There is something about autumn that makes a pub visit feel a little more special.
As leaves fall and temperatures dip, many of us swap beer gardens for cosy corners, crackling fires, comfort food and somewhere warm after a countryside walk.
Fortunately, County Durham has plenty of pubs and inns where the fire remains a focal point.
From historic city-centre locals to characterful country retreats, these venues offer the perfect setting for an autumn afternoon.
The Victoria Inn, Durham
The interior of The Victoria Inn, Durham. (Image: Northern Echo)
Few pubs in Durham feel quite as timeless as The Victoria Inn on Hallgarth Street.
The family-run pub retains much of its Victorian character, with coal fires helping to create an atmosphere that has changed little over the years.
Popular with locals, visitors and real ale enthusiasts alike, it is the sort of place where a pint and a conversation can easily turn into an afternoon.
The pub regularly attracts glowing reviews, with many visitors praising its traditional feel and unspoilt character.
The Duke of Wellington, Durham
Just outside the city centre, The Duke of Wellington offers exactly the kind of warm welcome many people look for as autumn arrives.
An open fire, classic pub favourites and a strong range of cask ales give the pub its traditional feel.
Whether you're stopping off after exploring Durham or meeting friends for a drink, the roaring fire makes it an appealing destination once the evenings begin drawing in.
Black Horse Beamish
The Black Horse Beamish is among the County Durham pubs offering a cosy retreat for visitors looking to warm up beside a roaring fire this autumn. (Image: The Northern Echo)
Overlooking Beamish Valley, Black Horse Beamish has been welcoming visitors for generations.
The historic pub is home to a roaring open fire, making it particularly inviting during the colder months.
Its location is perfectly placed for those spending a day exploring the countryside before settling down with a meal and a pint as the weather cools.
High Force Hotel, Forest-in-Teesdale
A trip to High Force is one of County Durham's great autumn experiences, with the waterfall and surrounding countryside taking on spectacular seasonal colours.
Nearby, High Force Hotel provides the ideal place to warm up afterwards.
Guests can relax beside the open fire while enjoying food and drinks after a walk through Upper Teesdale.
It's the sort of setting that feels tailor-made for autumn weekends.
Dickens Bar and Bistro, Greta Bridge
Located within The Morritt Hotel near Barnard Castle, Dickens Bar and Bistro combines history with comfort.
The venue has earned a reputation as a popular stopping point for those exploring Teesdale and has been highlighted among the region's cosiest spots.
One TripAdvisor reviewer described it as a "hidden gem", while others have praised the welcoming atmosphere and food, making it an attractive option for those looking to escape the autumn weather.
Lord Crewe Arms, Blanchland
Nestled in the picturesque village of Blanchland, Lord Crewe Arms feels as though it was made for autumn.
The historic former abbey guesthouse features roaring fires and centuries of character, with stone walls and cosy interiors adding to the experience.
Pennines landscape, there are few better places to retreat for a drink or meal.
The Rose and Crown, Romaldkirk
(Image: In the Teesdale village of Romaldkirk, The Rose and Crown has long been a favourite with visitors looking for a traditional country inn experience.
The award-winning coaching inn has log fires and a bar built around an open fireplace, making it ideal for a leisurely autumn afternoon.
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Its village location only adds to the charm, particularly as the surrounding countryside begins to show off its autumn colours.
As County Durham's landscapes turn shades of gold, orange and red, these pubs offer the perfect excuse to slow down and enjoy the season.
Whether you're returning from a countryside walk or simply searching for somewhere warm and welcoming, few things capture the spirit of autumn better than a good pint beside a roaring fire.