The very best cosy County Durham pubs to visit in 2024

For all purposes of this list, we are catering for the people who are in that latter category. 

County Durham is blessed with having an abundance of cosy and comfortable pubs - and we have pieced together the very best. 

We have tried to find those quirky and cosy pubs that are a must-visit within the region - and hopefully, you can go and visit some (or all) of those listed in 2024. 

Without further ado, here's the list of cosy pubs:

Lord Crewe Arms

The Square, Blanchland, DH8 9SP

Just from its description of the pub, it feels warm and inviting.

Offering roaring fires aplenty, this pub is highly rated online as 4.5/5 stars and boasts homely feel rooms, as well as its food and drink offerings. 

In its description, Lord Crewe Arms describes itself as: "Swept up in the wilds of the North Pennines, a once-upon-a-time abbot’s guesthouse sits proudly in the honey-stoned village of Blanchland.

"Wallow in the warmth of our bedrooms lovingly soothed with Pennine hues and all the creature comforts. Relish in the spoils of The Bishop's Dining Room and the notorious Hilyard, where food that harks of heritage and skill is just made for feasting and passing around."

South Causey Inn

Beamish Burn Road, Stanley, DH9 0LS

Another homely feel to it - this pub and restaurant has rave reviews online, with 1400 people reviewing it on TripAdvisor, with numerous people mentioning how warm and cosy it is in winter.

Described as having 'plenty of character' - one diner said: "Family meal for my dad's birthday - food was delicious, service was efficient, professional & friendly. We'll definitely be back - highly recommend to anyone."

Black Horse Beamish

Red Row, Beamish, Stanley, DH9 0RW

Black Horse Beamish (Image: TRIPADVISOR)

Perched high looking across the Beamish conservation valley lies Red Row Estate - a glorious 37-acre sprawl with lavender field and woodland, riddled with wildlife and farmyard antiques, and home to the Black Horse Beamish, The Orchard Marquee, Red Row Retreat, Row Row Suites and Huckleberry Cottage. Beautifully restored this 300-year-old pub retains all of its charm and atmosphere, welcoming you with its open fires, flagstone flooring, and a clever mix of eclectic furniture.

One diner wrote: "Went here for Sunday lunch today. Only booked a few hours in advance online. Neither of us have been before and were so impressed by the location - absolutely beautiful."

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Ye Old Elm Tree

Crossgate, Durham, DH1 4PS

A traditional British pub, the food it offers is extensive and also offers Vegetarian options.

It may be perched right in the centre of Durham, but with so many pubs in the city centre, it's tough to pick out a 'hidden gem'.

This visitor has proved that it's both dog friendly and perfect for winter, by saying: "We popped in here with our dog for a quick drink but in reality didn’t want to leave in a hurry due to the warm atmosphere, blazing fire and great beer.

The Rose and Crown

Romaldkirk, Barnard Castle, DL12 9EB

Perhaps the cosiest of all the pubs, The Rose and Crown in Barnard Castle featured in The Times list of cosiest pubs in the UK. 

On Tripadvisor, the rural inn located in Romaldkirk is also highly praised, with a current rating of 4.5/5 out of 617 reviews.

Someone who thought it was so nice they visited twice, commented: “We have visited twice this week and had excellent meals both times.