As we bid farewell to summer (for now), it means pumpkin spice lattes (PSL), cosy lit fires and country pub walks are on their way as the seasons begin to change.

The arrival of autumn also means scrolling through Pinterest to see what the latest home-décor trends are and taste-testing Costa Coffee’s new menu for the months ahead.

But just because the temperatures might be gradually lowering, it doesn’t mean you can’t continue to explore the outdoors in County Durham.

There are endless villages to discover, whether you are wanting a picnic spot with one of the best views in the North East or streets lined with historic buildings.

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If you are looking to explore as the leaves change colour, then look no further as we have rounded up some of the prettiest villages to visit.

Some of the most picturesque villages to visit in County Durham this autumn

Brancepeth

Earlier this year Brancepeth was named among the “poshest” villages in the UK by The Telegraph and one of the most desired places to live.

It’s mostly known for being the home of the medieval Brancepeth Castle, one of the oldest castles in the North East surrounded by idyllic rural settings.

You can admire the architecture of the ivy-covered houses in Brancepeth as you stroll by.

Gainford

Located alongside the north bank of the River Tees, you can walk along a footpath in Gainford to take in the sights, featuring a viewing platform and a sundial built to celebrate the new millennium in the year 2000, reports Hotels.com.

The website adds: “Along the river's bank is a sulphur spring called Gainford Spa, which is popular because of claims that its water has healing properties.”

The Northern Echo: Will you be checking out this water feature in Gainford?Will you be checking out this water feature in Gainford? (Image: Getty)

You can also see St. Mary's Church and Gainford's village green surrounded by Georgian townhouses.

Discover even more history by visiting Gainford Hall manor house, Cross Keys Pub, and the Academy Theatre.

Beamish

Beamish near Stanley is mostly known for its famous tourist attraction - Living Museum of the North.

Hotels.com says: “It’s dubbed as the Living Museum of the North, where 19th- and 20th-century North England comes alive.

“When you visit the area, you’ll find translocated and replica buildings and shops, as well as costumed staff. Its tram and old vehicles complete the picture of what daily life was like in the region.”

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Teesdale

If you like to visit castles and museums as well as being greeted by impressive scenery, Teesdale could be the autumnal day out you have been looking for.

In Teesdale you can find 14th-century Barnard Castle and the Bowes Museum.

For those after more of an adventure, explore High Force, England’s largest waterfall.

Castle Eden

Castle Eden might be familiar to nature lovers as it has a 550-acre nature reserve, known as the Dene.

“The reserve contains 10,000 years of wildwood growth – yew, oak, ash, and dying elm. Its deep gorge has provided a habitat for 450 species of plants, birds, roe deer, and foxes,” reveals Hotels.com.

“A watercourse known as Eden Burn – where the village got its name – runs through the Dene.”

You can also gather your family and friends at The Castle, a Grade II listed building that offers accommodation for up to 24 people, along with a hot tub and dungeon bar (so you can really make the most of your visit).

Staindrop

One place you must stop off at in this pretty village is the Raby Castle, built on a 200-acre deer park.

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The castle has a 5-acre walled garden, a new Yurt Café to refuel with sweet and savoury treats and the Stables Shop to browse their “treasure trove of goodies.”

There is so much to see and do at Raby Castle including Halloween events for the family and rural retreats to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Summerhouse

The village of Summerhouse might be small but it’s not one to miss if you’re a foodie at heart.

Hotels.com said: “Summerhouse used to be a generally quiet and unknown rural hamlet until British golfer-turned-chef James Close and his family acquired an 1899-built real ale pub.

“After Close renamed it the Raby Hunt, the pub soon won the first Michelin star for the North East in 2013, with the second added just 4 years later.”