As the weekend arrives, most of us will be keen to make the most of our time off work with a trip out to enjoy some fresh air and exercise or a few drinks and a meal down at the pub.
Combining the two options is even better so we have drawn up a list of suggestions for where to go in the North East where there is both a popular pub and a range of attractions to turn a visit into a day trip.
They include a museum pub where you can also step back in time and a beach-front grotto where you can enjoy a coastal walk.
Read more: 24 cosy pubs to warm up in after an autumn walk
Here are 12 suggestions taking in Newcastle and the wider region and we'll be adding more in coming weeks. You're welcome to share your own ideas too.
Crown & Anchor
Getting cut off by the incoming tide on Holy Island in Northumberland isn't such a hardship when you've a pick of pubs and restaurants to while away your time and there are several of both packed onto the island.
Among them is this venue - near Lindisfarne Priory - which benefits on chillier days from a cosy fire in the bar area as well as an outdoor garden with great views to enjoy in sunnier climes
The pub-restaurant with rooms has been rated by the Good Food Guide for well-kept Hadrian Border ales, range of whiskies and gins and its changing food menu.
In addition, the famous island has of course lots to explore - such as Lindisfarne Castle and Gertrude Jekyll garden - and the delights of Lindisfarne Mead to sample.
Remember to check those tide times before heading there.
The Twice Brewed Inn
Perfectly placed for those walking and cycling in the heart of Hadrian's Wall Country or having a day out exploring Northumberland's best-known Roman sites, this country pub also offers bed and breakfast accommodation.
And with the site also being home to the Dark Skies Observatory, that overnight stay option will appeal to stargazers keen to experience the celestial delights in an area which boasts some of the blackest night skies in the world.
As its name suggests, the pub brews its own ales and spirits and they prove a mighty match for its hearty food.
The Jolly Fisherman
The clifftop walk from the Northumberland fishing village of Craster to Dunstanburgh Castle is a favourite of many and is just the right length to ensure that you're in a fit state to enjoy wandering the ruins at the end.
To fuel the journey visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, from the catch of the day to the likes of crab soup, at this historic pub - all stone-flag floors and low-beamed ceilings - set against a backdrop of sea and harbour views.
Browse the village - or take a scenic walk from there to Embleton - and enjoy the fact you might also have total peace as mobile reception can be less than reliable.
Take note that a visit to Craster can't be complete without a stop-off to buy Craster kippers.
Family business L Robson & Sons in Craster has been oak-smoking herring caught in the North Sea using traditional preservation methods for four generations now and - besides its online business - it sells them at a shop next to its traditional smokehouse overlooking the harbour. Just follow your nose.
The Keelman and Big Lamp
Real ale lovers will need no persuasion to make a visit to the Big Lamp Brewery at Newburn the base for a day out.
The Keelman pub, adjoining the rural Keelman's Lodge, serves the micro brewery's award-winning beers and a varied restaurant menu.
To justify indulgence, there are plenty opportunities here for walking and cycling although remember that part of the Keelman's Way - following the south bank of the Tyne all from Wylam to Gateshead Quays - was closed at Wylam earier in the year due to a landslip.
For the extra-sporty, there's a gym at Newburn Leisure Centre next door to the pub as well as nearby golf courses, fishing and rowing clubs.
The Ship Inn
At Low Newton in Northumberland, this pub is another oldie housed in a building dating from the 18th Century.
Naturally that means it's not the biggest so pandemic restrictions have had quite an impact.
The good news is that it reopened its bar in September and now instead of sitting at tables outside customers can once again tuck into the likes of its renowned crab sandwiches in comfort whatever the weather.
With the rich pickings of the sea on its very doorstep, other fishy highlights - caught by local fishermen - will include lobster from Newton Bay available until around the end of this month. Time it right and you'll see the 'lobster man' bringing his catch up the beach with a bucket in each hand.
The meat and even the salad on the menu are local too. Walk it all off with a beach walk - you can't go wrong as all the scenery is stunning around here.
Newcastle House
Overlooking the village green in Rothbury, Newcastle House Hotel - which welcomed the addition of Anisha's Tandoori restaurant in 2020 - bills itself as a short break, cycling and walking retreat.
The picturesque village around it is well worth exploring in its own right but the potential for filling a full day lies in combining a visit to Cragside which is on its doorstep.
A trip to the National Trust property - former home of hydro-electric power pioneer Lord Armstrong - is simply not to be missed. It's a fascinating property and its grounds are beautiful.
Low Lights Tavern
Described as the oldest pub in North Shields, this two-room boozer tucked at the bottom of Brewhouse Bank on the Fish Quay has been an ale house apparently for more than 400 years.
So it has that proper old-fashioned pub feel with a real fire and menu featuring the likes of home-made pies and drinks ranging from real ales to Scottish whiskies.
It's a big supporter of local hero Sam Fender and by all accounts it's very much a two-way thing.
Combine a visit with an exploration of the fish quay, packed with atmosphere and the hustle and bustle of working life; buy fresh fish and seafood and dine out at one of several restaurants or cafes if you haven't succumbed to those homely pies.
Finish off the day-trip breathing in that fresh, salty air on a seafront walk to Tynemouth. Of course planning your day the other way around would certainly work up your appetite.
The Bridge Hotel
Perched on the Newcastle end of the High Level Bridge, this is just a few minutes' walk from the heart of Newcastle and a flight of steps up from the quayside.
An old favourite, which this week hosted its first tap takeover - by Black Lodge Brewery - since reopening from lockdown, the pub has some beautiful original interior, including wood panelling and stained glass widows, and an outdoor terrace tucked away at the back with unique riverside views.
It's around the corner from Newcastle Castle and directly opposite The Keep so would be a handy stop-off for refreshment after climbing all those steps.
You can also factor a visit here into any city-based plans for the day, such as a visit to an art gallery or museum, theatre show or - a mere stroll away - a concert just over the river at Sage Gateshead.
The Wardley
Anyone planning a visit to Gateshead's Bill Quay Community Farm, with spectacular views, a cafe and animal residents including the likes of Tamworth pigs, sheep, goats and cattle, will find this popular pub on its doorstep.
The cricket club is there too and the local football club is nearby for those wanting to catch up on a match or clubhouse drink. Or how about a walk along the south of the Tyne stretch of Keelman's Way will take in more of those great river views.
Marsden Grotto
A walk along the North East coast is always a treat and a beach stroll - keeping an eye on the tide - at Marsden south of the river boasts views of spectacular cliffs towering overhead and out to sea beyond the landmark Marsden rock formation which lost its famous arch some years back.
The remaining stone stack remains a dramatic sight however and there are plenty smaller rocks to clamber around on a day out at the beach.
Don't miss this pub carved out of the cliff face - take the interior lift down from above and check out the fairylit cave restaurant behind the bar (beware of resident ghosts).
Then carry a drink or a coffee outside to watch the waves crashing onto the beach.
Complete the day with a walk along to Souter lighthouse or a wander further along the huge expanse of beach towards Seaburn pier.
The Sun Inn
If you miss the kind of pub visit back in the day when there was no blasting music, big screen sport or a bar-crush for the latest classic cocktail with a twist, then step back in time to this calm and collected little gem.
The pub is among the period highlights of Beamish Museum in County Durham so of course that's the rest of your day taken care of as the outdoor attraction has enough to while away not just several hours but several days which is why its one-time entry fee that allows repeat visits for a year is such a good idea for locals.
The Sun Inn is an original Bishop Auckland pub which was moved brick by brick from Bondgate - where it is said to have been regularly visited by Victorian killer Mary Cotton - and rebuilt in the 1900s town.
Now that Covid restrictions are lifted, customers can take a seat to admire its wood interior, ornate features and period pictures on the walls. There's a real fire on cold days and a separate cosy, albeit dark, snug room at the back.
It serves the likes of local ales, mini bottles of wine and Fentimans soft drinks as well as a limited snack menu.
Shakes peare Tavern
If you're overdue a day trip to Durham then here's your chance to plan an outing to take in a bit of history, culture and a pint or two.
Lumiere light festival will be taking over the city centre in November when streets are expected to be extra busy so you might be better off visiting this small pub on the route up to Durham Cathedral outside of its run.
Inside a building dating from the 12th Century, the Shakespeare is famous for being Durham's most haunted pub and its tucked-away back room has been known to host popular live music nights.
A Durham trip arranged around a stop-off here for a drink can include a visit just up the road to the cathedral on Palace Green, which is currently hosting a giant moon exhibit by artist Juke Jessop.
And there are of course plenty opportunities for city centre shopping or eating or an escape for a quiet walk, or even a boat ride, on the river.
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