The Stag on the River, Lower Eashing

The Stag on the River near Godalming in Surrey

We’re big fans of this 18th century pub perched on the banks of the Wey in Lower Eashing near Godalming. There’s a lovely terrace and grassy area – perfect for families. Expect good gastropub food locally sourced enjoyed on the patio overlooking the River. And if you fancy staying over, why not book into one of the boutique bedrooms.

The White Cross, Richmond

Located right on the banks of the Thames, no visit to Richmond is complete without a visit to this historic pub with water views. Whether you’re after lunch on the Thames (or sometimes in it!), sundowners at sunset, a Sunday roast with loved ones or a prosecco to watch the paddleboarders – they got it covered.

The Anglers, Walton

Walton’s wharf was built in the 17th century to accommodate barges and is still used today by the Hampton Court ferry. The pub dates from 1870 and is a friendly local popular with passing walkers and cyclists. Enjoy the fabulous view from the front terrace and upstairs dining area while you indulge in great pub grub.

Thames Court, Shepperton

Originally a private residence for the Dutch Ambassador, this grand boozer is still adorned with gorgeous hand painted Delft tiling and oak panelling inside. But its stunning riverside setting and gardens are really worth a visit – enjoy seasonal dishes, hearty favourites and country pub classics plus plenty of British brands behind the bar.

The Boatyard, Yalding, Kent

This contemporary waterside restaurant and al fresco dining area is a hidden gem in Maidstone, Kent and overlooks Twyford Bridge, one of the finest medieval bridges in the south-east. It’s the perfect destination for everything from a quick bite to eat to family dining next to Hampstead Lock and the River Medway. Watch the kayaks glide past as you enjoy pub classics and cocktails.

Worplesdon Place, Perry Hill

The terrace at Worplesdon Place in Perry Hill, Surrey

Set on two acres of beautiful gardens overlooking it’s very own swan lake, Worplesdon Place is a pretty perfect place to escape the daily grind. Put your feet up and enjoy classic pub faves – think beer battered cod and triple cooked chips to a proper Sunday roast. There’s a great gin menu too. Oh, and rooms, in case you fancy making a night of it! Just sayin’!

The White House, Guildford

Step up one of the finest pubs in Guildford for sunny summer days! The White House provides stunning views over the River Wey from the terraces – slip on your shades and sit back with G&T in the terrace garden, or hire the private roof terrace above for a celebratory soiree in the sun! Food includes everything from sharing plates to light bites.

The Mitre, Hampton Court

The terrace at The Mitre in Hampton Court.

Wow – alfresco riverside dining at it’s most chic on the terraces at The Mitre in Hampton Court. This refined yet relaxed hotel houses The Coppernose café and wine bar, the 1665 brasserie, and the Whispering Angel, their riverside boathouse bar. You can even skipper your own electric boat.

The Swan, Walton-on-Thames

Riverside views, a sun-soaked garden and huts for hire – The Swan is perfectly positioned for water views. There’s a traditional gastropub menu that includes faves like steak and triple-cooked chips, beer-battered cod and a smoked haddock and prawn fish pie, plus a burger shack. There are three garden huts for hire, each one kitted out with sofas and coffee table and enough space for about eight people. No need to book for outside tables.

The Inn on the Pond, Nutfield

The inn on the pond at Nutfield in Surrey

This is your quintessential English pub in a pretty rural setting surrounded by fields and marshes, and overlooking the Nutfield cricket pitch and the eponymous pond. It’s popular with both walkers and cyclists – it’s on the National Cycle Route 21 – expect traditional food and excellent choice of real ales.

The Weyside, Guildford

Perched on the River Wey just a stone’s throw from the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (so handy for a pre-theatre cocktail) is the Weyside Inn. There’s a big beer garden fabulous views of the water and heated huts for those days when there’s a bit of a chill. There’s a dedicated River Kitchen menu offering things like burgers and salads. And as it’s just down river from the Guildford Rowing Club you’ll most likely see plenty of boating action.

The Albany, Thames Ditton

A stylish gastropub with a glorious terrace overlooking the Thames just down stream from Hampton Court, and also an easy distance away from Bushy Park, so the perfect place to refuel if you’re on a day out. Food is classic gastropub fare but there’s an extensive vegan menu too. Book in for their live music and bubbles evenings.

The Bridge Hotel, Chertsey

With cracking views over the Thames, rooms if you fancy an overnighter, and great gastropub food The Bridge Hotel is onto a winner. And when the weather turns a bit chilly, come in from the outdoor terrace and enjoy the views in the conservatory. Boom!

The Wiremill, Lingfield

A former winner of the Muddy Awards Best Boutique Stay, The Wiremill, is lovely pub tucked away down country lanes. You may even wonder where you’re going, but behold this beauty is sitting on a gorgeous lake that’s a hive of wildlife activity in the summer. But who are we kidding, you’re not there for the birds and the dragonflies, it’s the view and the food. And if you can’t drag yourself away, you can always stay the night.

The Runnymede on Thames, Egham

As well as a lovely outdoor terrace overlooking the River Thames this chic spot boasts the River Hideout a riverside pergola with burgers, homemade pizzas, and salads on the menu, The Runnymede also offers a picnics complete with hamper and rug plus Pimms served from a cool chrome Airstream trailer.

The Mill, Elstead

A converted corn mill sitting right on the banks of the Wey with a lovely riverside garden where you’re sure to see plenty of ducks and swans swimming by and alfresco events include live Shakespeare. Food is excellent, especially the Sunday roasts, and there’s a decent choice of drinks with ales on tap and an extensive wine list.

The Anchor, Pyrford

Plonked right on the banks of the Wey Navigation Canal, not far from the gorgeous RHS Wisley gardens, The Anchor and its riverside garden is nothing short of delightful. You’ll need to be swift though – or lucky – to get a table outside on a sunny day. It’s a great place to park the car, take a wander along the river to work up an appetite, then kick back with your Pimms and watch the narrowboats go past. And reeeeeeelax!

The Bingham Riverhouse, Richmond

For class, character and gorgeous river views, plus the option to make a weekend of it, The Bingham has it all. Sip on a classic cocktail and watch the river world go by. If days are cool, keep cosy under the terrace canopy or hire a garden dome and feast on the uninterrupted Thames view. Events include live DJ’s and workshops. Perfecto.

The Boaters Inn, Kingston

The boaters inn, kingston river views, gastropup

The name says it all, but what you may not glean is that this pub is also set within a park, the pretty Canbury Gardens. The riverside beer garden backs directly onto the park and a west-facing balcony – perfect for watching the sun go down.

The Greyhound, Carshalton

Fun fact. Ten years after eloping with Mr M, we renewed our vows – and the Greyhound is where we held our reception (or party, as I prefer to call it). The pub looks over the Carshalton Ponds, and as well as serving a good choice of pub grub, they also have rooms.

In the mood for a Sunday roast? Here’s our edit of the best in Surrey.

Water view! 20 wonderful waterside eats

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