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. Every pub is on or just off the High Street, each one no more than three minutes' walk from the last. No taxis, no Metro, no backtracking — just a steady stroll north along the High Street, following the sun as it arcs across the sky.

Stop 1: The County (12–1:30pm)

Start at the southern end of the High Street at 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 midday sun nicely. It's spacious, peaceful, and feels a world away from the High Street despite being right on it.

Order a pint from their six regular beers and six changing guest ales, and something to eat to line the stomach. The garden has open sky above — which matters when you're chasing sunlight.

Sun: Sheltered rear garden. Open and south-facing — great for midday sun. Walk to next stop: 3 minutes north along the High Street.

Stop 2: The Gosforth Hotel (1:30–3pm)

A short walk north to the Gosforth Hotel in the middle of the High Street. The street-side outdoor seating catches the early afternoon sun as it swings to the west. The cask ale selection is one of the best in Gosforth — beers from local breweries including Wylam, Mordue, Tyne Bank, and Cullercoats.

The barbecue mac 'n' cheese burger or loaded nachos are solid choices if you need refuelling.

Sun: Street-facing seating. Catches the early-to-mid afternoon sun. Walk to next stop: 2 minutes — just across to Salters Road.

Stop 3: Gosforth Traders (3–4:30pm)

Step off the High Street onto Salters Road to Gosforth Traders at 151-153. By afternoon it's transitioning from artisan coffee house to relaxed bar — craft beers, fine wines, cocktails, and premium spirits. The outdoor seating on Salters Road catches the mid-afternoon sun beautifully.

This is the spot to switch to something lighter — a glass of wine or an Aperol spritz rather than another pint. The hidden cellar room downstairs is worth a look if you haven't been before.

Sun: Outdoor seating on Salters Road. Good mid-afternoon sun. Walk to next stop: 3 minutes back to the High Street, continue north.

Stop 4: The Brandling Arms (4:30–6pm)

Continue 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 late afternoon sun and is well protected from the breeze that sometimes picks up on the High Street.

The drinks menu is more adventurous than most Gosforth pubs — cocktails and sharing boards work well at this stage of the afternoon.

Sun: Sheltered terrace, set back from the street. Good late afternoon sun. Walk to next stop: 2 minutes further north.

Stop 5: Barca (5:30–7pm)

Just a one-minute walk from the Brandling Arms, Barca is at 182 High Street. This independent art bar has a secret weapon — a beer garden out the back that overlooks the park, facing west. It's a quiet, tucked-away spot away from the noise of the High Street, and it catches the late afternoon and early evening sun beautifully.

Barca's vibe is more relaxed and creative than the traditional pubs — local art on the walls, tapas on the menu, and a good cocktail list. A glass of something cold in the park-facing garden as the light softens is a fine way to spend the early evening.

Sun: West-facing rear garden overlooking the park. Perfect for late afternoon and evening sun. Walk to next stop: 2 minutes further north.

Stop 6: The Queen Victoria (7pm onward)

Finish the crawl at The Queen Victoria at 204-206 High Street — the northernmost pub on the route and just a two-minute walk from Barca. The Vic has a dog-friendly beer garden to the rear that catches the last of the evening sun as it dips to the west. 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.

Settle in here for the evening. A function room upstairs means groups can spill over if the garden gets busy — and on a proper sunny evening, it will. The food menu runs all day, so if hunger returns there's no need to move on.

Sun: Rear beer garden. Catches the evening sun until it sets.

The route: The County → Gosforth Hotel → Gosforth Traders → Brandling Arms → Barca → Queen Victoria. A straight line from south to north along the High Street — every stop just 1–3 minutes from the last. Total walking distance: about half a mile.

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. And remember, the crawl is entirely walkable, so no one needs to drive.

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