This week, the Bucks Free Press have asked our readers to nominate their favourite pub gardens in Bucks. With the bank holiday weekend almost upon us, what better way to relax and unwind than by enjoying a civilised drink in the sunshine? Here are your top five suggestions:

1) The Crown, Penn: Based in the picturesque village surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Chiltern Hills, the pub is one of the two alehouses in the town that dates back to the 16th century. The beer garden is secluded and offers a relaxing spot to enjoy a glass or wine. One Bucks Free Press reader describes “it has a really nice, extensive garden and we always get a warm welcome from the staff when we come along fro a drink. It is a great place to bring the kids and the dogs, there are lots of other children for our kids to play with and plenty of dogs as well. It is great to unwind after a long walk.”

2) Hit or Miss Inn, Amersham: Described by one of our readers as a “stunning pub in a breathtaking location” Hit or Miss is another of Bucks’ historical gems. Having been delighting punters for over 300 years in the picturesque small village setting. Our readers also praised the pubs staff, with one saying that the staff ‘welcome us as if we were family.’

3) Le De Spencers, Downley: “A hidden gem in one of the most picturesque part of South Bucks, kind staff with great food and beer” according to one of our readers, this pub is tucked away near High Wycombe and has been praised for it’s large beer garden which welcomes children and dogs and provides the perfect spot for a drink on a warm summer evening.

4) Elephant and Castle, Amersham: According to a reader, the Elephant and Castle has everything that you would want in a beer garden “Very nice beer garden, quaint picturesque views out the back. Fantastic lagers on tap, this pub is quirky with a modern twist - also, don’t miss Monday’s pub quizzes!”

5) Royal Standard of England, Forty Green: Described by some as a ‘quintessential part of British culture’ the Royal Standard of England is one of the countries oldest pubs. Nominated by many of our readers, the pub describes the beer garden as “buzzing with life is filled with families and friends sipping on fruity beers and cool ciders, lazing sunny afternoons away in the sunshine. Groups returning from long walks with muddy dogs and wellies, ready for their Sunday roast.”