The 40 best places to eat outside in the UK – with a sensational view

There’s indisputably something special about dining and drinking while soaking up an exquisite view. Call it a sensory sparkle; things just feel better when you’re gazing at a scene that’s easy on the eye.

Whether it’s a seaside vista, a city skyline, rolling hills or a serenely still loch, a dazzling view simply elevates the experience. We’ve selected some of the best places to eat and drink in the UK where the view rivals the menu.

North of England

The Lakehouse Waterloo, Crosby, Liverpool 

Perched on the banks of Crosby Marine Lake, The Lake House restaurant is home to panoramic windows and plenty of outdoor seating for gazing across the water with a glass of something cool. Expect to see kayakers, paddleboarders, a host of birdlife and even the sentinel figures of Sir Antony Gormley’s Another Place sculptures while you eat at this relaxed dog-friendly spot. Watch the sunset to the sound of live music every weekend throughout the summer. https://thelakehousewaterloo.co.uk/restaurant/

Holmfirth Vineyard, West Yorkshire

Situated about 2,750ft above sea level, Holmfirth Vineyard is one of highest vineyards in the UK with breathtaking views over the picturesque fields and hillsides of the Holme Valley. As well as enjoying breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, visitors can also take a vineyard tour with tastings for just £16 per person. https://holmfirthvineyard.com/

20 Stories, Manchester

Boasting 360-degree views of the Manchester skyline, 20 Stories is home to a chic restaurant, lively bar and expansive rooftop terrace in the heart of the city. Located on the 19th floor of No 1 Spinningfields, 20 Stories serves up a selection of menus focused on modern British cuisine, plus an impressive 600 wines to choose from. https://20stories.co.uk

The Jolly Fisherman, Craster, Northumberland

Seafood is the order of the day at The Jolly Fisherman, which was established in 1847 and retains stone-flagged floors and low-beamed ceilings. Order the kippers and soak up the views of the North Sea and Dunstanburgh Castle – a glorious sight, whatever the weather. https://thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk/

Dine with your toes in the sand at The Hidden Hut in Cornwall (Photo: Danny North)

Heights of Abraham, Peak District

Take a cable car 1,000 feet above sea level to this hilltop country park in Matlock Bath and enjoy food and drink at the Vista Restaurant or Terrace Café with sweeping views over the Peak District National Park. Mandatory: a head for heights. https://www.heightsofabraham.com/eat-shop/hilltop-dining

Linthwaite House, Windermere, Lake District

Make like the Victorians and indulge in afternoon tea on the expansive terrace at Linthwaite House with stunning views over the Coniston Fells and Windermere, England’s largest lake. No sweet tooth? No problem. Their all-day dining menu features a selection of savoury snacks and refreshments to enjoy against this remarkable backdrop. https://leeucollection.com/UK/linthwaite-house/the-bar-and-conservatory

The Inn at Whitewell, Lancashire

This 16th-century former coaching inn is situated in an Area of National Beauty (ANOB) with sweeping views across the River Hodder and Hodder Valley to the fells of the Forest of Bowland. https://www.innatwhitewell.com

Riley’s Fish Shack, Tynemouth

Located on the sandy slopes of King Edward’s Bay, this rustic and relaxed outlet serves up incredible seasonable and sustainable seafood from local fishermen at North Shields Fish Quay. It’s also home to some incredible sea views. https://rileysfishshack.com

The Hut in Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight, has sweeping ocean views (Photo: Thearle Photography)

London

Seabird, Southwark

Feast on seafood and Spanish and Portuguese-inspired dishes in this stylish rooftop restaurant on the 14^th floor of The Hoxton. With an open-air terrace and retractable roof, expect sweeping city views that take in the Thames and the Shard. https://seabirdlondon.com/

Le Pont de la Tour, Southwark

This Art Deco-inspired French restaurant enjoys views of Tower Bridge thanks to its riverside terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows. https://www.lepontdelatour.co.uk

The Gun, Docklands

Established in the early 18^th century, this riverside pub in Coldharbour serves up British classics and offers views across the Thames to the O2 Arena. https://www.thegundocklands.com

Bōkan, Canary Wharf

This modern European restaurant, bar and roof terrace blends industrial and Scandinavian interior design, seasonal dishes and panoramic views of London’s skyline and 360-degree views of the city over three floors. https://bokanlondon.co.uk/

Afternoon tea at Linthwaite House is served with spectacular setting (Photo: Provided)

South-west England

Porthmeor Beach Café, St Ives, Cornwall

Boasting “the best sunset in the west” and “the occasional dolphin show”, this relaxed seaside spot enjoys a prime setting above Porthmeor beach, with Tate St Ives behind and simply stunning sea views. Dogs are also welcome in the seated terrace area. https://porthmeor-beach.co.uk

The Hidden Hut, Porthcurnick Beach, Cornwall

This tranquil retreat is beloved for its seasonal, locally sourced cuisine, breathtaking sea views and legendary open-air summertime feasts where diners eat communally on long tables on the sand. https://hiddenhut.co.uk

Barricane Beach Café, Woolacombe, Devon

Housed in a modest hut on the picturesque Barricane Beach, visitors can indulge in Sri Lankan curries and sunset views framed by rugged cliffs. https://www.facebook.com/groups/137782489618003/?locale=en_GB

The Jetty, Christchurch, Dorset

Waters-edge dining awaits in this multi-award-winning restaurant where the daily catch is sourced from local fisherman as they dock at Mudeford Quay. Overseen by chef patron Alex Aitken, The Jetty enjoys panoramic views over the Quay and surrounding estuary. https://www.thejetty.co.uk/

There is no greater pleasure than eating barbecued food at The Hidden Hut in the sunshine (Photo: Danny North)

The Rockfish, Dartmouth, Devon

Established in 2010, The Rockfish’s menu is designed to showcase the best local seafood. Diners can enjoy the catch of the day overlooking the bustling River Dart. https://therockfish.co.uk/pages/dartmouth-seafood-restaurant

Otter Valley Field Kitchen, Devon

Enjoy award-winning gelato and wood-fired pizza at Otter Valley Field Kitchen, which enjoys spectacular panoramic views across the Otter Valley and Blackdown Hills AONB. https://www.ottervalleydairy.co.uk/

The Hare and Hounds, Bath

Perched atop Lansdown Hill, this renowned gastropub offers panoramic views over the Charlcombe Valley and the surrounding countryside. Its spacious garden features a decked terrace, picnic table and an outdoor bar to soak up the atmosphere on a warm summer’s evening. https://hareandhoundsbath.com

South-east and east England

Little Rock, Folkestone, Kent

This beachside restaurant serves up delicious local and seasonal fish and seafood supplied straight from the trawlers operating out of Folkestone Harbour and the surrounding Hythe Bay area. https://www.littlerockfolkestone.co.uk

The Hut, Colwell Bay, Isle of Wight

With stunning views across the Solent, a lively atmosphere and incredible sunsets, this beachside restaurant is home to a brasserie-style menu that’s packed with mouth-watering seafood dishes. https://thehutcolwell.co.uk

The Royal Victoria Pavilion is the biggest Weatherspoons in the country (Photo: Provided)

The Terrace, Pearly Cow, Brighton, East Sussex

This open-air haven enjoys sweeping sea views and is a great place for cocktails and lazy lunches. Don’t miss their oyster-and-taco happy hour from 5-6pm each day. https://pearlycow.co.uk/pearly-cow-brighton/the-terrace-by-pearly-cow-brighton/

The Royal Victoria Pavilion, Ramsgate, Kent

Housed in a Grade II listed Edwardian seaside pavilion, The Royal Victoria holds the accolade of being the UK’s biggest Wetherspoons. It’s home to a rooftop terrace and beachfront beer garden and it’s a great choice for those on a budget. https://www.jdwetherspoon.com/pubs/royal-victoria-pavilion-ramsgate

The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe, Norfolk

Positioned at the edge of Brancaster Staithe, an AONB, The White Horse enjoys sweeping views across tidal marshes to Scolt Head Island and the North Sea. With an on-site smokehouse and two AA rosettes, it’s also a multi-award-winning gastropub and hotel. https://www.whitehorsebrancaster.co.uk

The Beach House, Milford on Sea, Hampshire

This Grade II listed Victorian manor-turned-seaside pub, restaurant and boutique hotel sits alongside Westover shingle beach. It’s home to incredible Arts and Crafts features, hearty pub classics and glorious views across the Solent to the Isle of Wight and the Needles. https://www.beachhousemilfordonsea.co.uk

Wales and West Midlands

Summer at the Cafe Môr, Pembrokeshire, offers delightful views (Photo: Provided)

Cafe Môr at The Old Point House, Pembrokeshire

Overlooking East Angle Bay is Cafe Môr, a solar-powered, seaweed boat kitchen serving up award-winning street food, such as lobster rolls, gourmet burgers and crab rolls with a seaweed twist. Don’t miss lobster paella day on 24 August. https://www.theoldpointhouse.wales/about-the-restaurant

Mickey’s Beach Cafe, Abersoch, Gwynedd

Situated on the slipway overlooking Machroes Beach, laid-back Mickey’s Beach Café offers a panoramic view of Abersoch’s serene bay and the majestic Snowdonia/Eryri mountains in the distance. https://mickeysboatyard.co.uk/

The Riverside, Aymestrey, Herefordshire

Winner of the Great British Pub Awards’ best sustainable pub in 2022, this dog-friendly establishment enjoys unbeatable views of the River Lugg and Mortimer Forest from the terrace and garden seating, plus exquisite food with an emphasis on minimal food miles and local produce. https://riversideaymestrey.co.uk/

The Ship Inn, Tresaith, Ceredigion

Right on Wales’ coastal path, the Ship Inn provides uninterrupted views across Cardigan Bay from the inn’s beer garden, conservatory and upper balconies. Situated just a stone’s throw away from one of Wales’ finest beaches, Tresaith Bay, The Ship Inn is also home to unforgettable sunsets and four en-suite rooms should you wish to sleep over. https://www.shipinnpubcardigan.co.uk

Waters-edge dining awaits in the multi-award-winning restaurant The Jetty, Dorset (Photo: Provided)

Scotland

Café Canna, Isle of Canna, Inner Hebrides

This award-winning seasonal restaurant on the Isle of Canna in the Inner Hebrides’ Small Isles archipelago offers breathtaking views of the sea and surrounding landscapes. As well as brewing its own beer, Café Canna specialises in locally sourced dishes, including seafood and seaweed. https://www.cafecanna.co.uk

The Seafood Shack, Ullapool, Ross and Cromarty

Fresh seafood, warm service and incredible scenery: The Seafood Shack is a relaxed catering trailer that enjoys exceptional views over Loch Broom. It’s a must-visit for anyone exploring this beautiful part of the Highlands. https://www.seafoodshack.co.uk

The Ardentinny, Dunoon, Argyll and Bute

This dog-friendly spot offers stunning views across Loch Long, with a spacious deck that provides direct access to the beach. Offering a mixture of bar favourites and bistro dishes, the restaurant is committed to making the most of locally sourced ingredients. https://www.instagram.com/the_ardentinny

The terrace at the Ardentinny in Argyle (Photo: Ross Turpie/Daily Record Sunday Mail/Reach)

Joppa Rocks, Edinburgh

Serving locally sourced seafood and European dishes, Joppa Rocks is home to sweeping views over the Firth of Forth from its position on the eastern end of Portobello Promenade, including floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious outdoor patio. https://www.jopparocks.co.uk

Cafe Cùil, Isle of Skye

Nestled at the foot of the Black Cuillin Mountains, Cafe Cùil’s floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic vistas over Loch Harport and the rugged hills beyond. This award-winning restaurant draws inspiration from the wild, natural larder of Skye to create sustainable, locally sourced dishes. https://www.cafecuil.com

Kylesku Hotel Restaurant, Sutherland

Uninterrupted views over Loch Glendhu and the surrounding hills await at Kylesku Hotel Restaurant, where diners can watch local fishing boats land their catch directly in front of the property. It’s situated on a small peninsula, so keep your eyes peeled for seals and seabirds. https://www.highlandcoasthotels.com/kylesku-hotel/dining

Tatha Bar & Kitchen, Dundee

Forming part of the V&A Dundee, this relaxed dining spot serving up light snacks, afternoon tea and refreshments boasts expansive windows and an outdoor balcony with panoramic views across the River Tay. https://www.vam.ac.uk/dundee/info/tatha-bar-and-kitchen

Seafood at The Pierhouse (Photo: Provided)

The Pierhouse Hotel & Seafood Restaurant, Port Appin, Argyll and Bute

Holder of two AA rosettes, this award-winning restaurant on the shores of Loch Linnhe boasts panoramic vistas of the islands of Lismore and Mull, and the Morvern Peninsula. Head chef Michael Leathley also picked up the Top Chef and Restaurant of the Year accolades at the National Hotels of the Year Scotland Awards in 2025. https://pierhousehotel.co.uk

Northern Ireland

The Boathouse, Antrim

This contemporary, glass‑fronted restaurant and bar sits beside Lough Neagh, Northern Ireland’s largest freshwater lake and serves up fresh fish, sustainable seafood and wood-fired pizzas at weekends. https://boathouseantrim.com/

Harry’s Shack, Portstewart, Co Londonderry

Perched right on Portstewart Strand, this beloved beachside seafood restaurant is home to stunning Atlantic views and exceptional fresh seafood. Floor-to-ceiling windows and an expansive outdoor decking area means you can enjoy the view whatever the weather. https://harrysshack.app

The Dirty Duck Alehouse, Holywood, Co Down

The multi-award-winning Dirty Duck Alehouse scooped the Northern Ireland Pub & Bar of the Year at the 2024 National Pub & Bar Awards and is a two-time Northern Ireland Camra Pub of the Year. It also boasts spectacular views across the lough, solid gastropub fare and some top-class real ales. https://thedirtyduckalehouse.co.uk