You just can’t beat a pint in the sun, especially in some of the top beer gardens across the North East.

If you’re looking for some inspiration when it comes to sitting outdoors with friends and family now the warmer months are here, we have got you covered.

We asked Northern Echo readers on Facebook what they thought were the best beer gardens in the region and most were located in County Durham – here are some of your favourites.

Some of the best beer gardens in Darlington and County Durham

Ye Old Elm Tree

Location: 12 Crossgate, St Margarets Garth, Durham, DH1 4PS

On its Facebook page, Ye Old Elm Tree describes itself as a “a warm, friendly traditional English pub serving a range of local real ales and home cooked food”.

They also offer quiz and acoustic nights and “great beers” such as Angel Of The North (4.2%) and Irenic (3.9%).

Enjoy all of the above and make the most of their beer garden furnished with long wooden benches and fairy lights (it’s even undercover and has heaters for when the nights get cooler).

Springfield Hotel

Location: Salters Lane South, Darlington, DL1 2RB

The Springfield Hotel in Darlington was also recommended by locals – at this beer garden visitors can find plenty of seating, a play frame for children and even shade if the sunshine gets a little too much.

It’s also surrounded by plenty of greenery.

On its website, it says: “The Springfield Hotel is at the heart and soul of its community. We’re in a great spot on the edge of Darlington where you’re still close to the bright lights of the town centre, but far enough away to enjoy some peace and quiet too.

“Open up a menu and discover that not only do we have a great range of food on offer catering for all tastes, but our drinks are also top notch. Try a curry with a craft beer, a burger with a pint of draught lager, or maybe a sharing plate or two with a glass of fizz is more up your street. We have it all! And to top it off we have great entertainment, with our pub quiz events drawing in quite a crowd. So what are you waiting for?”

Turks Head

Location: 21-22 Bondgate, Darlington, DL3 7JG

The Turks Head Facebook page says it is “proud to be part of the community” and the pub also claims to “serve a proper pint”.

Their beer garden has also been recommended as one of the best in the North East by some residents – there are a lot of black benches and chairs for seating in a secluded area.

Plus, customers can expect DJ sets and live performances on some evenings (it opens until 2am on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays).

Black Horse

Location: 158 Front Street, Chester-le-Street, DH3 3AY

This pub says it has “the best beer garden in Chester” and some of our readers agree.

Quiz nights and live band performances are just some of the entertainment evenings on offer.

On its Facebook page, one customer left a review saying: “Great pub. lovely staff. large sunny beer garden.”

Recommended reading:

The Pub and Kitchen Cassop

Location: Front Street North, Cassop, Durham, DH6 4RJ

Also suggested as one of the best beer gardens in the area was The Pub and Kitchen Cassop (dogs are allowed too).

The village pub’s website says: “The Pub & Kitchen is a fabulous destination pub, renowned for its great food, quirky décor and speciality cocktails.

“We have a large pub garden with its own bar, where you can overlook the countryside, sipping your favourite tipple whilst enjoying live entertainment.”

It adds: “Whatever your favourite tipple, our expert cocktail makers offer exquisite cocktails that include a classic margarita, porn star martini, strawberry daquiri to a traditional gin and tonic.”