10 Best Pubs in Yorkshire

The Tan Hill Inn can confidently lay claim to the tag of “The Highest Inn in Britain,” being at 1,732 ft above sea level. It’s not often that you find a pub in the Guinness World Records. Built in the 17th century as a hostel for local coal miners, this Yorkshire pub has since been remodelled to offer a small selection of snug rooms for travelers and hosts weddings, parties, and live music acts.

When it comes to food, expect a wide selection of superb value dishes, with dedicated lunch and dinner menus, along with a tailor-made kids menu. This pub’s remote location makes it a gem among other pubs in the region, especially as travellers in their own motorhomes can park on the grounds for a nominal fee while enjoying all the pub amenities.

The House of the Trembling Madness is where beer lovers are in for a treat, as it boasts a colossal selection of golden brews. Few other Yorkshire pubs can boast of such a wide variety, with every beer imaginable, from traditional ales to contemporary craft beers.

The interior is distinctly medieval, as the high wooden beams and trophy-adorned walls transport you to a bygone era. The menu features a range of hearty pies, burgers, and small bites for the peckish. If the superb drinks selection wasn’t enough, this Yorkshire pub scores highly for service too, which means you probably won’t want to leave.

The Durham Ox is a 300-year-old pub and inn set in the picturesque hilltop village of Crakye, North Yorkshire. It's where you can sit next to a roaring fireplace in the English countryside while sipping on your favourite tipple and listening to the classics. This pub offers lodgings in the form of its 5 adjacent stone farm cottages.

The main pub is known as the Tap Room and offers a variety of typically moreish pub fare. The kitchen will gladly welcome special dietary requests with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free patrons all catered for. This family-owned establishment makes a conscious effort to ensure that ingredients are locally sourced and change the menus to reflect produce that is in season.

Ye Olde Starre Inne is on record as being the oldest pub in York. Built in 1644, it's steeped in history and tales of lore. From its initial incarnation in the 17th century as an infirmary for wounded soldiers to its current guise as a well-known York watering hole, this pub holds stories aplenty.

Ye Olde Starre Inne offers up quintessential pub fare, from the classic beer-battered fish and chips to the scrumptious steak and ale pie. If you’re looking for lighter pub dishes, then indulge in mouthwatering sandwiches, burgers, or sharing boards. Feast on your favourite pub dishes all while taking in a slice of yesteryear at this storied Yorkshire establishment.

The Angel at Hetton is a sophisticated take on countryside dining and lodging. It's more of a gastropub than a public house. Set in the North Yorkshire Dales, The Angel offers luxuriously appointed suites suitable for both couples and families, with dramatic views overlooking the neighbouring Rystone Fell.

The gourmet menu is equally as exquisite, and under the guidance of its head chef, it's gone on to score a highly coveted Michelin star. Local ingredients take centre stage, with its ala carte menu expertly prepared on a daily basis. Expect delicacies such as rabbit, halibut, brill, and venison. The Angel at Hetton is a step above your regular pub experience, but ever so worth the drive out to the scenic Yorkshire Dales.

At the Carpenters Arms, the lush pastures of Felixkirk Village provide the backdrop for a first-rate pub experience in Yorkshire. Set on the outskirts of Thirsk, North Yorkshire, this traditional village inn plays host to private parties, and weddings and offers laidback alfresco dining during warmer months. The lodgings consist of 10 well-appointed rooms, while the suites include expansive living rooms replete with fireplaces for that authentic countryside atmosphere.

The menu combines the best of British pub fare with some more daring gourmet choices – think Korean fried chicken and Chinese spring rolls served alongside classics like steak pies and roasted fillets. The flavours might be fusion but you can rest assured that the ingredients are largely local, changing by the season to reflect the produce coming from the surrounding North Yorkshire region.

Billed as the “Gateway to the Ales,” the Craven Arms and Cruck Barn have been an outpost for true Yorkshire hospitality since the 16th century. Named after local legend William Craven, this family-owned pub retains much of the original charm that gives it its authenticity. They place a special focus on craft beers, with an on-site cellar to ensure the finest quality micro-brew.

Built from locally sourced timber, thatch, and stone, the Cruck Barn was initially made to house livestock but is today used for functions and private parties. Move to the main pub and you’ll find a tap room, dining room, and intimate bar. Mementos of yesteryear adorn the walls, each with its own special piece of historical significance. Sip on your tipple of choice while looking out onto stunning views of the Wharfedale paddocks at this Yorkshire institution.

The Fountaine Inn is where walkers, cyclists, and curious visitors are all welcome to stop off for a warm Yorkshire welcome. Set 5 minutes from Grassington Village in the North Yorkshire Dales, it's where out-of-town travellers are catered for with the Minns Barn; a selection of 5 cosy rooms with modern amenities set just behind the main inn. Stay the night and you’ll be treated to a hearty home-cooked breakfast, too.

The atmosphere at the Fountaine Inn might be laid back but the staff certainly don’t skimp on the quality of food. The ala carte menu offers up pub classics like steak and ale pie, mac and cheese, and a mouthwatering slow-roasted pork belly. Cap your Yorkshire stay with one of their decadent desserts, perfect for those with a sweet tooth.

Fauconberg Arms is a 17th-century Yorkshire pub passed down to the Fauconberg family by King Henry VIII. Set against the glorious Coxwold countryside, the inn boasts 8 pristine rooms overlooking the picturesque gardens, ideal for couples, families, or larger groups.

The Fauconberg Arms calls itself a “proper Yorkshire pub,” backed up by its spot as one of the top 30 pubs in the county, as voted for by locals. You can be assured that you’re getting healthy servings of freshly made, locally sourced Yorkshire produce. Venture a little beyond the pub and you’ll find some charming local attractions like Rievaulx Abbey and Shandy Hall, or perhaps simply explore one of the many scenic walking paths in the surrounding countryside.

The Black Horse Inn is renowned for delivering service with a personal touch, set in the charming North York port town of Whitby. As a small pub and inn with only four rooms, the attentive staff are on hand to make sure travellers’ needs are taken care of while extending that service to patrons of the pub.

Be sure to try their signature ‘Yapas,’ or Yorkshire tapas; small bites and snack boards infused with the goodness of hearty pub fare. This seaside pub also boasts a selection of cask ales from breweries around Britain, as well as an enviable spirits selection. The warm atmosphere and nostalgic facade make this a firm favourite with the locals and will be sure to win you over, too.