Top 15 beer gardens and outdoor hospitality venues in York

Here’s a selection of some of our favourite bars in York, and how you can get there with First Bus!


Spark: York

Postcode: Y01 9PB

Best service to take: 4, 8, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 66

Any buses that terminate at Picadilly, Merchantgate or Stonebow

A vibrant mix of street food and independent beverage vendors to mix your choice of cocktail, pull you a pint, make you a coffee and bring you the best food from around the world - not forgetting their collection of great Indie retailers too for a bit of shopping!


The Black Bull, Hull Road

Postcode: YO10 3LF

Best service to take: 8 and 10

Stop by to enjoy great value food and drinks in the beer garden for the whole family!


The Red Lion, Merchant Gate

Postcode: Y01 9TU

Best service to take: 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 66

The Red Lion is a traditional pub with a large city centre beer garden that’s fully enclosed, with heated and covered areas too.


The Winning Post, Bishopthope Road

Postcode: YO23 INZ

Best service to take: 11

If you fancy a stroll along the famous Bishy Road, catch bus number 7 and get off at Nunnery Lane

A family run pub which prides itself on being a place to meet, eat & drink in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Watch the world go by in the front beer garden or choose to sit in their sunken rear garden, more of a private space.


The Lamb and Lion, Petergate

Postcode: YO1 7EH

Best service to take: 1, 2/2A, 5/5A and 6

For bus services 1 and 5 get off in Gillygate. For bus services 1,5 and 6 it’s a short walk from the Theatre Royal.

An old English Inn in York that adjoins Bootham Bar, one of four ancient Roman gateways to the city centre and York’s walls. Enjoy great British food and a pint of real ale in their beer garden.


The Corner Pin, Tanner Row

Postcode: YO1 6JB

Best service to take: 1, 3, 4, 5/5A, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11 and 12

A traditional pub in Tanner Row that also serves New York and Detroit style pizza.


The Waggon and Horses, Lawrence Street

Postcode: YO10 3BP

Best service to take: 8 and 10

Near to Walmgate Bar, this traditional Yorkshire pub serves cask ale from the best breweries in the region and across the British Isles.


The Woodman Inn, Bishopthorpe

Postcode: YO23 2RB 

Best service to take: 11

The Woodman Inn is a traditional style pub with a modern twist. A great range of Yorkshire guest ales and locally sourced produce. Dine or drink in their heated and covered area outdoors with family and friends.


The Whippet Inn, North Street 

Postcode: YO1 6JD

Best service to take: 3 (Park & Ride) 4, 13, 11, 16 and 10

An award-winning independent restaurant that specialises in amazing steaks. Their bar is packed with outstanding Yorkshire real ales and a huge selection of gin. With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can dine and drink on one of York’s most peaceful streets.


The Fox, Holgate Road

Postcode: YO24 4DQ

Best service to take: 1 and 5/5A

A traditional Inn whose history is inextricably linked to the golden age of rail. With York’s largest beer garden it’s a must visit.


Pairings Wine Bar, Castlegate

Postcode: YO1 9RP

Best service to take: 4, 7, 47 and 66 to Clifford's Tower

This award-winning Indie independent wine bar and deli is a must visit with no booking necessary – serving fine wines, ales, cocktails & local produce to enjoy.


Brew York with Yuzu Street Food, Walmgate

Postcode: YO1 9TT

Best service to take: 8 and 10

Unique tap room with cosy riverside beer garden and seating for 25 people with amazing views of the River Foss and Rowntree Wharf. On weekends, the Yard at the front of their Brewery will also be open, a great sun-trap to enjoy with family and friends.


The Deramore Arms, Heslington

Postcode: YO10 5EA

Best service to take: 66, 67, UB1 and UB2

The Deramore Arms serves cask ales, premium lagers and a selection of great wines and spirits to enjoy. This pub has a marquee and beautiful beer gardens to enjoy.


The Star Inn The City York, Museum Street

Postcode: YO1 7DR

Best service to take: 1, 2/2A, 5/5A and 6

Located in the old Engine House on the edge of York's Museum Gardens, close to the historic Lendal Bridge and Tower. A modern restaurant with a riverside terrace and great menus of British dishes.


Dyls, The Motor House, Skeldergate Bridge

Postcode: Y01 9WJ

Best service to take: 3

Dyls is a modern café & bar situated in the iconic Motor House on Skeldergate Bridge, overlooking the river Ouse and Clifford’s Tower. It’s an independent, family run business with a passion for local and fresh produce.


The Habit, Goodramgate 

Postcode: YO1 7LF

Best service to take: 1, 5/5A, 6, 9, 11 and 12

The Habit is just around the corner from York Minister, which you can see from their terrace. Enjoy craft ales or lagers and they even have over 20 whiskeys and 30 gins to try!


The Golden Ball, Cromwell Road

Postcode: YO1 6DU

Best service to take: 4, 7 and 11

A Grade 11 listed pub with a Victorian layout, tiled bar and serves a range of hand-pulled cask ales with an emphasis on good quality, locally produced beer.


Ye Olde Starre Inne, Stonegate

Postcode: YO1 8AS

Best service to take: 1, 2/2A, 5/5A and 6

For bus service 2 get off at Lendal Bridge. For bus service 1, 5 and 6 get off at Theatre Royal

A traditional pub serving comfort food and cask ales – it’s believed to be the oldest licensed premises in York.


The Old White Swan, Goodramgate

Postcode: YO1 7LF

Best service to take: 1, 5/5A, 6, 9, 11 and 12

A short stroll from York Minster, Parliament Square and Deangate this traditional pub of unique character, serves real ales and pub food to enjoy with family and friends. One of York’s oldest pubs said to be haunted.


The Black Swan Inn, Peasholme Green

Postcode: YO1 7PR

Best service to take: 6, 9, 11 and 12

Dating from the 15th century, this half-timbered pub is a block from the River Foss, a 10-minute walk from York Castle and a 5-10-minute walk from Jorvik Viking Centre. The pub has bars with open fires, a restaurant, function room, luxury accommodation and large beer garden to enjoy.


The Watergate Inn, Walmgate 

Postcode: YO1 9TJ

Best service to take: 8 and 10

An old coaching Inn with a large outside space to the back that goes to the River Foss – an oasis of calm and nature in the city centre! The Watergate Inn is allegedly haunted!


The Swan, Bishopgate Street

Postcode: YO23 1JH

Best service to take: 3, 7, 9 and 11

The Swan is a short stroll over the river via Skeldergate Bridge from Clifford's Tower. This small, two-roomed traditional community pub has preserved Grade 11 listed inter-war interior and serves real ale.


The Sun Inn, Acomb

Postcode: YO26 5LL

Best service to take: 5

Originally named the Grey Orville and then The Grey Horse and now The Sun Inn, this traditional pub serves a large variety of ales, lagers and great food so enjoy a pint or two with family and friends.


Lendal Cellars, Lendal

Postcode: YO1 8AA

Best service to take: 1, 2, 5/5A and 6

A traditional pub for a truly British experience. The ideal choice for those seeking a convenient, well-served pint of cask ale to enjoy with family and friends.