The North East is home to some of the oldest pubs and inns that the UK has to offer.

Whether you're visiting Durham or York for the day there will always be a pub with an interesting history nearby.

It's hard to create a definitive list as there are so many ancient establishments dotting the region but here are five of the oldest.

One of the pubs on this list was even a favourite of King Charles I when he came up north.

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Here are some of the most historic pubs that you need to visit for a pint or two:

1. Old Well Inn, 21 The Bank, Barnard Castle, DL12 8PH

The Northern Echo: Old Well Inn, Barnard Castle

The Old Well Inn has the most extensive history of any pub on this list, dating all the way back to the 12th century.

There are bulletholes in the weathervane on top of the pub that were made as part of a shooting competition between a soldier and a gamekeeper in 1804.

It was also used as a place for soldiers to stay during World War I.

It is now an award winning pub with a beer garden and seven en-suite rooms available for guests.

2. Old George Inn, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1EZ

The oldest pub in Newcastle has a rich history and it is thought to have been one of King Charles I's favourite pubs.

It is thought that he was allowed a drink at the pub in 1646 while being held prisoner by the Scots.

The establishment dates back to the 16th century and visitors from all over the world now come to enjoy the historic atmosphere.

The pub is now a Grade II listed building on the National Heritage list.

3. The Dun Cow, 37 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN

The Northern Echo: The Dun Cow Inn, Durham

This pub has parts which date back all the way to the 15th century and is named after the legend of the Dun Cow.

It is said that a group of Lindisfarne monks carrying the body of the Anglo-Saxon Saint Cuthbert came to Durham in 995AD.

Saint Cuthbert appeared to one of the monks and told him that he must be laid to rest at 'Dun Holm'.

None of the monks knew the place and they began to search before they met a milkmaid who guided them there.

The structure of Durham Cathedral stands at the spot she brought them to.

4. Tan Hill Inn, Long Causeway, Richmond, DL11 6ED

The Northern Echo: Tan Hill Inn, Richmond

The Tan Hill Inn is not only one of the oldest pubs in Richmond, dating back to the 17th century, but it is also the highest pub in Britain.

Standing on the top of a lonely hill in the Yorkshire Dales it is 1732 feet above sea level.

Surrounded by stunning walks around Swaledale it is a beautiful and quirky pub to visit.

5. Ye Olde Starr Inn, 40 Stonegate, York, YO1 8AS

The beautiful timber framed structure can be found in the centre of York.

It was constructed in the mid-16th century and by 1644 it had been named 'The Starre'.

During the Battle of Marston Moor that very year it was used to house injured soldiers.

Nearly four centuries later it is still being used as a pub today.

It is now a Grade II listed building.