When it comes to choosing a pub in Greater Manchester, there's certainly no shortage of options. Whether it's city centre institutions, countryside gastropubs or just your local, there’s something for everyone and every mood.
All year round we flock to our favourites, but with the arrival of warmer weather and the quick succession of bank holidays just around the corner, heading out into the countryside for a pint and some pub grub is becoming a rather appealing proposition.
So, with this in mind we've rounded up some of the best pubs in and around Greater Manchester where you soak up the views as you sink a pint - or another beverage of your choice. Even better, our selection are all within an hour of the city centre.
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Eagle & Child, Ramsbottom
You've probably heard about 'The Rammy Mile' before - the legendary beer crawl which starts at Hare & Hounds in Holcombe Brook and travels all the way to The Railway in the centre of Ramsbottom - so you'll know that you're spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs in these parts, but some of the best views along the trail can be found at The Eagle & Child.
The award-winning pub garden is a major draw, with views of the West Pennine Moors surrounding it, and features a massive tepee, which holds around 70 diners, as well as a purpose-built wood-fired pizza oven. Inside is just as impressive, with a dining area featuring a floor-to-ceiling glass extension, which provides amazing views across the valley to Holcombe Hill and Peel Tower.
3 Whalley Rd, Ramsbottom, Bury BL0 0DL
The Hare & Hounds, Werneth Low
Just less than 10 miles from Manchester city centre and sitting at the edge of Werneth Low Country Park, The Hare & Hounds, sat at the bend of a narrow country road, occupies a stunning Pennine location, and provides a gateway to the Peak District beyond.
Offering panoramic views over five counties, it's a great pitstop after exploring the nearby country park - a wildlife haven and home to an obelisk commemorating men from Hyde who died in the First World War. Built in 1728, the pub's low ceilings, exposed beams and cosy nooks make it a great spot to bunker down whatever the season.
Werneth Low Rd, Hyde SK14 3AA
The Swann Inn
With its spectacular views of the Tame Valley and the Peak District, the beautiful village of Dobcross is a must-visit for those visiting Saddleworth. With its picture-perfect setting it's clear to see why people flock here all year round.
Situated in the quaint village square is The Swann Inn, a Grade II-listed pub, which almost closed its doors for good during the pandemic, but was saved from this fate by landlady Sharon Musgrove. History buffs will be happy to see the original deed - signed by the first landlord - still hangs on the wall, alongside old photographs of the village, while outside a revamped seating area features a postcard-perfect red phone box.
1, The Square, Dobcross, Oldham OL3 5AA
The Old Hall Inn, Chinley
Greater Manchester has some beautiful scenery on its doorstep. Only 34 minute train ride from Manchester Piccadilly and just over the Derbyshire border is Chinley, where you can head up to Chinley Churn, which offers amazing views of Kinder Scout.
Curving back round to the village, a much-deserved pint can be found at award-winning local ale house, The Old House Inn. With its flagstone floors, historical features and manicured outdoor space, it's everything you could want from a country boozer. There’s plenty of pub grub to choose from or you can head to the sister pub, The Paper Mill, which is just down the road, and serves stone-baked pizzas.
Whitehough, Chinley, High Peak SK23 6EJ
The White Hart at Lydgate
Located quite literally at the 'top o' hill', on the very outer reaches of Greater Manchester, The White Hart offers some rather magnificent views as far as the eye can see.
The warm and welcoming pub was first built in 1788 as a police station before being used as a schoolhouse, and later a weaver's cottage, and finally a lookout point during the Second World War. Today, the award-winning venue is best known for its excellent food and drink - from delicious pub fare to its varied selection of cask ales, craft beers and cocktails.
51 Stockport Rd, Lydgate, Oldham OL4 4JJ
Oddfellows, Mellor
Over the years, there's been a few iterations of the Marple pub crawl, for some it remains confined to Marple and Romiley, while for others - most likely those who like a ramble - it takes in neighbouring Mellor. Here, you'll find a historic pub with a great selection of beers and some top notch pub fare.
With the looming presence of Kinder Scout and the moors in the near distance, it's the perfect stop off after a energetic stroll - and as you may have guessed there's plenty of routes to choose from. Whether it's a leisurely stroll or an eight-mile circuit that stops off at Roman Lakes and Cobden Edge, you'll certainly deserve a pint if you pick the latter - and just think of those views.
Oddfellows Moor End Road, Mellor, SK4 5PT
Hanging Gate Inn, Macclesfield
A haven for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and families, the Hanging Gate is the sort of place where muddy boots and dogs are very welcome.
The Freehouse on the edge of the Gritstone trail and Macclesfield Forest offers 400 years worth of rustic charm, a wide variety of cask ales, wines and spirits, and some magnificent views reaching as far as North Wales. Work is ongoing to rejuvenate the iconic pub, but rest assured you won't go home hungry, as every weekend they host street food pop ups - from pizza and fish and chips to barbecue with Butchers Block.
Meg Lane, Higher Sutton,, Macclesfield SK11 0NG
The Black Ladd, Shaw
If it's proper pub grub and some rather lovely views you're after, you can't go wrong with the Black Ladd. Set in the hills above Shaw, you can take in the Manchester skyline and Lancashire countryside as you tuck into some hearty pub classics.
It's well known that the portions at Black Ladd are rather generous so make sure you bring your appetite before getting stuck into their wholesome pies and seriously large steaks. Within half an hour's driving distance of the city centre, this countryside escape ticks all the boxes.
Owd Betts, Rochdale
Located on Ashworth Moor, this traditional country pub dates back to 1776 and serves up not only a decent pint but stunning views across Rochdale, Manchester and Oldham. A popular spot with walkers of nearby Knowl Hill, its rural location - only 30 minutes from the city by car - feels world away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis.
Behind the bar they have a great drinks range including three ales that have been recognised by CAMRA, while on the menu you can expect to find homecooked, traditional British food including the pub's famous cheese and onion pie, Jackson Farm's rag pudding and curried lamb hotpot topped with Bombay potatoes.
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