Now that summer has well and truly kicked off, it’s now time to flock to a beer garden with your friends, soak up some sun rays and knock back some alfresco drinks. If you and your besties are on the hunt for a regular spot to head to this summer, we’ve put together this list of the best York beer gardens to visit in 2024. The best part is, these vibrant outdoor spaces are conveniently located just a short stroll away from your student flat. So, all you need to do is sit back, relax and let the group chat know which haunt you’re heading to!

1. Spark: York

Spark: York is a buzzing destination which houses numerous Yorkshire traders inside upcycled shipping containers. For those on the hunt for a unique outdoor spot to enjoy some alfresco drinks, this place is it, and it’s located in the heart of the city on Piccadilly. At this modern venue you can choose from a wide range of food and drink options from around the world. After a nice refreshing pint of craft beer? Head to The Outpost, or if a handcrafted cocktail is more your style, you can order from BOHO Bar. There’s a huge array of seating both upstairs and down at this cool spot, so you and your pals are sure to find somewhere to soak up the sunshine!

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Address: 17-21 Piccadilly, York YO1 9PB

2. The Fat Badger

The Fat Badger is a 17th century pub which faces the original city walls and can be found on a narrow lane just a few minutes walk from York Minster. If you’re keen to enjoy a little piece of history with a cold pint in your hand, their beer garden is the place to be. You can sip on real ales from local breweries whilst enjoying the great views overlooking the Minster - it doesn’t get much better than that! When the sun goes down, their glorious outdoor space has the perfect ambiance with twinkling fairy lights setting the scene. Plus, they also serve local, seasonal food if you’re feeling peck-ish, so make sure to take a visit this summer.

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Address: 2-4 High Petergate, York YO1 7EH

3. The Fossgate Social

If you love intimate hangouts, then you simply have to check out The Fossgate Social. This fiercely independent venue may be small in size, but it’s become a popular spot for both students and locals alike since opening 7 years ago. With two beer gardens, this place is one to get stuck into this summer with your friends. Whether you go for a speciality cocktail or a pint of craft beer, you can toast to the good times in their lively seating out front, or in their leafy terrace. They’re open until late everyday of the week, so you can’t go wrong with a visit here!

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Address: 25 Fossgate, York YO1 9TA

4. The Star Inn The City

Nestled on the banks of the River Ouse, The Star Inn The City is a must-visit for those wanting to indulge in some alfresco drinking this summer. Situated inside an Old Engine House, The Star Inn offers one of the best riverside terraces in York, with plenty of seating and an extensive drinks menu. Sit and soak up the views of boats along the river whilst enjoying a glass of wine, a cocktail or a beer, depending on what you fancy!

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Address: Lendal Engine House, Museum St, York YO1 7DR

5. Dyls Cafe Bar

Dyls Cafe Bar is housed in a truly unique location within the iconic Motor House on Skeldergate Bridge. This much-loved cafe bar is the perfect place for a catch up over some drinks, with plenty of artisan gins, bespoke wines and creative cocktails to choose from. If you’re having a gals day out, be sure to order their sharing summer jugs and head out to watch the world go by from their leafy terrace, overlooking the River Ouse and Clifford’s Tower. When hunger strikes, they serve scrumptious brunch dishes, which is all the more reason to take a visit!

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Address: Skeldergate Bridge, York YO1 9WJ

6. The Guy Fawkes Inn

Searching around for York beer gardens to relax in the sunshine with a drink in hand? The Guy Fawkes is one you should definitely visit. This mediaeval inn was the birthplace of the infamous gunpowder plotter Guy Fawkes and stands in the shadow of the York Minster, offering the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle. Even their outdoor space has an oldie worldie feel to it, making it a great place to sip on a cool drink and while away the hours. There’s an extensive choice of wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails to try, so head on down!

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Address: 25 High Petergate, York YO1 7HP

7. The Phoenix Inn

If a traditional pub atmosphere is what you’re after, you’re sure to find it at The Phoenix Inn. Situated on George Street, this little 18th century pub overlooks the city walls and prides itself on being a space free of the distractions of jukeboxes, mobile phones, gaming machines and TVs. Their stunning paved beer garden is the ideal spot for a quiet drink, although it’s not the biggest of outdoor spaces so tables do get nabbed up fast. They’re open until late everyday of the week with live music at night so the fun can continue into the evening!

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Address: 75 George St, York YO1 9PT

8. The Swan

The Swan is a Grade II listed historic pub located just outside the historic city walls. With a unique history and a friendly atmosphere, it’s not hard to see why so many people love this award winning pub. There’s few better places to enjoy a few drinks than the picture-perfect beer garden at The Swan. No matter if you’re craving a nice glass of wine, a pint or wanting some of the hard stuff, there will be something on the menu to entice you. If you like a pub with character and history, make sure to give it a visit this summer. beer gardens york the swan

Address: 16 Bishopgate St, York YO23 1JH

9. Thor’s Sol Ast

Looking for a cool and quirky hangout spot for this summer? Be sure to make your way to Thor’s Sol Ast. Inspired by Ibiza festival vibes, this pop-up tipi bar has DJs spinning all the best feel good tunes, street food on offer from YUZU and speciality frozen cocktails for you to make the most of. The good times don’t have to stop when the sun goes down, on an evening you can cosy it up around the toasty fire pit - who could say no to that! Open throughout summer until the end of August, Thor’s Sol Ast can be found at the ground of The Principal Hotel.

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Address: Station Rd, York YO24 1AA

10. The Judge’s Lodging

Another highlight when it comes to beer gardens in York is The Judge’s Lodging, located just a stone’s throw from the cobbled shambles. If stylish get-togethers are your kind of thing, you’ll feel at ease at this Grade 1 listed Georgian Town House hotel. Offering a variety of different drinks from award winning cask ale to cocktails to wines to champagne to gin to spirits, you can wet your whistle whilst chilling out on their spacious sun terrace. If you’re after a bite to eat, why not try one of their mouth-watering pub dishes cooked by expert chefs? It’s summer after all!

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Address: 9 Lendal, York YO1 8AQ That’s the end of our rundown on the best York beer gardens to visit this summer, hopefully you’ve found your new favourite venue! Wondering where to eat as a student in York? Take a read of our blog post to discover all of the best restaurants!

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