Looking for a tranquil place to dine with a view? Take a look at these wonderful waterside eateries...

Lock Keeper

Halfway between Bath and Bristol and just a short walk from Keynsham train station, the Lock Keeper boasts a pretty riverside location, where you can relax by the Avon and enjoy some of their classic pub grub. They've got a heated decking area for chillier evenings, as well as covered conservatory if you still want to enjoy the views without braving the weather!

Image - Lock Keeper

The Angelfish Restaurant

Escape the city for a trip to the picturesque Limpley Stoke Valley, just a short drive or bus journey from Bath. The Angelfish Restaurant is situated alongside the restored Somerset Coal Canal, with panoramic views across valley, as well as the chance to watch the narrowboats go by on the nearby Kennet and Avon Canal.

Image - The Angelfish

Chequers Inn

With views of the River Avon and Hanham Lock, this riverside pub has one of the largest beer gardens and terraces for miles around. This makes it a great stop-off after a leisurely stroll or cycle along the river or the surrounding countryside.

Image - Chequers Inn

The Locksbrook Inn

The Locksbrook Inn to the west of the city centre has a large outdoor terrace overlooking the canal, with a garden bar to order drinks from on sunnier days. The gastropub hosts regular events, from quizzes to supper clubs, and has some great offers throughout the week, from £6 pizzas before 6pm during the week to 2 for £10 cocktails every Wednesday.

Thai Weir

Nestled alongside the iconic Pulteney Bridge with views of the weir from their outdoor tables, this friendly restaurant serves a range of Thai and Pan-Asian dishes for you to enjoy. 

The Boater

A favourite for rugby fans due to its proximity to Bath Rugby's ground, The Boater also has a huge beer garden next to the river by Pulteney Bridge. The pub itself is surprisingly big too, set across several floors with four bars and three dining areas, as well as an impressive selection of food and drink.

Ponte Vecchio

One of Bath's most popular restaurants and just a stone's throw from Pulteney Weir, Ponte Vecchio gets its name from its view of Bath's Pulteney Bridge. Housed in a former boathouse, you can choose to sit in their front terrace, or up on their balcony for even better views.

Image - Ponte Vecchio 

The Bridge Coffee Shop

A small cafe on Pulteney Bridge, worth a visit to enjoy the view of the weir from their window!

OPA

This Greek restaurant is set in cellars beneath North Parade, just a short walk from the train station and the city's top sights. Their hidden riverside garden is a great spot to enjoy some mezze and cocktails away from the busy streets above.

The Bathwick Boatman

Situated above Bath's historic boating station in Bathwick, this restaurant boasts one of the most scenic and tranquil locations in the city, while still only being a short walk from the main attractions. Whether you decide to work up an appetite from punting or rowing beforehand is up to you!

Image - The Bathwick Boatman

The Bathampton Mill

Take a stroll or cycle along the scenic Kennet and Avon Canal from central Bath, and around half an hour later you'll find yourself in the picturesque village of Bathampton. Here, you can enjoy a well-earned stop off at The Bathampton Mill, with its views of the river and weir next to its terrace. The 11 bus service runs regularly between Bath and Bathampton, so you can save your feet on the return journey. 

The Boathouse

As the name suggests, this country pub is located in a former boathouse on the River Avon in Newbridge, on the outskirts of the city. The pub has a large riverside beer garden, is dog friendly, and has rooms if you wish to stay overnight.

The Jolly Sailor

A local favourite, The Jolly Sailor in Saltford has been trading since 1726, and still serves up some classic pub dishes and drinks for you to enjoy in their waterside beer garden. The garden is right next to Saltford Lock, so you can watch canal boats come and go while you sip your drinks.

Image - River view from The Jolly Sailor

Riverside Inn

Just along the river in Saltford and slightly easier to get to from the main road between Bath and Bristol, the Riverside Inn is a large pub with an even larger garden next to Saltford Marina and the weir.

The Cross Guns, Avoncliff

Take the train from Bath to Avoncliff, and on the opposite bank of the river across the historic Avoncliff Aqueduct you'll find The Cross Guns, which features a spectacular tiered garden leading down to the water's edge. The pub itself dates from the 16th century and is packed with original features, and on sunnier days you'll find an extra outdoor bar on the terrace. There's also the option to walk along the canal or river afterwards to nearby Bradford-on-Avon to enjoy more drinks and dining beside the water.

Image - The Cross Guns Avoncliff

Bradford-on-Avon

Just a short distance outside Bath in the picturesque town of Bradford-on-Avon, which both the River Avon and Kennet and Avon Canal flow through. Here, you'll find several restaurants and cafes nestled against the water's edge. Timbrell's Yard has a large terrace next to the river, as does the nearby Weaving Shed and popular Italian restaurant Il Fiume. As you'd expect, Boathouse, The Barge Inn and the Canal Trust Cafe offer up some lovely waterside views, as does The Lock Inn Cafe.

Image - Timbrells Yard 

Read more:

• Alfresco dining in Bath
• Top beer gardens
• Things to do outdoors