With a sunny and warm Easter bank holiday upon us, it's a great opportunity to get outdoors and make the most of the gorgeous weather. 

We’ve compiled a list of the best beer gardens in Dorset and the New Forest courtesy of our readers.

Know one we've missed off? Email us at digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk

The Bankes Arms, Studland.

Bournemouth Echo:

The garden at the Bankes Arms - so lovely Jamie Oliver used it for a Sainsbury's advert

Situated at the start of the famous Jurassic Coast, this is an ideal base to begin exploring the surrounding sandy beaches and coastal walks.

 The enormous beer garden enjoys outstanding views out to the sea and Old Harry Rocks. The pub serves good food, has a great selection of ales from the Isle of Purbeck Brewery and well behaved dogs/children are welcome! Read our 2012 review here.

The Springhead, Sutton Poyntz

This classic country pub is a great location to stop for a light bite and a good pint. The setting is second to none as visitors find themselves surrounded by rolling countryside hills and the Osmington White Horse landmark.

It also boats a beautiful duck pond right on the door step – a perfect place to take little ones who can feed the ducks.

Dogs are also welcome.

The Crown Hotel, Blandford

The Crown Hotel boasts a beautiful Georgian-style beer garden with views of the Stour River's water meadows and the town.

It has been closed for the past few months for a major refurbishment of the main hotel – but should be open again this month (June)…just in time to enjoy a nice cold drink in the beer garden.

Warning: There is a rumour that the hotel is haunted by a woman in black and a cloaked highwayman who was shot dead in the courtyard.

But if you’re visiting during the day you should be fine…ghosts only come out at night right?

The Square and Compass, Worth Matravers

Bournemouth Echo:

Operating as an ale house since 1776, this Dorset favourite is so old it doesn’t have a bar, it has a serving hatch.

It entertains long standing patrons, refreshes walkers and draws in music lovers with live bands most weekends.

This quirky beer garden is good for a well-deserved drink and homemade pasty after a walk along dancing ledge.

Scott Arms, Corfe Castle

Bournemouth Echo:

This pub has arguably the best view over the majestic Purbeck countryside. The terrace looks out onto Corfe Castle and the beautiful scenery that surrounds it.

So spectacular is the view, that a mounted telescope has become a permanent fixture in the beer garden.

The pub has history, character and atmosphere, with plenty of seating to enjoy a drink with the whole family.

The Alice Lisle, Ringwood

Bournemouth Echo:

Nestled in the heart of The New Forest National Park, this pub has stunning lake views and is the perfect place for walkers, cyclists and lovers of the outdoors.

There is a great garden play area for the children to burn off some energy, but there is also a ‘child free’ area for those of you who want some peace and quiet!

The Anchor Inn, Seatown

Bournemouth Echo:

This beach side pub is in a magical spot overlooking the Jurassic coastline.

They serve award-winning local real ales that will refresh you on a hot summer’s day.

For all the designated drivers and little ones, they have plenty of soft drinks to clench your thirst.

The Smugglers Inn, Osmington

Bournemouth Echo:

Not far from the village of Osmington, this Inn boasts stunning views over Portland and scenic footpaths.

It offers award winning Badger cask ales, lagers from around the world and a menu full of fresh seasonal dishes.

The Inn has a stream at the front which runs down to the sea and is picturesque on a sunny day.

Rising Sun, Christchurch

Bournemouth Echo: The Rising Sun, Dear Hay Lane, Poole

Not only can you enjoy a nice cold drink in this beer garden – but you can also dig into some delicious Thai food.

The Rising Sun boasts a lovely outdoor dining and lounge area and a heated gazebo…so even on those cooler nights you can still enjoy the garden.

Fox & Hounds, Wimborne

With its thatched roof and pretty hanging baskets, The Fox and Hounds is a beautiful, Grade II listed country inn.

On long summer days the spacious beer garden buzzes with people enjoying a refreshing pint of cask ale after a delightful riverside stroll, taking in the scent of sun-baked barley fields that fills the air.

Standing peacefully on an old country lane it is surrounded by open fields and the River Stour.

High Corner Inn, New Forest

Bournemouth Echo: High Corner Inn: Pub grub at its best

Set in a remote location in the New Forest the High Corner Inn may be difficult to find but it’s definitely worth the effort.

Located at the end of a gravel path the pub gardens boasts beautiful countryside views which includes many New Forest inhabitants such as ponies and deer.

Chaplin's & The Cellar Bar, Boscombe

The garden at Chaplin’s may not always speak to your usual beer garden enthusiast – but it is a lovely spot to sit and have a drink….as long as you don’t mind something a little different.

But while this place is a bit unique it is also very highly thought of.

Voted Campaign for Real Ales (CAMRA) Pub of the year 2014. Great British Pub Award winner 2015, “Best Community Pub UK” winner 2014 and ‘Best Entertainment Pub South West’ – it’s somewhere you definitely want to try.