Surrey has the Wey, the Mole and the Thames running through it, so a good pub garden here very often comes with water. These four are chosen for what the garden gives you: meadow views, a stream for children, a canal to watch, or a terrace stepping down to the river.
The Stag on the River, Eashing, near Godalming
Lower Eashing sits just off the A3, on the banks of the River Wey (postcode GU7 2QG). It is a pub, restaurant and boutique B&B. Surrey Live reports that it ranked ninth in Locals Insider's 2026 list of the UK's best beer gardens, with views across the Wey water meadows of the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Good Hotel Guide singles out a covered waterside area as the best seat, with the river trickling in the background. That makes it a sound choice if the weather is uncertain.
What to order: the Good Hotel Guide praised the gochujang-glazed pork belly with watermelon salad and the scallops with nduja, and noted portions on the elegant side. The Biscoff cheesecake with vanilla ice cream and caramelised banana got a mention too. SquareMeal lists a nduja-and-mascarpone flatbread and bang bang tiger prawns, and the house ale is brewed at its own Tilford Brewery, according to Tripadvisor. Pizzas are served in summer.
Suits: couples, friends and dog owners. Dogs are welcome, with a dog menu in the bar and garden, and there are log fires indoors for cooler days. Details at the pub's own site.
The Drummond at Albury, Albury, near Guildford
On The Street in Albury (GU5 9AG), this Peach Pubs gastropub with bedrooms has a large rear lawn with picnic tables. At the bottom of the garden the River Tillingbourne runs shallow and stony, which Surrey Live describes as a free paddling spot for children. Bring water shoes or wellies. The garden is dog-friendly.
CAMRA describes a 19th-century pub once owned by the Duke of Northumberland, with its own brewery until 1910, and it lists cask ales and 11 en suite rooms. The Drummond was nominated for Best Pub Garden at the Great British Pub Awards 2023. CAMRA says it serves seasonal food with daily specials, so ask what is on the board. Booking is on 01483 202039 or via its website.
Suits: families with children who will happily spend an hour in a stream, and anyone wanting a long lunch followed by a stay.
The Anchor, Pyrford Lock, near Woking
On Lock Lane at Pyrford Lock (GU23 6QW), The Anchor has a large terrace overlooking the Wey Navigation, where you can watch canal life go by, according to Surrey Live, which also calls it family friendly. It sits between Pyrford and Wisley golf clubs, and some drivers pass it on the way to RHS Wisley. CAMRA notes that the ruins of Newark Priory can be seen from the canal footpath nearby.
It is a food-focused Hall & Woodhouse pub with two regular Hall & Woodhouse ales. CAMRA says it is dog-friendly, with level access and an accessible WC, and warns that it can get very busy in summer, especially in the evenings and at weekends. Go at lunchtime on a weekday if you want a quieter table. Read more in the CAMRA entry.
Suits: walkers on the towpath, families, and anyone combining lunch with a trip to Wisley.
The Weyside, Millbrook, Guildford
South of the town centre on the River Wey (GU1 3XJ), The Weyside is a Young's pub with terraced seating down to the river and a conservatory. It stands next to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre and a short stroll from the shops, so it works for a pre-theatre lunch. Surrey Live says it gives views up and down the river and describes a refurbishment inside and out, and the pub claims the best Sunday roast in Guildford.
On cask, CAMRA lists Young's London Original (3.7%) and London Special (4.5%). Young's includes it on its own list of the best pub gardens in Surrey, and its Christmas page shows a barn, boathouses and a Garden Room, which hints at extra outdoor and party space. See Young's list.
Suits: Guildford shoppers and theatregoers who want a river view without leaving town.
Choosing between them
Meadow views and a covered waterside seat: The Stag on the River.
Children and a paddling stream: The Drummond at Albury.
Canal watching and a walk: The Anchor at Pyrford Lock.
Town centre with a river terrace: The Weyside, Guildford.
Opening hours and menus change, so check with the pub before you set off, particularly for Sunday lunch and on warm weekends.
