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- 9th Oct 2026
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15 cosy pubs in Newcastle, Northumberland and beyond for autumn afternoons
There’s something about autumn that makes a pub feel even more inviting.
After a crisp walk, a blustery day by the coast or an afternoon exploring somewhere new, few things beat stepping inside somewhere warm for a pint, a plate of something hearty and a little time to linger.
From historic coaching inns and fireside country pubs to proper city locals and cosy spots by the coast, the North East has plenty of places made for exactly that. Here are some of our favourites to cosy up in this autumn.
The Lord Crewe Arms
The Square, Blanchland, Northumberland DH8 9SP
With more than 850 years of history behind it, The Lord Crewe Arms is a proper Northumberland hideaway, with medieval stone walls and a setting surrounded by the North Pennines. For a cosy pint, head downstairs to The Crypt Bar, where local ales, fireside seating and its vaulted interior make it an easy place to recharge in after a moorland walk. It’s the sort of historic pub that feels especially inviting when the weather turns.
Sandhill Arms
44 Sandhill, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3JF
With its exposed brick, original features and tucked-away corners, Sandhill Arms has all the ingredients for a cosy Quayside pint. The Wylam Brewery pub serves a rotating selection of its beers, including the Sandhill Pale, alongside a menu of handmade pies from Newcastle’s Pink Lane Bakery. Choose from flavours such as Steak and Newcastle Brown Ale, Greek Lamb and Feta or Peri-Peri Chicken, then pair it with mash, peas and liquor for the full pie-and-pint experience.
The Ship ISIS
26 Silksworth Row, Sunderland SR1 3QJ
A real piece of Sunderland pub history, The Ship Isis dates back to 1885 and has been carefully restored to retain its Victorian character. Inside, you’ll find a traditional public bar, wood-panelled lounge and plenty of nooks for settling in with one of its changing selection of ales. When hunger strikes, Nobody serves up indulgent, flavour-packed burgers from Wednesday to Saturday, adding a modern edge to this much-loved local. With its heritage interiors, real ale and relaxed atmosphere, it’s an easy one to while away an afternoon in.
The Northumberland Arms
The Peth, West Thirston, Felton, Morpeth NE65 9EE
A former 1820s coaching inn that has been restored with its period character intact, The Northumberland Arms sits beside the River Coquet and makes a lovely stop after a countryside walk. Refuel with locally sourced food, then make the most of the riverside outdoor area overlooking the historic bridge. There are also six boutique bedrooms if you fancy turning a pub trip into a Northumberland escape.
The Bridge Hotel Vaults
145 High Street West, Sunderland SR1 1UW
With more than 200 years of history behind it, The Bridge Hotel Vaults has quite the story to tell. Charles Dickens is among the famous names to have stayed here, while the Grade II-listed building has recently been brought back to life, and the locals can’t get enough. Today, it’s wood-panelled and low-lit, giving it a real old-school feel, with changing beers on the handpulls and a nod to Sunderland’s brewing heritage through its Vaux Brewery memorabilia.
The King’s Arms
1 Farringdon Row, Hanover Place, Sunderland SR4 6BU
One for lovers of traditional pubs, The King’s Arms in Deptford dates back to at least 1834 and is now a Grade II-listed building. Inside, its character is still very much intact, with an ornate wooden bar-back, original counter, tiled fireplace and tongue-and-groove ceiling. Two open fires add to the cosy feel, while changing cask ales make it a good spot for a proper pint. There’s also a beer garden out back, plus views towards the River Wear and Stadium of Light.
The Sun Hotel
6 Castle Terrace, Warkworth, Morpeth, Northumberland NE65 0UP
Opposite Warkworth Castle, The Sun Hotel is a 17th-century coaching inn with plenty of old-world charm. Next door, Castle Brew House is a traditional country pub serving local and changing ales, with a welcoming interior and an outdoor area overlooking the castle. It’s a lovely place to stop after exploring the village, particularly when you can come in from a crisp autumn walk and settle down with a pint and some proper pub grub.
The Ship Inn
Low Newton-by-the-Sea, Alnwick NE66 3EL
For a cosy pub with a sea view, The Ship Inn is hard to beat. The family-run pub has been part of village life for over 25 years and now brews its own real ale just metres from the bar. There’s a focus on local food, good coffee and live music, while the beach and surrounding coastline are right on the doorstep. A chilly coastal walk followed by a pint here makes for a very good pairing.
The Pheasant Inn
Stannersburn, Near Kielder Water, Falstone, Hexham, Northumberland NE48 1DD
The Pheasant Inn is all about traditional country-pub charm, with two comfortable lounge bars featuring original beams, exposed stone walls and cosy open fires in winter. The kitchen keeps things seasonal, using local produce wherever possible, with ingredients also coming from the pub’s own cottage gardens. Add views across the Northumberland countryside, and you have the perfect crisp, autumn afternoon out.
Hadrian’s Hotel
Front Street, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 4EE
Sitting beside Hadrian’s Wall, Hadrian’s Hotel is a historic country pub with three open log fires adding to its homely feel. It’s a natural stop for walkers exploring the surrounding countryside, with a traditional bar, real ale and a restaurant on site. There’s also accommodation if you want to make a weekend of exploring this corner of Northumberland rather than simply stopping by for a drink.
High Force Hotel
Alston Road, Middleton-in-Teesdale, Barnard Castle DL12 0XH
Just the sort of place you want to discover after a walk through the North Pennines, High Force Hotel combines a dramatic rural setting with plenty of traditional pub appeal. Inside, you’ll find open fires, cosy nooks, newspapers to settle down with and a relaxed hotel bar serving food throughout the day. With High Force waterfall nearby, it makes an excellent autumn day out when you’re looking for somewhere warm to retreat to afterwards.
Low Lights Tavern
5 Brewhouse Bank, North Shields, NE30 1LL
Love a proper old-school pub? Low Lights Tavern is a traditional free house tucked beneath the old Low Light on North Shields Fish Quay. Believed to have been an alehouse for more than 400 years, it has low beams, several characterful rooms and a snug with a real fire that comes into its own when the temperature drops. Add changing guest ales, homemade food and regular live music, and it’s a lovely place to hunker down as the crisp autumn days creep in.
The Rose and Crown
Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, County Durham DL12 9EB
The Rose and Crown is an 18th-century country inn in the Teesdale village of Romaldkirk, surrounded by the kind of countryside that makes an autumn pub lunch feel like a true escape from everyday life. Inside, its oak-panelled restaurant serves seasonal food made with local produce, alongside local ales and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Dogs are welcome in the bar too, making it a good base for a long countryside walk followed by lunch.
Ye Old Elm Tree
12 Crossgate, St Margarets Garth, Durham DH1 4PS
A Durham pub with plenty of history, Ye Old Elm Tree has long been part of the local pub scene on Crossgate. Its traditional setting makes it a good option when you want somewhere relaxed for a pint rather than a polished dining experience. It’s also twice crowned Durham CAMRA’s City Pub of the Year, in 2023 and 2024
The Free Trade Inn
St Lawrence Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE6 1AP
Perched above the Tyne, The Free Trade Inn is the spot where a quick drink can easily turn into a few hours. Its unpretentious interiors, extensive beer selection and stunning views make it a natural stop after a chilly wander through Ouseburn. Grab a pint, find a spot by the window and watch the river go by, or catch up with friends and make an afternoon of it. It’s relaxed and made for taking your time.
Molly Ferry
CONTENT ASSISTANT
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