With people looking for the best pub around - it's difficult to try and pinpoint some of the best in County Durham.

But after flicking through reviews of pubs in the region, we have pieced together five that rank the best among locals and visitors.

The five best pubs in County Durham to visit this weekend:

The Woodman Inn

23 Gilesgate, Durham

This traditional pub serves lagers, ales, and spirits - and is a great place for a drink over the weekend - whether it's raining outside or glorious sunshine. 

With a pool table, dart board and various other games to choose from - it's more than a drinker's pub. 

If you need any more convincing, it has a pub garden with an outside TV for sport.

Online, it has great reviews on both Google and TripAdvisor, with it getting an average 4.5 stars out of five on TripAdvisor. 

One person who rated it highly on TripAdvisor said: "Visited the Woodman. The atmosphere, décor and staff are exceptional. The live entertainment made the whole experience one we will return to and recommend to others."

Cobblers Hall

Carers Way, Newton Aycliffe

A traditional pub atmosphere makes it a great place for pints, lunches, family meals, and nights out.

This is another pub that is great for both bad and good weather - with the venue offering a beer garden and heated patio.

As well as drinks, it offers food, which includes a Sunday roast.

An impressed visitor said on TripAdvisor: "Had a lovely time. Very friendly atmosphere. Food was top notch with a quick and friendly service."

Shakespeare Tavern

63 Saddler Street, Durham

Famous for being Durham’s most haunted pub, The Shakespeare is set in a 12th-century building with a bar on the ground floor & Y'Bard Spirits Bar on the second floor. The interior comprises a small bar and a larger back lounge.

The pub was originally a haunt for 19th-century theatre actors and patrons, hence the name.

Y'Bard Spirits Bar was formerly the Manager's office of the historic 12th-century building.

This unique place is a must-visit for those who are from the area and those just visiting for the day. 

One person who loved the historic feel of the place said on TripAdvisor: "Excellent old watering hole in Durham City great atmosphere, beer, a traditional pub apparently the oldest in the city please don't spoil it and keep supporting it."

The Grey Horse

115 Sherburn Terrace, Consett

This award-winning venue is very much a traditional cask ale pub - serving up to ten cask ales and five traditional ciders.

The pub is home to the Consett Ale Works brewery, with four Consett beers on the bar at all times. 

If you're looking for something traditional and enjoy your cask ales - this place is for you. 

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As well as inside seating, it also has an outdoor area for visitors. 

One person who reviewed it on TripAdvisor enjoyed their visit and said: "The beers, lager and ciders are of top quality. Fantastic rooms to sit in and enjoy a real nice drink."

The Bay Horse Wolsingham

Upper Town, Wolsingham

One of the most popular pubs on TripAdvisor in County Durham - with people highlighting this pub as one of the best around. 

According to those who have added reviews online, the food and Sunday roasts are good at The Bay Horse - with impressed customers rating it highly.

One person who ranked it five stars said on TripAdvisor: "Nice village pub with a lovely fire and great atmosphere. The staff team are really welcoming and great with kids. There’s live sport and a pool table. We had a Sunday dinner there was plenty of food and its was delicious the side of cauliflower cheese was amazing as were the Yorkshire’s and mushy peas."