Julie Smith
07 February 2020
Yorkshire is the land of cosy country pubs, centuries-old inns and delightful little bars that you could happily squirrel yourself away in for an afternoon. How could we possibly pick just 10 pubs from a list as long as a yard of ale? With difficulty - but this selection of the top 10 pubs in Yorkshire covers pretty much everything you would expect in a good old-fashioned Yorkshire pub: character, history and of course a hearty Yorkshire welcome.
Plan your pub-seeking holiday in Yorkshire, then book your luxury North Yorkshire cottage right here.
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The top 10 pubs in Yorkshire
Go to:
- Birch Hall Inn, Beck Hole
- Hales Bar, Harrogate
- Green Dragon Inn, Hardraw
- Queens Arms, Litton
- The Black Horse, Whitby
- The Trembling Madness, York
- Fox and Hounds, Goldsborough
- Falcon Inn, Arncliffe
- Craven Arms, Appletreewick
- Fountaine Inn, Linton in Craven
1. Birch Hall Inn, Beck Hole, North York Moors
Photo credit: Instagram @onkieable
This teensy pocket-sized pub is tucked away in the pretty village of Beck Hole around 10 miles south of Whitby. Walking into Birch Hall is like talking a step back in time; the olde worlde feel has been preserved perfectly, down to the rather surreal 1860 sweet shop nestled between the two bars.
Stay at: The Potting Shed | Sleeps: 2 guests
2. Hales Bar, Harrogate
Probably the oldest and most definitely the best looking pub in town, take a step back in time into Hales Bar, a historic, gas-lit stunner of a bar. Adorned with cherry-red leather ‘old boy’s club’ seating, decorative mirrors and dark wood bars, it’s the perfect spot to try a few Yorkshire ales.
3. Green Dragon Inn, Hardraw, Yorkshire Dales
Not many pubs can claim to have their own waterfall. Standing as guardian to the magnificent Hardraw Force, the Green Dragon will relieve you of a small fee as you pass through to access the falls. It’s worth lingering on your way back through to enjoy one of the ales on offer.
Stay at: Lock Heather Cottage | Sleeps: 2 guests
4. Queens Arms, Litton, Yorkshire Dales
Photo credit: Instagram @queensarmslitton
The Queens Arms is a whitewashed, award-winning 17th century inn found in Litton, near Skipton. The bar is stocked with a good supply of real ales, including its own range of Litton Ales brewed on site. Lovely, lovely pub and great for dining too.
Stay at: Elbeck Barn | Sleeps: 4 guests
5. The Black Horse, Whitby, Yorkshire Coast
One of the oldest in Whitby, The Black Horse dates back to the 16th century. Not a looker on the outside, the traditional interior is split over two cosy rooms featuring one of the oldest public serving bars in Europe. Regularly voted pub of the year, it has an excellent choice of real ales and continental lagers, as well as a decent tapas menu if you’re feeling peckish. Often home to some of the local folk singers in the area, swing your pint along to some bracing sea shanties!
Stay at: Rose and Crown | Sleeps: 4 guests
6. The Trembling Madness, York
This simply had to feature one of York’s many top pubs – said to be home to a pub for every day of the year. Trembling Madness on Stonegate is a current favourite. Housed in the first floor of this 12th century medieval hall, it sits above a real ale shop on ground floor. Great, friendly atmosphere – a bit studenty, yes, but all the students from York Uni are terribly nice! Delicious food platters too.
Stay at: The Mustard Pot | Sleeps: 4 guests plus 2 dogs
7. Fox and Hounds, Goldsborough, North York Moors
Right back to the traditional Yorkshire pub, the Fox and Hounds in the North York Moors has made a name for itself in recent years with its superb menu. Hidden away in the countryside between Sandsend and Runswick Bay, this Yorkshire dining pub is an absolute find.
8. Falcon Inn, Arncliffe, Yorkshire Dales
Ready for some old school Yorkshire? The Falcon Inn is a rambling, eccentric pub in Arncliffe where time has stood still for the last century. The beer here is served as it used to be...straight from the barrel to your glass via a porcelain jug – fantastic!
Stay at: Croft House | Sleeps: 6 guests plus 2 dogs
9. Craven Arms, Appletreewick, Yorkshire Dales
Photo credit: Instagram @hiddenpubsofengland
In our opinion the Craven Arms, a 16th century inn near Appletreewick in Wharfedale, is probably one of the best pubs in England. The obligatory log fires, stone floors and oak beamed ceilings are all present and correct and as well as a romantic beer garden with views to die for. Good choice of ales and traditional comfort food too.
Stay at: Folly Rigg Cottage | Sleeps: 2 guests plus 1 dog
10. Fountaine Inn, Linton in Craven, Yorkshire Dales
A traditional inn with a contemporary twist – good option for lunch with food served all day, the Fountaine in Linton-in-Craven is a charming old pub recently refurbished throughout. Idyllic setting too.
Stay at: Dugdale's Barn | Sleeps: 4 guests
We have some seriously stylish boltholes for those with cosy pubs and romance on their minds and some huge houses for holidaying with extended family or friends. Have a peek through our range of accommodation in and around Yorkshire to find your next coastal escape. Where will you stay on your trip to Yorkshire this season?
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.