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Escape to the country – Top Five country pubs to visit

With over 100 miles of rural countryside waiting to be explored, it’s no wonder that tourists are choosing to escape the rat-race and visit the North East of England for a get-a-way.

But, with so much to ground to cover, even the most intrepid adventurers need to take a recovery break.

So, we have compiled a list of the ‘Top Five’ country pubs that are worth planning your route around…

South Causey Inn – Stanley, County Durham

Tucked away in the heart of Beamish Valley hides the award-winning South Causey Inn – a dog-friendly farm and equestrian centre, which has been converted into a story-book sprawling pub and lodge.

Last year, the rustic-style pub, which is set in amongst 100 acres of rolling County Durham countryside, took home the trophy of “North East Pub and Bar of the Year”

North East natives spend their days waiting for the next Sunday to come around so that they can flock to the South Causey to indulge in the succulent choice of meats, crispy potatoes, buttery vegetables and Yorkshire puddings larger than a hockey puck.

Out of all of the country pubs on our ‘Top Five’, the South Causey boasts the most charismatic decoration and chic atmosphere – making it the best place to go for a date-day with a difference.

Tan Hill Inn – Pennine Way, North Yorkshire

The Tan Hill Inn proudly stands above any other pub in our ‘Top Five’ list – quite literally.

Perched on the summit of a 1,732ft hill, this cosy tavern is well known for being the “highest pub in Britain.”

Set against the idyllic backdrop of Swaledale, in the North Yorkshire Moors, travellers gather from all over the UK to spend a night in the quirky 17th Century tavern.

Located perfectly between some of County Durham’s star attractions, Cumbria’s most poignant beauty spots and the sprawling Yorkshire Dales, the Tan Hill makes the perfect base to tuck into a hearty meal at the end of a tiring day spent exploring.

Lucky pub-goers might also catch a rare glimpse of the impressive Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) which can sometimes be seen dancing over the historic building during clear nights – due to the lack of light pollution.

Over the past few years, the stone-flagged pub been battered by extreme weather during the winter months, leaving revellers snowed-in overnight – though there are definitely worse places to be stranded!

The Carts Bog Inn – Langley, Northumberland

Buried in the middle of the remote Northumberland countryside, the Carts Bog Inn is one of the North East’s hidden gems.

With a no-heirs-and-graces vibe, and a locally-sourced menu set to make your mouth water, this treasure of a pub is as traditionally and classically “country pub” as you can possibly get.

Surrounding the Carts Bog are endless beauty-spots, so feel free to have a stomp around the heather-topped fields and rolling greenland before settling down next to the crackling fire and tucking into some home-made food.

Thought it feels miles from anywhere, this cosy joint is just a 15 minute drive from one of the region’s only UNESCO world heritage sites – Hadrians Wall.

The King’s Head Inn – Roseberry Topping, Middlesbrough

Unlike the Tan Hill Inn, which overlooks the countryside, the King’s Head Inn sits at the foot of one of the region’s most iconic hills. 

This quintessentially British pub lies underneath the unmistakeable peak of Roseberry Topping, and is surrounded by leafy forests and harmonious countryside.

The King’s Head is the perfect place for weary climbers to quench their first and fill their bellies after a long scramble to Middlesbrough’s highest point.

With a cellar that boasts a wide range of guest ‘hand-pulls’, light lagers and scrumptious ciders, make time to savour each flavour that the King’s Head has to offer.

Low Lights Tavern – North Shields, North Tyneside

Okay – honesty time.

The Low Lights Tavern isn’t strictly in the ‘countryside’ – BUT, its old-school charm and no-fuss ambience gives it all of the characteristics of a proper country pub.

With an array of wines and beers, and a far-from-modest spirits shelf, the oldest pub in North Shields is a real hit with locals.

Music-lovers rejoice as two acoustic guitars hang from the walls, free for anyone to pick up and play – and luckily, many of the talented regulars can keep you (and themselves) entertained for hours.

However, the main reason that the Low Lights made it into the ‘Top Five’ list is because of their home-made pies.

You will be spoilt for choice when looking at the different fillings, all of which are served with thick gravy and chips cooked in beef dripping – delightful!