Fancy a drink al fresco in St Helens on International Beer Day?

Today is International Beer Day - a global occasion that brings beer enthusiasts together - so no better day to enjoy a drink al fresco in the town's outdoor spaces.

Whether you're a seasoned beer connoisseur or simply enjoy a pint now and then, this day is all about friendships, laughter, and, of course, beer.

In June, we crowned Turks Head as St Helens' Best Beer Garden 2024.

As part of our Best of 2024 competition to find the best that St Helens has to offer in a whole host of categories, we wanted to put together a shortlist of 12 of the town's top beer gardens.

Here is the top 12 - why not give one of them a try on International Beer Day 2024?

OUR 12 BEST BEER GARDEN SHORTLIST:

Carr Mill Dam

The Dam, Carr Mill Dam

This venue has won Best Beer Garden for the past two years – can they make it three in a row?

The views make the perfect back drop for a drink in the sun.

For more details go to facebook.com/TheDamcarrmill

The Star Inn

The Star Inn, Rainford

One nomination said: “The Star Inn in Rainford is a great pub where you’re made very welcome and the beers are first class.”

For more details go to facebook.com/StarInnRainford

The Swan

The Swan, St Helens

The outside space at The Swan is a huge hit with regulars wanting to enjoy a drink outside.

There’s always a warm welcome and positive vibes.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063593437641

The Griffin Inn

The Griffin Inn, Eccleston

One nomination said: “This is an incredible beer garden with a pizza oven and drinks.

“It’s by far the best in St Helens.”

For more details go to facebook.com/thegriffininnsthelens

The Gerard Arms

The Gerard Arms, St Helens

One happy customer said: “The Gerard Arms’ beer garden is always kept tidy, there is great service and it can get sunshine all day long.”

Is this the biggest beer garden in St Helens?

For more details go to instagram.com/thegerardarms

The Cowley Vaults

Cowley Vaults, St Helens

Customers love this “community pub with tonnes of atmosphere” with one saying it’s the most welcoming place in the north west.

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063750063147

Manor Farm

Manor Farm, Rainhill

This 17th century farmhouse was converted into a pub in 1977.

If you visit on a sunny day, you can enjoy the large patio area and beer garden with great views.

For more details go to facebook.com/ManorFarmRainhill

The Cricketers Arms (Image: supplied)

The Cricketers Arms, St Helens

One review on their Facebook page said: “I’m a regular here.

“There’s great beer and friendly staff - why go anywhere else?”

For more details go to facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063707419141

The Turks Head

The Turks Head, St Helens

Customers love the beer garden with “great beers, delicious food and great table service from staff".

Some say they are “treated like royalty”!

For more details go to facebook.com/theturksheadsthelens

Eagle and Child

Eagle and Child, Rainford

This venue is popular with locals who appreciate the “friendly pub with a great atmosphere”.

There’s always a warm welcome waiting for customers who want to meet up with friends or family inside the pub or out in the beer garden.

For more details go to facebook.com/eagleandchildrainford

The Vault

The Vault, Church Street, St Helens

Nominations mentioned the “great atmosphere” and “lovely staff”.

Another said: “A great space in the outdoors!”

For more details go to facebook.com/vaultsthelens

Tank Bar

Tank Bar, St Helens

One nomination said: “It has to be Tank Bar.

“It’s the best within miles with great tasting beer and a great atmosphere every time.”

Another said: “It might be small but Tank always has the best beer garden atmosphere.”

For more details go to instagram.com/tankbar39