SOUTH WEST

THE LAMB INN AT SANDFORD Devon

The Lamb has gone to great lengths to make sure everyone feels safe; there are 50 seats spread around the courtyard and sun deck, including Covidsecure booths to soak up the country garden atmosphere. Dartmoor waits nearby, but you’ll have to tear yourself away from lunch and a local pint. Open daily.

[ THE WHEATSHEAF Chilton Foliat, Wiltshire

Deep in Wiltshire’s horse-racing country, the Wheatsheaf – thatched, 1750s – sits in a peaceful village. The pretty garden gets the best of the sun and grows much of the kitchen produce. Enjoy lunch or dinner from the outdoor wood-fired oven; chef Ollie is a former MasterChef finalist. Open Wed-Sat.

[ THE POTTING SHED PUB Malmesbury, Wiltshire

This place is 21st-century pub heaven disguised as a quiet village inn. Visitors this spring will be treated to a beautifully refreshed pub garden and new seasonal menu for lunch and dinner. For a quick drink, they will be continuing the popular Potting Shed takeaway, including bottled cocktails from the Rectory, for table service or to go. Open daily.

[ CROWN & ANCHOR Ham, Wiltshire

Enjoy the terrace with a 35-seat capacity and a stretched tent covering it. This is a great post-walk stop after a stomp on the Wayfarer’s Walk or the Test Way – bring the dog, too. Sip a G&T on the terrace or tuck into the varied menu, from pub classics to something more elaborate. For cooler days (and nights) there are outdoor heaters and even hot water bottles and blankets. Open Thurs-Sun.

[ THE GURNARD’S HEAD Zennor, Cornwall

The coastline is magical and the hike to St Ives hard to beat. Secret beaches appear at low tide and wild flowers streak the land pink in summer. As for the pub, you couldn’t hope for better. Enjoy light bites, coffees and local ales in the garden – there’s a new marquee in case the weather turns. Open daily.

[ THE LITTON, near Wells, Somerset

Perfectly placed for Bath and Bristol, tucked into the Mendips is this pretty village inn with an abundance of options for al fresco drinks or dining. Head for the large landscaped garden with the "Neighbar" – a converted horse box serving draught beers next to the BBQ or the courtyard – and Riverside Terrace. Both have a firepit, heaters and blankets if there’s a chill in the air. Open daily.

Warm up at the Crown & Anchor with outdoor heaters and blankets

The Potting Shed Pub has given its beer garden a refresh