In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a tiny pub perches like a secret waiting to be discovered. The surrounding fells roll gently under a misty sky, and the River Wharfe slips silently past its weathered walls. Footpaths weave through fields of wildflowers, guiding wandering travellers to the warm glow spilling from the inn’s windows. Inside, the pub, which sits beneath the rising fells of Langstrothdale, expect, flagstone floors, fires roar in the hearth, and the small, leaded windows frame the countryside like living paintings – inviting you to linger, sip, and let the world outside slow to a gentle hum.
This charming 17th-century building has been welcoming visitors for centuries, but it’s one quiet tradition that truly sets it apart. Every single day since the mid-1700s, a candle has been lit in its window. Through wars, changing times, and generations of locals and travellers passing through, that small, steady flame has never gone out.
The origins of this ritual stretch back even further. Long before it became a pub, the building served as a vicarage, and it’s believed the candle tradition began around 400 years ago. When the property later transformed into an inn, the custom was lovingly continue – becoming a symbol of warmth, guidance, and hospitality.
Today, stepping inside feels like stepping back in time. The pub is rich with traditional character, from its worn stone floors to its original features that tell stories of centuries gone by. There’s a comforting simplicity to the place, paired with the unmistakable warmth of a proper Yorkshire welcome.
It’s also a welcome sight for walkers tackling the famous Dales Way. After miles of rugged countryside, the glow of that candle in the window promises rest, refreshment, and a moment of calm.
It’s also said that The George Inn was the favourite pub of famous playwright and author JB Priestley, whose play An Inspector Calls many of you may remember for GCSEs. It’s said that his ashes were scattered at the St. Michael and All Angels Church across the road from the pub. He described Hubberholme as the smallest, pleasantest place in the world. A favourite place.
The George Inn isn’t just a stop along the way- it’s a destination in its own right. A true gem of the Yorkshire Dales, it stands as a reminder that some traditions are worth holding onto. And with any luck, that candle will continue to burn for hundreds of years to come.
Check out our visit to The George Inn, Yorkshire Dales, below:
To find out more, head over to the pub’s website here. Dubb’s Ln, Hubberholme, Skipton BD23 5JE
Read More: The 17th-Century Abandoned Farmhouse in the Yorkshire Dales Where You Can Actually Stay the Night
Feature Image Credit: The George Inn
