5 of the most remote pubs in Northumberland
Discover 5 of the best and most remote pubs to add to your road trip around the wonderful Northumberland.
With more castles than any other county in England and the largest protected area of night skies in all of Europe, Northumberland is a truly magical place. It's no wonder that the striking Alnwick Castle moonlighted as Hogwarts in the first two Harry Potter movies – or why the county attracts millions of visitors each year.
Visit Northumberland and you can expect rolling hills, fairytale villages and more historic landmarks than you can count. Nothing beats setting off on four wheels and exploring it all for yourself.
In fact, Northumberland is such a popular destination for road trips that there's an official route map. The
Northumberland 250 takes you on a circular itinerary that takes in some of the county's most awe-inspiring sights.
And there's no better way to unwind after a day of exploring than by sitting in a cosy pub, soaking up the atmosphere with a full belly and a good brew.
So, in case you're planning an adventure to discover England's northernmost county, here's a handy list of Northumberland's most charming and remote pubs to add to your itinerary.
The Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland
If you find yourself in the south of the county, you might come across Blanchland. This storybook village is nestled among the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and at the heart of it all is The Lord Crewe Arms.
The pub dates back to 1165 and was originally a guest house for the nearby Blanchland Abbey. Its long and storied history can be seen beautifully preserved in its hidden staircases and flagstone floors.
The Lord Crewe Arms offers a wide range of food and drink, including an impressive gin menu. You can also take advantage of its traditionally decorated rooms, should you be looking for a resting spot for the night.
Carts Bog Inn, Langley
Nestled at the top of the North Pennines, the Carts Bog Inn is the very definition of a hidden gem.
This quaint and characterful country pub was built originally as a coaching inn way back in 1775. Even today, it's full to the brim with traditional features. Guests can settle down under a high-beamed ceiling and next to a beautiful stone fireplace. Or why not take a seat out in the pub's extensive garden and gaze at the rolling fields of heather that surround it?
Despite its remote setting, the Carts Bog isn't hard to find if you know where to look. Sitting alongside the A686, it's just a stone's throw from Langley Castle and about a 30-minute drive from Hadrian's Wall.
The Jolly Fisherman, Alnwick
If you're heading east to explore the stunning Northumberland coastline, then make sure to add a trip to The Jolly Fisherman to your plans.
Found in the small seaside village of Craster, sitting alongside the Northumberland Coast Path, The Jolly Fisherman is an award-winning gastropub that boasts stunning panoramic views of Dunstanburgh Castle and the North Sea.
Serving real ales since 1847, the newly refurbished pub has kept its original charm and character with low-beam ceilings and stone-flagged floors. It now specialises in freshly caught seafood and supports local suppliers like Lindisfarne Oysters and Trotters Family Bakers in Seahouses.
The Ship Inn, Holy Island
If you're looking for remote destinations, you can't get much better than a visit to Lindisfarne (also known as "Holy Island"). To reach this tiny island, you must take a 10-minute drive along a tidal causeway off Northumberland's northeastern coast.
Lindisfarne has a recorded history dating back to the sixth century and is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It's well worth a visit – and while you're there, you should make plans to check in to the beautiful Ship Inn.
An 18th-century free house that's also home to a gin and vodka distillery, The Ship Inn has heaps of charm to match its picturesque setting. And with a wide range of whiskies, beers, wines and spirits on offer, as well as its very own Holy Island gin, the inn is ideal for adventurous drinkers.
Visitors will also welcome its traditional seaside pub menu, made up of freshly caught fish and locally sourced meat and produce.
The Pheasant Inn, Hexham
You'll find The Pheasant Inn nestled in the Kielder Forest, near the north of the county and about a five-minute drive from the beautiful Kielder Water.
Dating back to the mid-1600s, the inn was originally a farmhouse and became something of a hub for social gatherings. Today, this family-owned business retains the country charm and homely feel of its farmhouse days while offering guests hearty meals made with locally sourced ingredients.
The on-site cottage gardens provide the inn with ample fresh herbs, vegetables and soft fruit, which it uses in its seasonal menu. Its Cask Marque-accredited bar, meanwhile, stocks a variety of beers and real ales supplied by local breweries from around Northumberland and the North of England.
The Pheasant Inn is located within easy reach of the A68 and is the perfect pitstop for those visiting the Northumberland National Park, Hadrian's Wall or the Scottish Borders.
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