Did you know that the Black Horse in Beamish isn’t just your average country pub — it’s a 300-year-old piece of local history nestled in the heart of the Beamish Valley?

Long before it became a beloved gastro-pub, this atmospheric building started life in the 1700s as the first cottage in a row on the Red Row estate. Over the centuries it evolved from a home to a gathering spot and, by around the mid-1800s, to a licensed public house where locals met for drinks.

A Matchbox Legacy

For years, The Black Horse was affectionately known as the “matchbox pub.” Why? Because former landlords collected matchboxes from their travels around the globe, bringing home tiny souvenirs from every corner of the world. The beams above the bar were gradually covered with hundreds of these colourful keepsakes — a visual testament to journeys taken and stories shared. Today, that unique matchbox collection is still proudly on display, making every visit feel like a trip through the pub’s personal scrapbook.

And now — for the first time in years — the collection has grown again, with fresh additions that celebrate new adventures and new memories. Whether you’re spotting matchboxes from halfway around the world or discovering old favourites, it’s a quirky, charming detail that keeps locals and visitors alike looking up.

More Than Just a Pint

Visit The Black Horse today and you’ll find you’re stepping into more than just a pub — you’re immersing yourself in history and heritage. The interior still boasts original features like flagstone flooring and welcoming open fires, and the kitchen champions a field-to-plate ethos with produce grown on the estate itself.

Whether you’re grabbing a refreshing pint, savouring a hearty, traditional meal, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, there’s a story behind every beam and every bite. And with extensive gardens, onsite accommodation, panoramic countryside views, and plenty of outdoor seating, it’s the perfect spot to linger a little longer.

Come See for Yourself

So next time you’re in County Durham, make the short journey to Beamish and experience the Black Horse’s timeless charm. Pull up a chair, raise a glass and take a closer look at the matchboxes overhead. They’re more than decoration; they’re pieces of life, travel, and history — all waiting to be noticed.