It’s grim up North… cosy up in one of these toasty pubs
From the ‘top of the world’ to narrow side alleys, you’ll find that Yorkshire is teeming with snug pubs to enjoy a pint, tuck into hearty pub fare and lounge by a roaring fire. Here are the northern county’s best spots to settle into on a cold winter’s day.
Image credit: The Tan Hill Inn via Facebook
Long Causeway, Richmond, DL11 6ED
Well worth a visit on your Yorkshire excursion is Tan Hill Inn in Swaledale. World-famous for being the country’s highest pub, this lonely stone building sits 1,732ft above sea level! Surrounded by the wild Yorkshire moors and located on the world-famous Pennine Way walking route, the pub is regularly frequented by regulars, tourists and travellers. The inn dates back to the 17th century and still features exposed beams, stone-flagged flooring and a flickering open fire. After a long day of touring the Yorkshire Dales then be sure to order one of their ‘ales from the dales’ and curl up by the fire, enjoying live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (Arctic Monkeys even played a gig here in 2008!) You’re more than welcome to bring your dog with you to drink or even stay the night.
Image credit: The Green Dragon Inn via Facebook
The Green Dragon Inn
Bellow Hill, Hardraw, Hawes, DL8 3LZ
Harking way back to the 13th century, this charming pub has plenty of history behind it. It’s located right next to the Hardraw Force Waterfall (the UK’s largest single drop waterfall) and benefits from 15 acres of surrounding woodlands to explore. It’s been kept traditional with stone-flagged flooring and stone walls yet modernised to offer plenty of contemporary comforts. Stay in one of the many guest rooms or book a stay in one of two 16thcentury suites, aptly named Turner and Wordsworth to celebrate the pub’s connection to those revered artists. Sit down with a Timothy Taylor’s or Yorkshire Dales brewed ale, putting your feet up by the cosy wood burner after a long day of exploring Upper Wensleydale. Don’t forget to pick up some cheese whilst in the area!
Image credit: The Craven Arms via Facebook
The Craven Arms
Appletreewick, Skipton, BD23 6DA
Arguably one of the nicest pubs in the North Yorkshire area is Appletreewick’s The Craven Arms. This 16th century building is full of nooks and crannies to explore, many of which boast open fires and warming stoves. Offering expertly stored local ales and delicious home cooked meals, this pub is often teeming with visitors and locals. The view from the beer garden is second to none, looking out over Craven’s rolling hills. They also offer an impressive converted barn to the rear of the pub that’s perfect for events! Make the most of your time in the area and head a little further to Burnsall, enjoying a long walk along the River Wharfe.
Image credit: Whitelock’s Ale House via Facebook
Whitlock’s Ale House
Whitelock's Ale House, Turks Head Yard, Leeds, LS1 6HB
Standing for over 300 years, the 17th century Whitelock’s Ale House is the oldest pub in Leeds. It even has legendary Blue Plaque outside describing it as the ‘heart of Leeds’. And, whilst most of these cosy Northern pubs can be found in faraway countryside locations, this one is in the city centre! Just off Briggate is the iconic Turk’s Head Yard which doubles up at the pub’s beer garden. Stop off for a hearty ale mid-Christmas shopping this year, cosying up by the open log fire and enjoying some hearty home-cooked scran.
Image credit: Woolly Sheep Inn via Facebook
The Woolly Sheep Inn
38 Sheep Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1HY
Found in Sheep-town itself, the Woolly Sheep Inn is a typically cosy pub in the centre of busy Skipton. The high street still benefits from a tri-weekly market and this pub, restaurant and hotel offers cosy lodgings 7-days a week. Specialising in Yorkshire’s own Timothy Taylor’s Cask Ale, this a must-visit spot for a classic ale drinker. You can, of course, get some nice wines and cocktails for those who don’t fancy a pint, and the food here is second to none. Grab your round and head to the front room of this pub which looks out onto the bustling High Street, warming up by the cosy fire.