As we head towards sunnier days it’s time to start thinking about getting outdoors and putting those shorts on. Worcestershire has plenty of beer gardens for a spot of after work drinking and for soaking up the sun, but what better way to enjoy the weekends than sitting by the canal or riverside with friends and family? To help you decide where to go, I’ve listed some of Worcestershire’s best waterside pubs to relax and unwind this summer.
Anchor Pub & Kitchen Diglis, Worcester
The Anchor Inn is just a short walk from Worcester city centre and overlooks the Diglis Basin Marina, which connects directly to the River Severn and Diglis locks. Get down to The Anchor early to claim your spot next to the waterside, or find a seat in the Boathouse garden to enjoy panoramic views of the marina. Make sure you check out the food menu too. www.theanchorworcester.co.uk
The Mug House Inn & Restaurant, Bewdley
An inn that was built after the Old Bewdley bridge disappeared in a flood over 200 years ago, still stands proudly overlooking the River Severn today. Enjoy a selection of real ales and craft beers on the sun terrace or choose a table on the riverfront at the “Mug House” (a seventeenth century term for an alehouse). www.mughousebewdley.co.uk
The Queens Head, Bromsgrove
Overlooking the Worcestershire canal, The Queens Head at Stoke Pound serves up wood fired pizzas and barbeques from its landscaped beer garden. Hire a tepee with friends for a special occasion and continue the party into the evening around the warming fire pit. www.lovelypubs.co.uk/the-queens-head-bromsgrove
The Fish and Anchor, Offenham
The Fish and Anchor is surrounded by miles of picturesque Vale of Evesham countryside, and sits on the banks of the River Avon, just 4 miles outside of the market town itself. Traditional ales, lagers and ciders are on offer as well as a changing food menu with some great pub favourites. The campsite across the road is under the same ownership if you want to spend some time exploring the area. www.fishandanchor.co.uk
Browns at The Quay, Worcester
Although more of a bar than a pub, Browns at The Quay deserves a mention for having a prime spot on the bank of the River Severn in the heart of Worcester. Shoppers can take a load off and soak up the atmosphere with a superb view of Worcester bridge. www.brownsworcester.co.uk
The Anchor Inn, Wyre Piddle
Located on the main road in the village of Wyre Piddle near Pershore, The Anchor Inn backs onto the River Avon making it the perfect place to relax on a summer’s day. A recent change in ownership has given The Anchor a new lease of life with a focus on serving quality food. Their delicious Sunday roasts are not to be missed. www.anchorinnpershore.co.uk
The Lock Inn at Wolverley, Kidderminster
The Lock Inn is located in the village of Wolverley, a few miles from Kidderminster on the Staffordshire and Worcestershire canal. During the finer weather you can take the opportunity to relax outside the family run pub in their beer garden. Enjoy a home reared beef burger with beef sourced from the owner’s own family farm located less than a mile away, whilst admiring the views from the first floor Cowshed restaurant which over looks the canal. www.thelockinnwolverly.co.uk
The Holt Fleet, Worcester
Just on the outskirts of Worcester in Ombersley and situated on the bank of the River Severn is family owned pub The Holt Fleet. A conservatory opens out onto the patio area and gardens, and is set amongst an incredible 14 acres of its own grounds. www.theholtfleet.co.uk
Camp House Inn at Grimley, Worcester
Visit the Camp House in Grimley just outside of Worcester city centre for a pub which has plenty of rural charm. The old fashioned Grade II, 17th Century listed Inn is nestled at the end of a lane next to the river Severn on the west bank. Look out for the wandering chickens and Peacocks! www.facebook.com/camp-house
The Star Inn, Pershore
A new summer garden menu has been launched at The Star Inn Pershore, meaning its customers will be able to dine outside whilst watching the local wildlife and the River Avon meandering by. On the weekends a new bottle bar ‘The Shed’ will now be open, serving drinks into the evening. www.starinnatpershore.co.uk
Cock and Magpie, Bewdley
What better way to spend a summers evening than with a gourmet burger and G&T sat beside the riverside? If you happen to be in Bewdley then you can do both at the Cock and Magpie situated on the banks of the River Severn. www.thecockandmagpie.com
Swan Hotel, Upton-Upon-Severn
This 17th century pub and hotel in Upton upon Severn with four of their rooms overlooking the stunning views of the River Severn. Plenty of outdoor seating at The Swan Hotel makes this a very popular spot for tourists, locals and festival goers during the summer months. www.theswanhotelupton.co.uk
Diglis House Hotel, Worcester
The Diglis House Hotel is located in the heart of Worcester city centre and caters perfectly for an afternoon spent relaxing with friends next to the River Severn. Order a jug of Pimm’s, or a pitcher of beer with a delicious picnic (available during the warmer months) from the bar menu. The views can be enjoyed from the garden or from inside the riverside Conservatory Restaurant; Worcester’s only riverside dining experience. www.diglishousehotel.co.uk
The Angel Inn, Pershore
Once a posting house and coaching inn, The Angel Inn, Pershore is of Tudor origin. Although the restaurant and bar area have undergone a recent and modern refurbishment, many of the original features still remain. As well as a beer garden at the back of The Angel, a number of events take place in the gardens next to the riverside and a marquee is available to hire for special private events. www.angelpershore.co.uk
If you enjoyed this article, then take a look at my list of The Best Riverside Pubs in Herefordshire.
For more ideas of where to eat and drink across the Three Counties, take a look at the food & drink directory.
{Article last updated March 2023}