The best places to go for a good drink outdoors

1. HEATHY FARM

Take a short drive out of the town centre and you will find Heathy Farm.

Off Balcombe Road, and opposite Surrey and Sussex Crematorium, the 500-year-old farmhouse has a huge beer garden.

Anyone who wants to cool down inside after too long in the sun will find original beams and fireplaces.

The pub boasts a large wine list and range of whiskies, while there is the added bonus of a climbing frame and slide for the children.

2. THE FROGSHOLE

In the quiet neighbourhood of Maidenbower is Frogshole Farm.

Tucked off Maidenbower Drive it has the feel of a country pub, without a long drive to get there.

The pub burnt down in a fierce fire in February 2007 but extensive repairs were carried out and it reopened in July 2008.

The site was formerly a farmhouse and the pub sells a variety of Sussex ales to be enjoyed in its spacious garden.

3. THE OLD PUNCH BOWL

Although Crawley is a new town, it boasts plenty of history through its pubs. The Old Punch Bowl on the High Street was built in the early 15th century and at one time was a farmhouse.

Previously used as a tea room and a bank, it is one of the oldest buildings in the town centre.

Its outdoor area may all be concrete but when the weather is good it is the perfect town centre spot for a lunchtime or after work drink.

4. FLIGHT TAVERN

For anyone who wants to watch the comings and goings at Gatwick this pub is perfect.

The Flight Tavern on Charlwood Road is the closest you can get to having a drink while watching the planes without actually buying a flight ticket.

It became a pub in 1986 having been a farmhouse and a private club.

5. GOFFS MANOR

If you fancy a glass of wine after an evening stroll in the park then Goffs Manor is the place to go.

The 16th century Grade II listed building is within beautiful Goffs Park, in Southgate, which means you might be visited by a goose or moorhen while enjoying your drink. In 2009 The Guardian named it as one of the best 200 summer pubs in Britain.

It is a short walk from the town centre but makes you feel as if you are in the heart of the country.

6. BLACK SWAN

Take a short drive out of Crawley into Pease Pottage, and you'll come across the Black Swan. It is right on the edge of St Leonard's Forest, where legend has it a dragon lives.

The pub serves locally-sourced food all cooked fresh in its kitchens.

One of the oldest surviving buildings in the village, the pub was formerly known as The James King in honour of one of the founders of the Horsham-based brewers, King and Barnes.

Have we missed out your favourite drinking place? E-mail editor@crawleynews.co.uk to tell us of any beautiful beer gardens we have missed and tell us what makes them so special.