In this paper, load deflection characteristics of pile bents with combination of vertical and batter piles under lateral loads are studied using an extensive testing programme. The results obtained from the tests carried out on model vertical and batter single piles and pile bents arranged in four different configurations viz., i) Both vertical, ii) Front batter and Rear vertical, iii) Front vertical and Rear batter, and iv) Both batter; are presented and discussed. The results reveal that the piles with negative batter angles are more resistant to lateral loads than the vertical piles and piles with positive batter angles. In case of bents with group of piles, the group with front vertical and rear batter piles proved to be the best configuration among all configurations. Based on the failure surfaces and crack patterns observed during testing, zones of passive resistance around pile bents in different configurations could be suggested.