for many, there's no better way to soak up the sun than being outside in a garden - especially one attached to a pub.
Some have sprawling blankets of beautiful green grass and flower beds sporting an array of vivid colours, while others are modern beer terraces with wooden decking and comfy outdoor seating.
The list is made from the top selections in the Dorchester area on TripAdvisor.
If we have missed a pub you think we should be featuring, let us know in the comments below!
Brewers Arms, Martinstown
The pub's Garden Bar will be open from April 16, on Fridays and Saturdays from 6pm to 10pm, Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm and Sundays from 12pm to 4pm.
Space is limited and Covid control will be in place - the pub's chef is working his magic on a new menu.
Thimble Inn, Piddlehinton
The pub, which has been offering takeaways during lockdown, plans to reopen from April 30.
Its 'attractive' beer garden has garnered many positive comments on TripAdvisor.
The pub's website says it will be offering alfresco drinking and dining (or both!) from those dates, weather permitting.
The Greyhound, Sydling St Nicholas
This pub is extremely popular for its food and offers some popular outdoor seating as well.
The dog friendly 'pretty' garden is praised on TripAdvisor. It described as 'a joy where you can enjoy the lovely lavender border and beautiful hanging baskets at the entrance.'
New Inn, West Knighton
This pub's 'nice' and 'peaceful' beer garden has 'lovely views' looking out over the Dorset countryside.
It's a popular place to spend a summer evening providing a 'lovely atmosphere'.
It's also a great place to watch the sunset and enjoy a rack of lamb, one customer said!
The Sun Inn, Lower Burton, Dorchester
The beer garden in this pub, which is especially popular for its daily carvery, is described as 'inviting'.
In addition to the garden, which has a children's playground, there is outdoor seating just outside the pub.
The pub is currently working on its weather dependent re-opening plan and will be updating its Facebook page.
Wise Man, West Stafford
The pub, which has been doing pop-up takeaway evenings during lockdown, plans to reopen on April 12 with alfresco drinks and dining.
Its peaceful beer garden is a real sun trap and is dog friendly.
Blue Vinny, Puddletown
Pub staff are looking forward to re-opening and have been asking the community what they would like to see at the pub in the summer.
Customers enjoy dining in the large garden area which has a children's play area.
Spyway Inn, Askerswell
The pub has built 'spypods' which will allow all-weather use in its beer garden. As you can see, they have a glorious view of the surrounding countryside.
The views are described by drinkers as 'breathtaking' and the garden is described as 'large' and 'idyllic' with a 'backdrop of rolling fields'.
Rivers Arms, Cheselbourne
People praise the peace and quiet offered at this recently restored and refurbished hostelry which prides itself on its real ales and offers alpine chalet accommodation.
The outdoor seating overlooks glorious Dorset countryside.
Brewhouse and Kitchen, Dorchester
This pub is currently accepting bookings for its indoor seating from May 17.
Its garden is a popular place to enjoy its craft beers.
It also has a range of 'cosy outdoor huts', plenty of shade and garden games.
Community answers
Which pub beer garden are you looking forward to returning to?
"Tell us about your favourite pub beer garden and why you love it so much!"
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Which Dorchester beer garden can't you wait to get back to?Coach House Inn in Winterbourne Abbas, great food and great staff
Add a picture if you have one!
Beer garden of Coach House Inn in Winterbourne Abbas Which Dorchester beer garden can't you wait to get back to?If the Junction turned their carpark into a beer garden, I would quite happily go there
Which Dorchester beer garden can't you wait to get back to?The Three Compasses in Charminster. Fabulous local pub with a great beer garden, run by the lovely Rob and Tina Dixon, a perfect place to get together with the friends and family we have missed during the last year. As strong supporters of local musicians they will also be holding live music gigs in the garden from April, I can't wait to get back there, my feet are tapping excitedly in anticipation!
Add a picture if you have one!
Summer gathering of the ladies skittles team Which Dorchester beer garden can't you wait to get back to?Castle inn, Lulworth
Which pub beer garden are you looking forward to returning to?
Tell us about your favourite pub beer garden and why you love it so much!
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