The Best Beer Gardens by the Sea in the North East

For relaxed seaside sipping, there's no better place than a sunny beer garden

The Ship Inn
As famous for its breathtaking location as for its excellent food and drink offering, and own micro-brewed beer, the picnic benches outside this coastal gem spill onto a neat village green with uninterrupted views of the sea.
Low Newton, Northumberland NE66 3EL
01665 576262
shipinnnewton.co.uk
Crown & Anchor Inn
This independent inn isn’t just near the sea, it’s surrounded by it. On the stunning island of Lindisfarne, with a cosy, dog-friendly bar and restaurant, head outside to sip on a classic Northumbrian ale and take in the astonishing views here.
The Market Place, Holy Island TD15 2RX
01289 389215
holyislandcrown.co.uk
The Jolly Fisherman
A popular gastropub in the village of Caster famous for its kippers, the beer garden here is perched metres above the waves, overlooking the harbour, and in the distance the ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle dominate the skyline.
Haven Hill, Craster, Northumberland NE66 3TR
01665 576461
thejollyfishermancraster.co.uk
Tin of Sardines
A compact but lively and eclectic gin bar on Roker seafront, the terrace has unparalleled views of the sea including the impressive arc of Roker Pier and the golden sands of the beach below. Tuck into a range of tantalising tapas alongside a range of gins from around the world.
Pier View, Roker Sunderland SR6 0PR
0191 605 3762
tinofsardines.co.uk

The King’s Arms
Perched high above Seaton Sluice Harbour with a view stretching for miles up the coast, this beer garden is ideally placed for a relaxing pint while watching the boats go in and out. Benches are dotted right across the small outcrop and the view is spectacular no matter where you sit.
The Harbour, Seaton Sluice, Northumberland NE26 4RD
0191 237 0275
thekingsarms-ne.co.uk
The Olde Ship Inn
With a beer garden overlooking the fishing harbour at Seahouses, The Olde Ship Inn is as nautically themed as you would expect (complete with a floor made from ship decking and maritime antiques decorating the walls). The newly extended and revamped garden has its own bar and looks out to the Farne Islands.
Main Street, Seahouses NE68 7RD
01665 720200
theoldeship.co.uk
The Ship’s Cat
A vibrant spot on bustling North Shields harbour, the large and lively outdoor terrace here has attracted some famous faces in recent years (Harrison Ford, we’re looking at you). Known for their cocktails and IPA selection, there’s also a popular menu available and plenty of outside seating.
Union Road, Tanner’s Bank, North Shields NE30 1JH
0191 257 7507
theshipscat.com
The Ship Inn
A relaxed pub, the extensive beer garden here is a blend of tables and benches lit by delicate fairy lights. There’s always something going on here, including regular live music slots, but its also just a great place to sip on ice cold drinks as you soak up the sea view.
Saltburn Road, Saltburn TS12 1HF
01287 550 625
greeneking.co.uk/ship-inn

Marsden Grotto
Built into the cave on the side of the coastal cliffs at Marsden Bay, take the long lift down to the family-friendly beach bar which is open daily, and where the decked seating outside sits right on the beach with unrivalled views of the water and Marsden Rock.
Coast Road, South Shields NE34 7BS
0191 455 6060
marsdengrotto.com
The Crows Nest
A family-friendly seafront pub, The Crow’s Nest is situated on one of the prettiest stretches of coast at Seaham on the Durham Heritage Coast. Hearty classics are served daily and there’s plenty of outside seating on the patio, or grab one of the covered booths and breathe in the sea air.
East Shore Village, North Road, Seaham, County Durham SR7 7XR
0191 581 4927
crowsnestpub.co.uk