When there's no end in sight to a blistering heatwave or we have a couple of nice days on the horizon, there's nothing better than chilling out down the pub and when they've got a brilliant beer garden, it's even sweeter. The valleys can also have that added bonus of glorious, green countryside and hills to take in, while you are supping away and others have made the best of their outdoor spaces during the past couple of years as we were only allowed outside.
Anyway, here are a good few places to start you off if you fancy that pint and a packet of crisps - which will inevitably turn into tea and a few more pints on a good day - down the pub after work or on a day off. They are listed in no particular order.
Read more: Best pubs in Wales in 2022 - 50 places you owe it to yourself to drink in this year
Old House 1147, Llangynwyd
A smashing setting for a beer garden in the Lynfi Valley where you can drink in the scenery as well as a Welsh ale, cocktail or anything else you fancy. You will be tempted to stay for dinner too, but just to avoid disappointment, if you're planning a trip to what is one of Wales' oldest pubs, double-check it's open to the public as they host weddings.
Where: Llangynwyd, Maesteg CF34 9SB
The Lion, Treorchy
In the heart of the best high street in Britain, The Lion's beer garden has been completely transformed recently to make the most of the limited backyard space as well as to look like a high-end pub terrace. Fitted out with covered booths, open-air spaces, greenery, fairy lights and heaters it's a lovely place for a family lunch or cocktails and pints with the gang.
Alternatively, if you loved sitting out the front and nosing at everyone passing by on the high street, you can still do that too.
Where: Bute Street, Treorchy
The Willow Tree, Brynmawr
Another pub in the valleys with great views, this time it's in Blaenau Gwent and though it's found tucked away behind a retail park, The Willow Tree has nice outdoor space overlooking a lake where you can have a cheeky spritzer after a trawl around Home Bargains.
Where: Blaina Rd, Brynmawr, NP 23 4SL
The Glantaff Inn, Treharris
This Quaker's Yard pub is also a bunkhouse where you can stay and as well as relaxing indoors by the log fire during colder times, there's lovely outdoor seating on the sun terrace.
Where : Cardiff Rd, Quakers Yard, Treharris CF46 5AH
Gatto Lounge, Pontypridd
A newer addition to Ponty's food & drink scene, Gatto earns a spot on this list because it does great cocktails and you can sink them on the outdoor terrace overlooking the river and Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
Where : 3 Llys Cadwyn, Taff St, Pontypridd CF37 4TH
The Red Lion, Penderyn
This remote, family-run, traditional 12th-century drover's inn is perched high above the valleys with views over the village of Penderyn and the Brecon Beacons. Perfect place to stop for a pint if you've been exploring. There's also a pizza van there too.
Where : Church Rd, Penderyn, Cynon Valley, CF44 9JR
The Dunraven Hotel, Treherbert
A great community pub that has a fab beer garden, revamped in recent years, and a new menu including afternoon teas and Sunday lunches. Perfect place for a beverage after you've hiked up nearby Pen Pych or Fernhill, or if you're one of the many regulars the pub has accumulated over the years.
Where : 13 Dunraven Street, Treherbert, CF42 5BG
Aberglais Inn, Pont Sarn
Another pub on the pretty edge of the Brecon Beacons where the area meets Merthyr Tydfil, next to the Taff Trail and Taf Fechan Nature Reserve, there's a terrace to sit outdoors and take in the surroundings. It serves meals. too.
Where: The Aberglais, Pontsarn, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2TS
The Farmers, Church Village
Another local pub in the heart of a Taff neighbourhood and the Farmers is a traditional-looking stone inn, low ceilings and warm fire indoors and outside, beautiful flowers and hanging baskets around a spacious beer garden.
Where : Church Village, St Illtyds Road, CF38 1EB
Llangeinor Arms, Llangeinor
Another beautiful location for a Bridgend valleys pub, this time in the Garw Valley. Serving a good choice of beers and meals you can imbibe these while overlooking the lovely surrounding countryside.
Where : Llangeinor Rd, Llangeinor, CF32 8RX
Rhoswenallt Inn, Abernant
Run by the Glamorgan Brewing Company, so the beer'll be good, a kitchen serving good pub grub and a beer garden with plenty of green space, tables and shade if you want it.
Where: Werfa Lane, Abernant, Aberdare, CF44 0YS
The Baglan Hotel, Treherbert
This Rhondda pub and B&B has made the most of their modest outdoor space with a glamorous, Tiki bar makeover with chilled-out and dining seating/picnic tables where they will be hosting bottomless brunches and, of course you can kick back with just a pint and a packet of crisps too.
Where : Baglan St, Treherbert, CF42 5AW
Got a gorgeous beer garden, lovely beer and friendly staff? Let us know, send us a picture and some details to kathryn.williams@walesonline.co.uk
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