In a county famed for its fish and chips, jaw-dropping scenery, and everyone’s favourite Sunday roast staple, it’s of little surprise that Yorkshire also boasts a hearty collection of pubs.
Whether you’re after a cosy, oak-beamed inn with roaring fires, or an award-winning modern classic that promises cask ales, local wines, and top-notch food, you’ll find a pub down every winding lane and historic street, from the wilds of the North York Moors to the cobbled streets of York.
Known far and wide as ‘God’s own country’, a superb natural larder keeps the local pubs well stocked with fresh ingredients, so we definitely recommend loosening the belt a notch and settling down for some proper pub grub – especially if it’s a rip-roaring Sunday lunch after a blustery moorland walk.
Ready to put your feet up in the most traditional of ways? Here’s our round-up of the best pubs in Yorkshire…
Tan Hill Inn, Richmond
Reeth, Richmond, Swaledale, North Yorkshire Dales DL11 6ED
Bearing the acclaimed title of Britain’s highest inn and holding several awards, there is more than one reason Tan Hill Inn is touted as being a Top Pub! Perched high amidst the Yorkshire Dales, this unique inn is full to the traditionally exposed rafters with character and cheer, offering an open fire and comforting menu to warm you up during your winter visits. Dog-friendly through and through, your four-legged friends will love curling up by the fire or chowing down on some pup-friendly ice cream when the sun’s out. Unsurprisingly for such a famous pub, Tan Hill often plays host to some big names in music, with artists such as Arctic Monkeys and Scouting for Girls amongst the line-up.
The Craven Arms, Appletreewick
Appletreewick, Wharfedale, Yorkshire Dales BD23 6DA
Traditional with a capital T, The Craven Arms is an unmissable stop in your tour of Yorkshire’s best pubs. From the open fire in the bar and the beautiful wooden pews in the Tap Room, to the jaw-dropping thatched ceiling in the Cruck Barn, your eyes won’t know what to soak up first. You can sink a pint or two at the bar, or enjoy the spectacular setting of the Cruck Barn, which can be used for dinners, parties, and even weddings. The menu is equally eye-catching, with the pub’s famous steak, and fish and chips gently nudging their way to top choices.
Pipe and Glass Inn, South Dalton
West End, South Dalton, Beverley HU17 7PN
Boasting a Michelin star menu and a deliciously cosy atmosphere, Pipe and Glass is a firm favourite for very good reason. The family-friendly inn is run by husband-and-wife James and Kate, so you can expect friendly faces and vibes when visiting, whether you’re popping in for a pint and a sandwich or a full-on-feast – the Pipe and Glass fish pie is particularly drool-worthy. You’ll find a pretty selection of picnic tables to the front of the picture-perfect inn for summer toasting, as well as a warming fire for the cooler months, perfect for a pick-me-up after a hearty stroll in the surrounding countryside.
Star Inn, Harome
Main Street, Harome, near Helmsley YO62 5JE
Rebuilt and refurbished after a devastating fire in 2021, Star Inn is back and better than ever, serving up country charm, home-cured hospitality, and a Michelin star to boot. Underneath the thatched roof, you’ll find even more character, from the A-frame cruck beams to the beautiful oil paintings of Yorkshire that decorate the walls. Our favourite addition to the rural pub is the furniture by local craftsman Robert Thompson, known locally as the Mouse man – you’ll have to visit to find out why! Changing with the seasons and making the most of local ingredients, the tasting menu is a celebration of quality food and exceptional flavours, from a ploughman’s tartlet to plum pudding.
Durham Ox, Crayke
West Way, Crayke, York YO61 4TE
Tucked away in the stunning Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Durham Ox is a 300-year-old village pub with a seriously special setting. Spend the day rambling around the surrounding hills, before falling happily into the inviting vibes of this hill-top pub. Dogs are welcome too, making it perfect for a post-walk refuel. If you visit on Sundays, you’ll be met with a seriously scrumptious roast, complete with dry aged roasted sirloin and Yorkshire pudding (when in Rome!). Or, if you visit during the week, you can choose from a mouth-watering array of dishes that range from seafood platters to roast chicken supreme followed by the ‘Grande Finale’, a heavenly trio of espresso, cognac, and a bite-sized sweet treat.
Blue Lion, Leyburn
Main Road, East Witton, Leyburn DL8 4SN
Slap bang in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, walkers and their furry companions are in for a real treat when arriving at the Blue Lion. Dog-friendly throughout, you can stop by for a refreshing drink during your countryside ramble or for a filling feed from the seasonal menu, which ranges from creamy carbonara to Yorkshire lamb sirloin. You’ll find a flickering log fire in the winter months, while the summer promises sun-soaked drinks on the tables outside. Alongside the incredible walks that surround the pub, lots of family-friendly attractions beckon to visitors too, from the historic Middleham Castle to the weird and wonderful Forbidden Corner.
Falcon Inn, Arncliffe
2 Castle Yard, Arncliffe, Skipton BD23 5QE
One of the most famous pubs in the Yorkshire Dales, Falcon Inn is a firm favourite amongst locals and fans of Emmerdale Farm – this is the original location of The Woolpack. Surrounded by the rolling hills of the Dales, the Falcon takes its rural charm very seriously. Ivy creeps and crawls up the walls of this traditional pub, while picnic tables create a beer garden out of the Dales themselves. Inside, open fires and a menu full of pub classics, including local pies from Skipton and home-cooked ham, create a soul-warming atmosphere that sends you back to a simpler time.
Lister Arms, Malham
Malham, Skipton BD23 4DB
Award-winning pies and ales with an open fire to boot? Oh yes, this is a pub to get cosy in. Lister Arms is a wonderfully welcoming pub in the heart of Malham, which means you’re a mere hop, skip, and a trundle away from the iconic Malham Cove (Harry Potter fans will instantly recognise this rocky showstopper). Enjoy your day with friends, family, and dogs as you amble around the Dales before heading into the open arms of Lister, where good food and friendly faces await. Alongside the award-winning pies, you’ll also find the likes of fried chicken, roasted pepper and harissa houmous, and three epic sharing platters that include meat, fish, and vegetarian selections.
Alice Hawthorn Inn, Nun Monkton
The Green, Nun Monkton, York YO26 8EW
The pubs in North Yorkshire don’t hold back when it comes to the country pub aesthetic – just look at the red-bricked Alice Hawthorn! Inside is equally charming, with wood-burners, stone floors, and oh-so-comfy tartan chairs creating an enviable country-chic scene for your visit. Yorkshire is at the heart of the menu, with local ingredients and flavours shining a light on the natural larder found across the dales, moors, and farmland. Dine on the likes of heritage beetroot salads to start, Holme Farm venison for your main, and a soul-soothing sticky toffee pudding to finish.
The Royal Oak, Malton
47 Town Street, Old Malton YO17 7HB
When it comes to eating out in Yorkshire, we can’t resist a visit to the county’s food capital, Malton. Amidst the food markets and festivals, you’ll find the ever-welcoming Royal Oak, the perfect combination of pub and restaurant that’s family and dog friendly. The beautiful Grade II listed building invites you in, where a buzzing atmosphere and hearty menu awaits. Feast on everything from Whitby scampi to South African fast food – the Royal Oak burger is a thing of beauty! Your choice doesn’t end with the menu, oh no. You can dine indoors, sink a few drinks in the cosy snug, or take your meal under the warming gaze of the sun in the beer garden.
The Fox and Roman, York
58 Tadcaster Road Dringhouses, North Yorkshire, York YO24 1LR
A city utterly soaked in history, York is definitely the place to go for a drink in a pub with a backstory. Tucked away in The Fox and Roman amidst the modern-twist dining and décor, Roman artefacts provide a sneak peek to the history of this enchanting building – even the name harks back to the site's previous lives as both a hotel (The Fox) and a Roman grave. Pulling you back to the present day, an enticing menu full of fresh and flavourful dishes waits to fill your belly and pop your buttons. Choose between an epic Sunday lunch with all the trimmings and a classic dish, from steak to stone-baked pizzas. We heartily recommend strolling through the ancient streets of York before or after your visit to the Fox and Roman, as there are many more fascinating secrets to discover.
Ready to sink into a time-worn chair by a roaring fire, pint in hand? Explore our cosy cottages in Yorkshire and start planning your wild and wonderful stay, complete with a pub visit… or two.
