Is there anything better than enjoying drinks and food while having an amazing view? 

Definitely not. Whether it's watching the sunset or sunrise at a venue, or maybe even seeing snowy conditions in winter, views can be appreciated all year round.

As part of that, we have rounded up five pubs and venues in County Durham that offer stunning views, from train stations, to open countryside.

Here is the list:

Black Horse Beamish

Red Row, Beamish, Stanley, DH9 0RW 

The Northern Echo:

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.

If the lavender fields in summer don't do it for you - there are some amazing views in winter and autumn too.

Cross Keys Inn

Front Street, Esh, Durham, DH7 9QR

The Northern Echo:

The Cross Keys provides friendly service and a range of food for everyone. While they provide traditional homemade British classics, they also have a special board which covers cuisine from around the world. 

Alongside its varying range of food, it's the stunning views of picturesque fields and open countryside in Esh that really makes this venue worth visiting.

And it seems like people love coming here too, with one diner saying: "Outstanding quality and value Sunday Lunch.All home made, good inputs and food which delivered in taste and quantity. Lots of options including veggie sausages with veggie gravy.Very pleasant staff who enjoy serving!"

Lord Crewe Arms

The Square, Blanchland, DH8 9SP

The Northern Echo:

On the Lord Crewe Arms website, it describes itself as: “Nestled in the honey-stone village of Blanchland, beneath a cloak of forests and heath, stands our storybook bolthole, Lord Crewe Arms.

“Offering the warmth of twenty-six bedrooms, each decorated in soothing North Pennine hues, we're ideally positioned for a relaxing northeast getaway.

“Soaked in Northumberland soul – this is hillside living with heart, and we’re pretty sure you’ll love us for it.”

While it's highly recommended as a venue, the views are amazing too - with the historic setting of the pub part of its extensive charm.

Old Tom's Gin Bar

33 Riverwalk, Durham, DH1 5TL

The Northern Echo:

Old Toms Durham is influenced by the first ever Gin Old Tom which plays a significant role in the history of gin. Quaffed by the bucket load during the 18th and 19th centuries, it served as something of a bridge between Dutch Genever and London Dry, drier than the former and sweeter than the latter.

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The bar does drinks and gin tastings, which is a great activity for friends, families or occasions.

As well as learning about the popular spirit, this gin bar also boasts amazing views of Durham Castle and Cathedral, as well as the River Wear.

The Waiting Room

Durham Station

The Northern Echo:

Finally, we cap the list off with a unique place for drinks. Based at Durham Train Station, The Waiting Room is one of the most unusual on this list, given the location. 

With this pub, as the name suggests, has been carved out from an old waiting room at the station. 

Within the pub and in the outside area, you can catch all of the trains going by, offering stunning views for train fans.