The Best Beer Gardens and Rooftop Terraces in the North East
From secret beer gardens to elegant terraces, everything is always better al fresco
The Bay Horse
A 15th-century coaching inn, The Bay Horse at Hurworth takes pride in its seasonal menu and carefully-curated selection of wines, beers and cocktails, and the walled garden here is a sun trap in spring and summer. Pick a table in the garden or on the patio with heaters and linger a little longer under festoon lighting as the fire pits are lit.
45 The Green, Hurworth DL2 2AA
01325 720663
thebayhorsehurworth.com
The Beehive
Loop around the back of The Beehive to discover its secret garden with a hidden entrance under the archway. A real sun trap in summer, the pub’s one-acre secret garden is the perfect place for a quick drink post-work or an afternoon catch up with friends after a stroll on the nearby beach. There’s even a bar in the garden so you can order both food and drink in the sun. Live music events and barbecues are hosted here throughout the summer so keep an eye on their socials for more details.
Hartley Lane, Earsdon, Whitley Bay NE25 0SZ
0191 252 9352
beehiveearsdon.co.uk
The Crown and Anchor Inn
This independently-run inn sits right at the heart of Holy Island and serves three Northumbrian ales and a good selection of whiskies and gins. Enjoy a pint and a pub classic al fresco in the beer garden which takes full advantage of the coastal views.
The Market Place, Holy Island TD15 2RX
01289 389215
holyislandcrown.co.uk
The Masham
This family-run pub in the centre of Hartburn Village is popular with Teessiders for its pub classics and daily specials. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you in the sunshine in the large beer garden, with a choice of outdoor tables or some under a sun trap shelter with heat lamps for summer evenings.
87 Hartburn Village, Stockton TS18 5DR
01642 645526
themasham.co.uk
Twice Brewed Inn
Known for its award-winning beers and loved as a popular pit stop for walkers and families just a stone’s throw away from Hadrian’s Wall, the Twice Brewed Inn’s beer garden has a heated patio area, wooden pods and plenty of space for children and four-legged friends to play, with views stretching across the surrounding Northumbrian countryside.
Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 7AN
01434 344534
twicebrewedinn.co.uk
Wylam Brewery
This hugely popular iconic space beside the lake in Newcastle’s Exhibition Park has an extensive beer garden with plenty of outdoor fire pits if the weather turns colder. The Tap serves Wylam Beers and guest keg lines, small batch spirits and artisan wines, and there’s an outdoor bar when it’s busy, but be warned it only opens Friday to Sunday.
Palace of Arts, Exhibition Park, Newcastle NE2 4PZ
0191 650 0651
wylambrewery.co.uk
The Three Wheat Heads
Just a mile west of Rothbury this traditional, family-friendly inn has one of the most famous beer gardens in the area with sweeping views over the Simonside Hills. The menu includes all the pub classics alongside some specials and can be enjoyed outdoors with a refreshing tipple, or two.
Thropton NE65 7LR
01669 620262
threewheatheads.co.uk
The Ship
Known for its dedicated parmo menu inspired by locations across the world, The Ship at Redmarshall has an inviting beer garden which is popular in spring and summer. Choose a table on the patio or lawn and enjoy your favourite tipple al fresco; the pub has a great range of wine and beer to choose from.
Church Lane, Redmarshall TS21 1EP
01740 630378
theshipredmarshall.co.uk
The Rat Inn
This award-winning country pub in the small hamlet of Anick boasts beautiful views across the surrounding countryside. Originally a drover’s inn, this historic site dates back to the 18th century. While The Rat Inn is known and loved for its locally-sourced, award-winning food (which you can also enjoy al fresco), stick around and enjoy wines, real ales or cocktails in the pretty beer garden.
Anick, Hexham NE46 4LN
01434 602814
theratinn.com
The King’s Arms
Overlooking Seaton Sluice Harbour, this traditional pub’s rear garden is both heated and sheltered – a welcoming space in which to sit back, relax and enjoy home-cooked food and a tipple or two. Catch some rays in the front grassed area whilst you take in the delightful views all the way to the Cheviots.
The Harbour, Seaton Sluice NE26 4RD
0191 237 0275
thekingsarms-ne.co.uk
South Causey Inn
The South Causey Inn’s recently reopened Hotspot Cocktail Bar is your go-to for summer in County Durham. A restored 1960s Bedford TK has been transformed into a one-of-a-kind outdoor cocktail bar. There’s an extensive garden menu for dining too. With lighting and comfy booth seating, this is a stunning spot for relaxed drinks and live music on Fridays (if the weather allows).
Beamish Burn Road, Stanley DH9 0LS
01207 235555
southcausey.co.uk
The Boatside Inn
This traditional country inn in the tiny hamlet of Warden, near Hexham, serves cask ales and lagers and has an extensive wine list to accompany its award-winning food, which can all be served in the pub’s extensive beer garden.
Warden NE46 4SQ
01434 602233
theboatsideinn.co.uk
The Broad Chare
From Easter to the end of autumn, the Live Garden behind The Broad Chare is transformed into a secret city oasis. This sheltered sun trap is a spot of calm with plenty of tables, large parasols providing welcome shade and the opportunity to enjoy a quiet pint and The Broad Chare’s excellent bar snacks.
25 Broad Chare, Newcastle NE1 3DQ
0191 211 2144
thebroadchare.co.uk
The Rose & Crown Romaldkirk
This welcoming 18th-century coaching inn serves great food and has a welcoming bar where dogs are so welcome there’s even a dog ‘hall of fame’. Head out for a drink or a bite to eat on the terrace whilst the sun is shining on the picnic tables overlooking the pretty village green of Romaldkirk.
Barnard Castle DL12 9EB
01833 650213
rose-and-crown.co.uk
The Olde Ship Inn
On the Seahouses harbour, this pub (which is packed with maritime memorabilia) has been serving customers since 1812 and their outdoor terrace is dog friendly. With painted picnic benches, an outdoor bar and plenty of space, take in the stunning views of the boats in the harbour and, on cooler days, shelter from the elements in the conservatory space and sheltered outdoor bar area.
Main Street, Seahouses NE68 7RD
01665 720200
theoldeship.co.uk
The Half Moon Inn
Durham’s go-to pub for sports fans, The Half Moon Inn, in a Grade I-listed Tudor building, has an extensive drinks menu from wine to cocktails and beer to cider. Take your tipple out to the riverside courtyard and soak up views of the city’s iconic cathedral.
86 New Elvet, Durham DH1 3AQ
0191 374 1918
thehalfmooninndurham.co.uk
