8 Best Pubs in Northumberland You NEED to Visit

From beer gardens with award-winning views, to places serving the best locally sourced produce straight to your plate. We have tried and tested some of our favourite pubs in Northumberland to visit when planning your trip to Northumberland.

A bracing walk along the Northumberland coastline, or even a dip in the north sea, will always be nicely complimented with a drink in one of Northumberland’s best pubs. Perhaps you’ve spent the day exploring the wilds of the Northumbrian hills and need refuelling. Whatever it is that means you are visiting one of the pubs in this county, you can be sure of a warm welcoming atmosphere, cosy surroundings and ‘proper’ pub food. 

The north east serves some of the best food in England, thanks to its ideal location along the coast; where fish can be caught fresh from the icy waters of the north sea and the fields provide lush grass for farmers to feed and keep their livestock. 

We will be covering the famous Craster Kipper, the cosiest open fires to enjoy a glass of wine by, and some of the best beer gardens you will find in this corner of the UK. 

Let’s dive straight into the roundup of the best pubs in Northumberland. 

The 7 Best Pubs In Northumberland

1. The Jolly Fisherman, Craster

To kick off our roundup of the best pubs in Northumberland, we are going to start right on the Northumberland coastline, in the small fishing village of Craster. 

Here you will find a small community which attracts a number of tourists every year, thanks to the dramatic backdrop of Dunstanburgh Castle and the harbour where fisherman leave to catch the famous Craster kippers. They are smoked by L.Robson and Sons Ltd in the original smokehouses which are over 130 years old. 

You can sample these on the menu at the village’s pub: The Jolly Fisherman. 

A “a tastefully refurbished pub with tradition and character at its heart”, the Jolly Fisherman welcomes locals and visitors alike with a friendly atmosphere and traditional Northumbrian food. 

Aside from the delicious menu, they have also been voted as having one of the best beer gardens in the UK. Boasting panoramic views across the north east coastline, over towards Dunstanburgh Castle, this is not a pub to be missed off your list as it’s definitely one of the best pubs in Northumberland.

A visit to this pub would be the perfect reward after walking from Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle, which is a popular route for many. Please note there is no parking in the village, instead you must use the public car park located on the right hand side just as you approach the village.  

2. Cook and Barker Inn at Felton near Morpeth

‘A real traditional Northumbrian Country Inn’ is the perfect description for The Cook & Barker Inn. From its elevated location in the picturesque village of Newton on the Moor, the Inn enjoys outstanding views of both the Northumberland Coast and the Cheviot hills.

The Inn boasts an excellent restaurant, bar areas and beer garden as well as 14 en-suite hotel rooms and 2 exclusive suites. Check their Facebook page for the latest offers and deals, there’s always something on!

3. The Anglers Arms, Weldon Bridge

The Anglers Arms is a traditional Northumbrian coaching inn, offering pub meals and bed and breakfast accommodation. It has gained a reputation for providing fantastic food for any occasion. So whether you are looking for a quick bite to eat over lunchtime or a relaxing Sunday dinner, there is something for everyone on the menu. 

A lovely time of year to visit is during the winter months, when the fires are lit and you can relax in a corner and catch up with friends and family. Ideal for a romantic getaway, they offer special discounts on breaks so it’s always worth keeping an eye on the website or social media pages. 

You will find The Anglers Arms just south of the village of Longframlington, approximately nine miles from Morpeth. 

They own a private stretch of the River Coquet which runs by just outside the front door. Guests can purchase a day ticket to fish on one of England’s most renowned game fishing rivers. 

4. Northumberland Arms, Felton

The Northumberland Arms in Felton, is a five star coaching inn that has been recently restored to bring luxury and fine dining to this small village in Northumberland. 

Originally a coaching inn built by Hugh Percy, 3rd Duke of Northumberland, in the 1820s, the building has been lovingly renovated and offers modern luxuries whilst keeping all of its previous charm. It is known for fantastic food, with seasonal menus that are popular with both locals and visitors from further afield. Locally sourced produce is used whenever possible and the bar offers local ales and fine wines on the menu.

With an extension to the restaurant, there are plenty of seating areas both indoors and out, offering visitors somewhere comfy and relaxed to enjoy a meal or evening glass of wine. 

Book a stay in one of the boutique rooms, overlooking the river coquet and the quaint village of Felton, to extend your visit to one of the very best pubs in Northumberland.

Also in the village you will find a popular bakery and cafe, art gallery and children’s play park as well as a picturesque riverside walk right from the doorstep of the Northumberland Arms.  

5. The Ridley Arms, Stannington

Not far from Newcastle, just as you come into Northumberland, you will find the small village of Stannington, located just off the A1. The Ridley Arms is located right in the heart of the village and is popular with locals and tourists alike. 

The pub has an excellent reputation for serving delicious pub food in a cosy and inviting setting. Perfect for larger groups meeting, with plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors.

Visitors to the pub will appreciate the beer garden in the summer months, and during the winter they can enjoy the cosy fires and comfy surroundings whilst devouring a delicious Sunday dinner at one of the best pubs in Northumberland.

There is a quiz night every Tuesday which is always well attended and makes a great night out. Look out for their other special deals including “fizz Friday” and Sunday lunches, running through the week.

6. The Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses

Part of the popular chain of inns from the “Inn Collection Group”, The Bamburgh Castle Inn is situated in the heart of the harbour village of Seahouses. 

From the main bar and dining area, guests can enjoy views out towards the harbour and over to the iconic Farne Islands. 

The harbour is a hive of activity with fishing boats and tourist boat trips coming and going throughout the day. If you are lucky enough to get a table by the window, you can sit and watch all the activity down on the water, with a drink in your hand as you wait for your freshly prepared meal to arrive. 

Extend your visit by booking a room for the night, meaning you can enjoy a cooked breakfast the following morning, with the same breathtaking views. 

Perfectly located for exploring Bamburgh and Holy Island further up the coast. 

7. The Pheasant Inn, Kielder

On the way to Kielder water, you will pass The Pheasant Inn, a family run pub and B&B. You will be treated to the warmest of welcomes from all the staff.

The epitome of a cosy, country pub, you will find yourself feeling at home as you refuel after a day walking or cycling around Kielder reservoir. Kielder water and forest is home to England’s largest forest and the biggest man-made lake in northern Europe. 

Combining character and charm, guests are treated to a delicious menu offering locally sourced food and good quality ales and wines. If you want to extend your stay at one of the best pubs in Northumberland, you can do so in one of the B&B rooms or in the self catering cottage which is close by to the pub.

This is the perfect base for exploring this vast corner of the county of Northumberland. 

8. Twice Brewed Inn, Hadrian’s Wall

Thanks to its amazing location along Hadrian’s Wall, the Twice Brewed Inn has a lot to offer visitors to the area. There is also something extra special about this pub which will have you booking your visit right away: ”The Dark Skies Observatory”

Not only do they serve delicious home cooked meals, there is also a range of their own home-brewed ales and spirits. You will find an observatory and planetarium here, offering packages for nights away star gazing while enjoying their own brewed ales. 

The purpose built planetarium opened in January 2023, and welcomed visitors throughout the winter months with special star gazing packages along with a lunch time menu. 

A perfect base for walking along a famous part of the Hadrian’s Wall that leads you to Sycamore Gap, an iconic part of Northumberland’s history and connection to the Romans. Plan your walk around your stay at the Twice Brewed Inn to make a full weekend or midweek break out of your visit. 

Time to go test out the best pubs in Northumberland and see if you agree with our roundup. Perhaps you will discover a new favourite pub or try something different off the menu.

Combining great food with the ample opportunities to explore the countryside, Northumberland really is the best place to enjoy a tipple or two over a meal with friends and family, in the most welcoming of settings.

Don’t forget to check out our 18 Best Days Out in Northumberland for All the Family.

7 Best Pubs in Northumberland: Quick List

1. The Jolly Fisherman, Craster
2. The Anglers Arms, Weldon Bridge
3. Northumberland Arms, Felton
4. The Ridley Arms, Stannington
5. The Bamburgh Castle Inn, Seahouses 
6. The Pheasant Inn, Kielder
7. Twice Brewed Inn, Hadrian’s Wall