Pub Gardens and Pints Near Alconbury Weald
As the days grow longer and the sun lingers just a little later into the evening, there’s nothing quite like a good pub garden. Whether it’s for a crisp local pint, a wood-fired pizza, or simply soaking in the buzz of weekend conversation, the Cambridgeshire countryside is dotted with welcoming pubs just a short drive from Alconbury Weald. Some are tucked into villages, others border open fields, but all share that essential combination: a friendly atmosphere, well-kept ale, and a place to sit outdoors with good company.
We make a point of trying them ourselves, and here are some of our favourite pub gardens in Cambridgeshire.
The Three Horseshoes, Madingley – This 17th-century thatched pub is set in the picturesque village of Madingley, about half an hour from Alconbury Weald, but worth the drive for its walled garden alone. It’s quietly elegant without being showy, and the team here understands how to deliver consistently good food alongside a thoughtful beer and wine list. You can take a table under the pergola or spread out on the lawn and make a lazy afternoon of it. Their seasonal menus are well-balanced, and the Sunday roasts are among the best we’ve tried.
The Crown Inn, Broughton – Much closer to home, The Crown Inn at Broughton is a charming local with a surprisingly expansive garden and a great atmosphere. Only around ten minutes from Alconbury Weald, it’s ideal for a Friday night drink after work or a relaxed family lunch at the weekend. There’s a rotating choice of ales and ciders, and their focus on sourcing locally pays off in flavour and freshness. They often host quiz nights and community events too, you may even find live music in the garden during summer months.
The Royal Oak, Hail Weston – Just west of St Neots and around 20 minutes’ drive from Alconbury Weald, The Royal Oak in Hail Weston is a classic English pub in every sense; Dog-friendly, family-welcoming, and with a large garden that borders open farmland. It’s a firm favourite with locals for its relaxed approach and high standards. Their garden space is generous, well-kept, and ideal for summer evenings, and the kitchen prides itself on creating modern dishes with traditional roots. Keep an eye out for their guest ale boards and they often feature smaller regional breweries you might not have tried before.
The Three Tuns, Fen Drayton – Fen Drayton is known for its nature reserve, but just a short walk from the lakes is The Three Tuns, a popular and unpretentious pub with a proper beer garden, picnic benches, and a reputation for doing the simple things well. The building itself is Grade II listed, full of rustic character, and if the weather isn’t playing ball, the interior is every bit as comforting. If you’re combining your pint with a walk through the reserve, it makes for a satisfying and scenic outing; The kind of day that reminds you why Cambridgeshire is such a good place to call home.
The Exhibition, Godmanchester – For something with a slightly livelier feel, The Exhibition in Godmanchester has both a spacious outdoor area and a calendar full of events. From live music to food truck evenings, it draws a crowd, but never feels overcrowded. Their bar is well stocked, with a mix of well-known favourites and rotating craft options, and they make a point of supporting local suppliers. It’s a short and simple drive from Alconbury Weald, and we often recommend it to new residents looking for a good introduction to the area’s social side.
Huntingdon Beer Festival – For those with a true appreciation for ale, lager, cider, or something new, the Huntingdon Beer Festival is set to return this summer with an impressive line-up of local and regional brews. Held annually at the Commemoration Hall, just a short distance from Alconbury Weald, the event brings together breweries from across East Anglia and beyond. Expect hand-pulled ales, craft lagers, and flavoured ciders, alongside live music, street food, and a lively local crowd. Whether you’re the kind who takes tasting notes or you’re simply there for a cold pint in a buzzing atmosphere, it’s one for the calendar. Keep an eye on the CAMRA Huntingdonshire branch for exact dates and ticket info, and we recommend going early if you’ve got your eye on a particular small-batch brew. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
At Alconbury Weald, we’re proud to be part of a community that’s not only growing, but thriving. With excellent transport links, green spaces, and beautifully designed homes, it’s a location that continues to offer more with each season. And when you add in evenings like these, a short walk or a quick drive to a favourite beer garden, a table under the trees, and a pint poured just right, you realise that this lifestyle is already waiting here for you.
Explore our fine new homes for sale, many available for immediate occupation, and come and see how life at Alconbury Weald might suit you. Book your personal viewing today.