Best Pubs in the Yorkshire Dales: A Scenic Traveler's Guide to Views & Stays

A practical guide to the Dales' best pub views, with honest advice on where to stay and what to skip.

Pub Views Worth the Drive

The Tan Hill Inn, Britain's highest pub at 1,732 feet, delivers sweeping views over the Yorkshire Dales and North Pennines. From Richmond, it's a 45-minute drive via the B6270. In summer, the open moorland and big skies are spectacular; in winter, the snow gates can close the road, so check conditions. The food is hearty but not gourmet, and rooms are simple. Book well ahead for weekends. If you're basing in Richmond, you're 25 minutes from the A1(M) and 40 minutes from Northallerton station, making it a practical hub.

The Craven Arms in Appletreewick sits in Wharfedale, 8 miles from Skipton. Its garden backs onto a small stream with rolling fells beyond. The pub serves Timothy Taylor and local ales, plus a solid steak pie. Drive time from Harrogate is 40 minutes, from Leeds 1 hour. Best months are May to September. I'd book here for a lazy Sunday lunch. Skip it on bank holidays unless you reserve. Rooms are limited; the nearby Fell Hotel in Burnsall offers more comfort but lacks the same rustic charm.

Riverside and Village Classics

The George Inn in Hubberholme, Upper Wharfedale, is a 17th-century pub with a flagstone floor and a fireplace. The River Wharfe runs beside the beer garden; views stretch to Buckden Pike. From Skipton, it's a 40-minute drive via the B6160. Parking is tight. The menu is traditional: lamb shank, fish and chips. Rooms are cosy but basic. For a more upscale stay, the Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey is 30 minutes away and offers spa facilities. I'd book the George for its authenticity, but only if you value scenery over service.

The Black Swan in Helmsley, on the edge of the North York Moors, overlooks the market square and Helmsley Castle. It's a 50-minute drive from York via the A19 and A170. The pub is known for its extensive gin selection and local game. Prices are mid-range. Best time to visit is autumn for the moors' heather. Rooms are stylish but small. Alternatively, the Feversham Arms in Helmsley offers larger rooms and a heated outdoor pool. I'd choose the Black Swan for a weekend break, but book a table for dinner—it fills up.

Where to Stay and What to Skip

For a central base, consider Grassington. The Devonshire Hotel, a former 17th-century coaching inn, sits on the cobbled square. From here, you can walk to the Grassington Folk Museum and drive to Malham Cove in 20 minutes. Rooms are comfortable, with some offering views over the square. Prices start around £120 per night. The pub downstairs serves local ales. Alternatively, the Charles Bathurst Inn in Arkengarthdale is remote but offers stunning views and a Michelin Bib Gourmand. Drive time from Richmond is 30 minutes. I'd book the Devonshire for convenience.

Skip the overpriced tourist traps in Hawes and Settle. The Crown in Hawes is fine for a pint but the food is inconsistent. Instead, head to the White Hart in Hawes for better value. In Settle, the Golden Lion is a locals' pub with no frills; the food is basic but cheap. For views, the Game Cock Inn in Austwick offers a beer garden with Ingleborough in the distance. It's a 10-minute drive from Settle. Best months are April to October. Avoid winter weekdays when many pubs close early. Book accommodation early for the Yorkshire Dales Food & Drink Festival in July.

Questions, answered

What is the best month to visit the Yorkshire Dales for pub views?

May to September offers the best weather and long daylight hours for scenic views. July and August are busiest, so book pubs and hotels well in advance. Spring and autumn are quieter but some remote pubs have limited hours.

Which Yorkshire Dales pub has the best view?

The Tan Hill Inn is hard to beat for panoramic moorland views. For a riverside setting, the George Inn in Hubberholme is excellent. The Craven Arms in Appletreewick also offers lovely fell views from its garden.

Do I need to book a hotel in the Yorkshire Dales in advance?

Yes, especially for weekends and holidays. Popular villages like Grassington, Hawes and Helmsley fill up quickly. Booking 2–3 months ahead is wise for summer. Many pubs have rooms, but they are limited.

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