Some of the best pub gardens to take your kids in Bristol this summer

If you're a parent looking to enjoy some food and drink at one of Bristol's many pubs this summer, you may be wondering what to do with the kids. Fortunately, the city has a plethora of family friendly establishments with picturesque and spacious pub gardens - some even with the added bonus of an outdoor play area.

That means you can enjoy some sunshine, maybe a catch up with friends and other family members, and the little ones can burn off some energy and tuck into their own children's meal. It's perfect for those summer holiday weekends when you've run out of activities to do and places to visit.

We've compiled a list of pubs with pub gardens you and the kids can enjoy. From more bustling central locations, to local pubs in the heart of much loved villages on the outskirts of the city - here's some that have been recommended by parents and pub lovers alike...

Know of one not featured in the list below - but should be? Let us know by emailing ellie.kendall@reachplc.com.

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Gloucester Old Spot

Located a stone's throw away from Bristol's famous independent Gloucester Road, on Kellaway Avenue, the Gloucester Old Spot is an independently owned pub that offers a vast array of food and drinks options - be it lunch, dinner, a Sunday roast or a feast or snack with friends. Described as it's 'best kept secret', Gloucester Old Spot as a huge enclosed 'colourful' beer garden, with a covered heated terrace and a marquee.

The team says: "This gorgeous family friendly garden comes to life during the summer months offering a great place to relax and unwind."

The Lamplighters, Shirehampton

Situated around a mile from the village of Shirehampton, on the bank of the River Avon, The Lamplighters is a proper country pub dating back to 1760. Its riverside location provides stunning views across the mouth of the River Avon and the village of Pill, and it has its own family friendly beer garden with that river view, too. There's even a nearby children's outdoor play area with wooden play equipment for the kids to enjoy.

The Lamplighters serves up freshly made, locally sourced, seasonal pub food and a selection of cask ales, beers and wines. What's more, there's even a roaring fire you can cosy up next to in the winter months and, of course, it offers its own roast dinner.

The Crafty Cow

The Crafty Cow is a family friendly independent pub situated on Gloucester Road which has one of the largest beer gardens around - with seating for more than 300 people. The space includes a mixture of covered and uncovered areas, with plenty of space in the sunshine or in the shade.

The whole family is welcome at The Crafty Cow, with a cosy bar area, large dining area, indoor play area, and even rooms you can stay in if you're visiting from out of town. Table service is available to all corners of the garden, in addition to the pub, via the table ordering app, and the pub regularly uses the space to screen live events on the outdoor TV screens, host an annual beer and cider festival, live music, and more.

The Whitchurch

The Whitchurch on Oatlands Avenue (BS14 0RS) is a Greene King pub that boasts a family restaurant setting, live sports, a beer garden and an outdoor play area. Plus, a vast array of dishes on its menu - including a roast dinner.

The Eastfield, Henleaze

The Eastfield in Henleaze is owned by Zazu's Pub Co, who own other Bristol pubs including Westbury Park Pub, The Alma Tavern, The Greenbank and The Knowle. The company aim to continue the pub's 'family friendly atmosphere' and has undergone a lick of paint.

You'll find a conservatory, skittles alley (both able to be hired out for private functions), and a revamped beer garden. It's also dog friendly, has a menu full of pub grub dishes, hosts weddings and pop-up food nights, and boasts live sports on TV and a Sunday roast, too.

Mill House, Emersons Green

Another Greene King pub on the list, The Mill House in Emersons Green is a family friendly pub situated behind a small retail park, boasting a large outdoor area and a Wacky Warehouse for the kids. It's also dog friendly, has a vast menu of food and drink options, a cashless pool table and live sports channels.

The Fox, Yate

The Fox in Yate is a much loved spot for a quick pit stop with the kids, or a destination for food and drink if you're looking to spend some quality time together. The Marstons pub boasts its own beer garden, kids play area, game machines and even a cosy fireplace for those colder months.