Heading to the glorious Yorkshire Dales this autumn? We’ve taken on the task of rounding up the very best pubs within the stunning National Park so you don’t have to. From the traditional watering holes to the modern, even Michelin Star venues – here’s our guide to the best pubs in the Yorkshire Dales.
1. The Lister Arms, Malham
A fantastic pub just down the road from Malham Cove, the Lister Arms is not only a gorgeous, ivy-clad traditional-style pub with serious curb appeal, but it also has a great beer garden – with plenty of seating to take advantage of.
It’s a place that we at The Yorkshireman have spent many an hour after a big old hike up to the Cove and Tarn, like moths to a flame – especially when the fire’s blazing.
On the menu, you’ll find classic pub grub, as well as a variety of wines, beers, spirits and more. Dogs are welcome, and the garden attracts sunshine all summer long.
Sometimes there’s even chickens wandering about in the garden.
The Lister Arms, Malham, Skipton, BD23 4DB.
2. The Tan Hill Inn, Richmond
The highest pub in the British Isles, The Tan Hill Inn has become a destination in its own right.
The traditional pub is bursting with Yorkshire charm, with traditional style fittings and furnishings, a friendly vibe, and most importantly, plenty of beer on the menu. But the one thing for us that keeps us returning? The incredible smell of pie and gravy that permeates the air during dinner service. The smell of Yorkshire.
In recent years, the pub has also invested in some fantastic garden experiences, too, for guests to enjoy including live music, clear dining domes and more.
Tan Hill Inn, Long Causeway, Richmond, DL11 6ED.
3. Foresters Arms, Leyburn
Situated within the lovely village of Carlton-in-Coverdale, Foresters Arms boasts a beautiful beer garden at the front of the property, with plenty of seating available for those looking to soak up the sun.
The local pub is a 250-year-old inn, with a cosy, traditional bar area that showcases its heritage, and fantastic pub grub for travellers with empty tums to enjoy. The best part, however, is the fact that they serve plenty of Black Sheep on tap.
Foresters Arms, Carlton-in Coverdale, Leyburn, DL8 4BB.
4. Angel at Hetton
Ok, so the Angel at Hetton isn’t your traditional ‘pub’. In fact, it’s actually a gastropub, but it wouldn’t be a best of Yorkshire Dales pubs list without it.
Boasting modern, contemporary decor that puts the focus on the food, the Michelin Star spot is a really special venue, serving up French cuisine crafted by chef Michael Wignall.
It’s definitely more of a treat, but if you’re spending a weekend away with your significant other, we’d recommend pushing the boat out for this one.
The Angel at Hetton, Back Ln, Hetton, Skipton, BD23 6LT.
5. The Charles Bathurst Inn, Richmond
A welcoming pub on the edge of the Dales, The CB Inn can be found right by the Pennine Way – making it the perfect stop-off for walkers and cyclists alike.
Boasting bright and airy rooms for those in need of a place to rest their head and a rustic bar and restaurant serving up delicious Yorkshire-inspired grub, the pub has a little something for everyone – from breakfast to dinner and fish and chips to duck confit.
The menu is proper Yorkshire, and there are plenty of beers on offer to indulge in after taking in the lovely country air nearby – not to mention gorgeous views that make it a local favourite. The CB Inn, Richmond, DL11 6EN.
6. The Fountaine Inn, Linton In Craven
Just a short walk away from lovely Grassington and Linton Falls, The Fountaine Inn offers a quieter experience than that found on Grassington’s Main Street (a busy Yorkshire Dales attraction), with cosy, traditional interiors and a warming fireplace to bundle up next to on a cooler day.
The pub has been renovated to include a modern-meets-heritage vibe, with a menu boasting true Yorkshire classics such as fish and chips and the iconic Sunday roast.
It’s the perfect spot to relax after exploring all that Grassington has to offer.
The Fountaine Inn, Linton, BD23 5HJ.
7. The Craven Arms, Appletreewick
Nestled within one of the most beautiful landscapes of the Dales, The Craven Arms is everything we could ask of a pub and more.
Traditional interiors, ivy-clad exteriors, benches outside, and real ales. Oak trusswork, a thatched roof and gaslighting set the perfect, old-fashioned tone to the venue, with staple dishes such as pie and fish and chips gracing the menu.
What more could you want in a Yorkshire Dales pub?
The Craven Arms, Craven Arms, Appletreewick, Wharfedale, BD23 6DA.
8. The King’s Head, Kettlewell
Ticking all the boxes – including a cosy fire, traditional decor, and a well-stocked bar – The King’s Head is not only home to a beautiful, welcoming pub, but also cosy rooms that are perfect for getting a good night’s kip after a day of exploring.
Downstairs, you’ll find patio-style seating where you can enjoy a well-deserved pint in the sunshine, as well as beautifully presented, unpretentious British dishes, proper Yorkshire cask ales and plenty of decent wines.
The pub is also home to a roaring fire surrounded by seats, so you can be sure to escape the cold over the autumn-winter period.
The King’s Head, The Green, Kettlewell, Skipton, BD23 5RD.
9. The Friar’s Head, Akebar
Situated just outside of Bedale, the gorgeous Friar’s Head, we’ll admit, is just outside of the Dales, however, it’s surrounded by gorgeous countryside and is just a short drive away from hotspots such as Leyburn, West Burton and Aysgarth.
If you are in the area, though, the pub is beautifully decorated, with ambient fairy lights lighting up the alfresco seating area, a modern, yet classic conservatory area overlooking the gardens, and stylish decor in the main bar area, too.
The food is pleasing for all, with burgers, pizzas, steaks, Shepherd’s pie and more classics available to try.
The Friar’s Head, Bedale, Leyburn, DL8 5LY.
10. Black Horse, Grassington
Another fantastic spot in Grassington, The Black Horse is a popular spot all year round, not only thanks to its outdoor terrace seating, but also thanks to its well-thought-out, homely decor inside.
The venue boasts ‘proper’ pub vibes inside – which is perfect after pottering around Linton Falls – with a log fire, plenty of beers, lagers and wines, and a very British menu curated with locally sourced produce.
This is a must-visit for us here at The Yorkshireman when in Grassington.
The Black Horse, 4 Garrs Lane, Grassington, BD23 5AT.
11. The King’s Arms, Reeth
Warm and welcoming with those proper Yorkshire vibes you’d hope for from a Yorkshire Dales local, The King’s Arms in Reeth is probably one of the most traditional of them all – on this list, anyway – with understated decor, a warm atmosphere, and plenty of traditional cask ales. That’s all we ask for, after all, isn’t it?
The pub, of course, also serves proper pub grub, with prices that are sure to have Southerners spitting out their drinks at just one glance at the menu.
We love this spot for no-frills food and a real local vibe.
The King’s Arms, High Ln, Reeth, Richmond, DL11 6SY.
12. The Sportman’s Arms, Wath-in-Nidderdale
A very pretty pub in a very pretty location within Nidderdale, The Sportsman’s Arms is incredibly idyllic before even entering the premises, thanks to its ivy-clad exterior and well-maintained setting.
Sitting just outside of Pateley Bridge, the pub is ideally located, with a modern yet cosy interior, cosy bedrooms, and most importantly – plenty of beers.
The menu is unashamedly British – with dishes such as Nidderdale trout, Wath Grouse and Yorkshire venison stealing the show.
The Sportsman’s Arms, Wath-in-Nidderdale, Harrogate, HG3 5PP.
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13. The Talbot Arms, Settle
Situated within the bustling market town of Settle, not too far from Malham Cove, the Talbot Arms has one of the best beer gardens in the Dales – attracting endless sunshine in an idyllic setting during the summer months.
The pub also serves up lovely, home-cooked food, such as gammon, haddock, steak, burgers and sandwiches – to name a few highlights.
The pub itself has retained a traditional theme throughout, giving those proper Yorkshire vibes that those who aren’t familiar with the region’s heritage can lap up.
Talbot Arms, High St, Settle, BD24 9EX.
14. The Falcon Inn, Arncliffe
Look familiar? You might recognise The Falcon Inn from the TV, as it once served as the original Woolpack from Emmerdale.
Luckily for us, it’s an in-real-life pub, and you can sink a pint while pretending you’re a Dingle in the quaint village of Arncliffe.
The traditional Dales pub serves up great ales and home-cooked food, and can be found nearby to Kettlewell and Starbotton after a lovely stroll in the countryside.
The Falcon Inn, 2 Castle Yd, Arncliffe, Skipton, BD23 5QE.
15. The Blue Lion, East Witton
A pub that comes highly commended by travellers from all over the country who rave about it being one of the best Yorkshire Dales pubs.
The Blue Lion is stunning from the outside in, championing the proper Yorkshire watering hole with its ambient bar and restaurant, which has proudly retained its old-worldy feel.
From classic Sunday lunches to proper Yorkshire dishes such as partridge and duck confit, the menu is packed full of hearty British classics – all of which are absolutely perfect after a stroll in the Dales.
The Blue Lion, Main Road, East Witton, Nr Leyburn, DL8 4SN.
16. The Devonshire, Grassington
A popular spot on the main street in Grassington, The Devonshire is a cosy pub serving great British fare, with two fantastic outdoor spaces both at the back and front of the property.
Enjoy the warm summer air while chowing down on hearty pub grub, or cosy up inside by the fire with a gin.
The bar selection is unbeatable, and the food menu has a little something for everyone. This is one of the best Yorkshire Dales pubs in our eyes.
The Devonshire, 27 Main St, Grassington, Skipton, BD23 5AD.
Read more: 8 Of The Most Stunning Waterfalls In The Yorkshire Dales
