The Gosforth Summer Pub Crawl: A Sun-Chasing Guide

Gosforth has more beer gardens than you might think — and on a rare sunny day, the trick is knowing which ones catch the sun and when. The High Street runs roughly north-to-south, which means outdoor seating on each side of the road gets sun at different times. Start at the right pub and you can chase the sunlight all the way from lunchtime to last orders.

Here's a six-stop walking route that does exactly that. Total distance: about a mile and a half on foot. Total time: as long as the sun lasts.

Stop 1: The Gosforth Hotel (12–2pm)

Start your crawl at the Gosforth Hotel on the High Street. The street-side outdoor seating faces east and catches the midday and early afternoon sun — perfect for a first pint while the day warms up. The cask ale selection is strong, with beers from local breweries including Wylam, Mordue, Tyne Bank, and Cullercoats.

Order a pint and something from the food menu to line the stomach — the barbecue mac 'n' cheese burger or loaded nachos are solid choices for soaking up what's to come.

Sun: East-facing street seating. Best in the midday and early afternoon.

Stop 2: The County (2–3pm)

Walk south along the High Street to The County at number 70. This handsome Greene King pub has a beer garden tucked behind the building, away from the road, which catches the afternoon sun as it swings south and west. It's spacious, peaceful, and feels a world away from the High Street despite being right on it.

They typically have six regular beers and six changing guest ales on tap. The garden has a car park alongside, so it doesn't feel hemmed in — there's actual sky above you, which matters when you're chasing sunlight.

Sun: Sheltered rear garden. Catches the afternoon sun from around 1pm onward.

Stop 3: The Brandling Arms (3–4:30pm)

Head back north to The Brandling Arms at 176 High Street. The recently refurbished outdoor terrace is set back from the road — a smart, sheltered space with picnic tables and big umbrellas. It catches the mid-to-late afternoon sun and is well protected from the breeze that sometimes picks up on the High Street.

This is a good stop for a cocktail or an Aperol spritz rather than another pint — the drinks menu is more adventurous than most Gosforth pubs. Sharing boards and light bites work well here if you need refuelling.

Sun: Sheltered terrace, set back from the street. Good mid-to-late afternoon sun.

Stop 4: The Queen Victoria (4:30–6pm)

Continue north to The Queen Victoria at 204-206 High Street. The Vic has a dog-friendly beer garden to the rear that catches the late afternoon and early evening sun. The pub dates back to 1825 but was recently refurbished, so the interior is fresh and contemporary. The cask ale and cider range is broad, and the kids' menu (with award-winning dishes) makes this a viable family stop if little ones are in tow.

A function room upstairs means groups can spill over if the garden gets busy — and on a proper sunny day, it will.

Sun: Rear beer garden. Best from late afternoon through early evening.

Stop 5: Gosforth Traders (6–7:30pm)

Time to drop off the High Street. Walk east down Salters Road to Gosforth Traders at 151-153 Salters Road. By day it's an artisan coffee house, but by evening it transforms into a relaxed bar with craft beers, fine wines, cocktails, and premium spirits. The outdoor seating catches the evening sun as it dips to the west and the light softens.

This is the civilised pause before the final stop — a glass of something good in a beautifully decorated space. The hidden cellar room downstairs is worth a look if you haven't been before.

Sun: Outdoor seating on Salters Road. Catches the early evening sun.

Stop 6: The Brandling Villa (7:30pm onward)

End the crawl at The Brandling Villa on Haddricks Mill Road in South Gosforth. A 10-minute walk from the High Street (or a one-stop Metro ride from South Gosforth). The Villa's beer garden is one of the best in Newcastle — spacious, well-lit, and the perfect place to see out a long summer evening.

By this point you'll want one of their Overkill Brewing cask ales or something from the 10-beer rotation. If hunger has returned, the burgers are legendary. Live music, quiz nights, and comedy often run in the evenings, so you may end up staying longer than planned. That's fine. That's the point.

Sun: Large beer garden. Catches the last of the evening sun and stays lit into the night.

The route: Gosforth Hotel → The County → Brandling Arms → Queen Victoria → Gosforth Traders → Brandling Villa. About 1.5 miles walked in total. All walkable, or take the Metro one stop from South Gosforth if legs are tired by the end.

Top tip: Start no later than 12:30pm if you want to hit all six stops with sun at each. Pace yourself — this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Know another Gosforth beer garden that catches the sun? Get in touch via our contact page and we'll update the route.