Lancaster · Beer garden · 4.5★ · 1,921 reviews
South-facing · 170°
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In shade
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Sun returns tomorrow
Sun today
9 May
Merchants 1688 occupies Grade II listed 17th-century stone-vaulted wine cellars right beside Lancaster Castle. The courtyard garden faces almost due south (170°), so it catches the sun from late morning through the afternoon — roughly 10am to 4pm on a clear day. It's a small space, but meticulously maintained and remarkably sheltered from the wind thanks to the surrounding castle walls. Covered areas and outdoor heaters mean it works well beyond summer.
Merchants 1688 is featured in our guide to the best Lancaster pubs — our editorial pick of the 17 city pubs grouped by character.
Merchants 1688 has a south-facing courtyard (170°), which means it typically catches the best sun late morning through the afternoon. The small outdoor space is sheltered, making it a reasonable option even on breezier days.
Golden Pints tracks the sun position for this pub in real time — check the live tracker to see whether it's currently in sun, partial sun, or shade before heading out.
Merchants 1688 is well placed if you're already around Lancaster's city centre, the canal, the castle quarter, and the university. It can work well as part of a wider afternoon or evening out in Lancaster.
Want to know if Merchants 1688 is catching the sun right now? Check the live tracker.
Factual context for Merchants 1688 — heritage, what's on site, and how the sun reaches the garden. Sourced from public records; no subjective claims.
Merchants occupies Grade II listed stone-vaulted cellars at 29 Castle Hill, at the foot of Lancaster Castle. The cellars were used as a wine merchant's premises from the late 1600s onward; Richard Hind & Co Wine and Spirits Merchants are recorded as holding the premises from 1851 through to the 1930s, taking wine wholesale from Lancaster's then-busy docks. After a period as a rubber factory in the 20th century, the cellars were bought in the 1980s, the bricked-up alcoves were reopened, and the venue first opened as a pub and restaurant in 1984.
AA 1 Rosette restaurant. Real ale and food served, outdoor heaters, covered and sheltered courtyard. Not dog-friendly. Booking required for evening service in most cases.
The garden bearing of 170° (almost due south) gives the courtyard direct sun from late morning into the afternoon. The 110° open angle and surrounding stone walls keep the seating sheltered while staying open to the southern sky.
Around 5 minutes' walk from Lancaster railway station. Walking route on Google Maps.
Garden details
Faces
S (170°)
Size
small