It's well worth the 19-mile trip east of Barnard Castle to this 15th-century coaching inn in the pretty riverside village of Hurworth-on-Tees, but book ahead so you don't miss out on exceptional locally sourced dishes such as pan-fried hake with smoked apple and eel croquettes or rabbit loin with rabbit-leg pie. Wild garlic, leeks, nettles and herbs are foraged nearby.
Bay Horse
Top choice in Northeast England