The Black Horse pub in Beamish, County Durham, has undergone a remarkable transformation from a tiny, snug establishment known as "The Matchbox" into a sprawling bar-restaurant with a wide range of attractions. The original 300-year-old building has expanded over the years to include a conservatory, upper dining level, large outdoor area, luxury guest properties, wedding facilities, and a children's play area.
Lavender Field and Scenic Views
At the back of the property, a hill is covered with a purple carpet of lavender, buzzing with bees. Customers can visit the field free of charge, walking between the rows of scented plants, taking photographs, and enjoying views of apple trees, colourful blooms including giant lilies, and the surrounding Beamish Valley countryside.
Steam Train Rides Nearby
Visitors may also hear the sound of a steam train at nearby Causey station, adjacent to the Causey Arch, the world's oldest surviving railway bridge. The train travels on a historic stretch of track, offering rides through the Causey Valley via the Tanfield Railway.
Original Pub Charm
The heart of the original pub remains intact, with its familiar front entrance porch leading into the old stone-floor bar. The bar features a fireplace at one end, a piano at the other, and the tiny matchbox covers that gave the pub its nickname still adorn the overhead wooden beams, some yellowed with time.
Extensive Facilities and Luxury Cars
The Black Horse now caters to a wide customer base, even offering dog accommodation. The large pub garden is filled with tables, flower baskets, and wooden gazebos, and guests can dine inside or out. A short distance from the outdoor area is a wedding marquee, and the surrounding field is dotted with tables.
Down a path from the pub car park is a 'Car Barn' housing luxury cars, including Morgans, a 1957 D-Type Jaguar, Ferraris, and Lotus models. Interested visitors are welcome to drop in just to look at them. Car enthusiasts may also be interested in tours available at the Aston Martin workshop located nearby.
Lavender Bouquets and Information
Customers wanting a memento of their lavender field visit can purchase a small bouquet of the purple-blue stems for about £5. For information on steam train rides, the Tanfield Railway website provides details.
