The Tan Hill Inn is a well-known pub in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Famous for being the highest pub in the UK, the country inn is a popular place to visit and stay at in the northwest of England.
In this guide, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about visiting and staying at the Tan Hill Inn. That way, you can decide for yourself whether you think it’s worth visiting. On top of that, Beck and I recently visited the pub. So, we’ll also throw in our two cents worth and answer the question – is it worth visiting the Tan Hill Inn?
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Tan Hill Inn: The Highest Pub in Britain
Also known as the Tan Hill pub, the Tan Hill Inn is the highest pub in England (which, of course, automatically makes it the highest pub in Yorkshire). At 528 metres (1,732 feet) above sea level, the world famous country inn is officially the highest public house in the British Isles.
For this reason, the country inn has become a tourist destination – an institution, if you will. Certainly, no visit to the northern reaches of the Yorkshire Dales is complete without stopping in and even staying at the country inn.
So, is the Tan Hill Inn worth all the hype and worth visiting? Before answering this question, let’s cover all of the essential information about visiting the pub. Let’s start by looking at its exact location.
Where Is the Tan Hill Inn?
The Tan Hill Inn is remotely located in the moorlands of Upper Swaledale in North Yorkshire. You’ll find that the pub is also located in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Below, we’ll look at a map of the country inn, so you can get your bearings.
Tan Hill Inn Map
Here is a map of the Tan Hill Inn. Please click on the image below to access an interactive map of the pub on Google Maps.
Tan Hill Inn postcode: DL11 6ED
Things to Do at the Tan Hill Inn
To decide whether it’s worth visiting, you’ll want to know what activities and facilities are on offer at the Tan Hill Inn. So, let’s look at the best things to do during a visit or stay at the famous pub.
Eat and Drink
The Tan Hill Inn is well-known for its excellent pub grub and variety of beers on tap. Whether you plan on staying at the inn or not, you should at least visit for some food or a drink.
The inn serves a delicious breakfast daily from 8:30–9:30am. Whilst, the inn serves lunch and dinner daily at varied times depending on the day of the week. Of course, like all good pubs, the inn puts on a yummy traditional Sunday Roast.
In terms of drinks, the inn has a wide variety of real ales, lagers and ciders on tap. You’ll find that they stock local Yorkshire beers from Theakston’s and Black Sheep Brewery. Personally, I found Theakston’s Old Peculiar to be well-kept and absolutely delicious!
Other than the great food and drinks, the ambience at the inn is second to none. With its exposed beams, stone-flagged floor and a roaring fireplace, the pub absolutely nails the traditional English country inn vibe with a comfortable and cosy setting.
FYI – check the official website for the latest Tan Hill Inn menu and serving times.
Stay at the Tan Hill Inn
People far and wide head to the Tan Hill Inn to stay there for a night or an extended stay. After all, what isn’t cool about staying in the highest pub in Britain?
You’ll find guests generally have great things to say about staying at the inn as is reflected by its high ratings. In particular, guests tend to rave about the staff, facilities, cleanliness, comfort and remote location. Although, guests have noted poor WiFi. After all, this pub is located in the middle of nowhere! Additionally, guests have questioned the value for money given the steep price of most of the rooms.
The inn offers a variety of accommodation types and guest rooms. Let’s look at these below.
- Standard King Room
- Twin Room with Private Bathroom
- Superior Double Room with an En-suite
- Family Room with an En-suite
- Bunk Bed in Mixed Dormitory Room
For more information about staying at the Tan Hill Inn, including details about amenities and prices, please click here.
Tan Hill Inn Camping and Glamping
It’s also possible to wild camp at the Tan Hill Inn. Although, you can’t book wild camping in advance. Simply turn up, pay £10/person and you’ll have yourself a spot on the property to wild camp. Indeed, many walkers doing the long-distance Pennine Way will wild camp at the inn.
Additionally, motorhomes, campervans, caravans and campers are welcome to pitch at the inn. Similar to wild camping, the inn doesn’t take bookings. You’ll simply rock up and pay £5/person!
Alternatively, the inn offers glamping pods with shared facilities. Certainly, glamping at the inn is becoming an increasingly popular accommodation option. You’ll have all the natural delights of camping but in the comfort of a pod. Again, for more information about amenities and pricing, click here.
Walking and Cycling
Other than dining and staying in the country inn, it acts as a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Certainly, Swaledale is one of the most remote and beautiful areas of the Yorkshire Dales that can be easily explored from the country inn.
When it comes to walking, the Tan Hill Inn to Keld and Ravenseat is a popular 17.5km (9.5 mile) circular walk. Whilst, there are plenty of great walks to do in the nearby areas of Keld, Muker, Hardraw and Hawes (see Things to Do Near Tan Hill Inn).
When it comes to cycling, there are many route options around the country inn. This remote area of the Dales has plenty of quiet roads with lovely natural surroundings, so it’s perfect for cycling.
Perhaps, one of the best options is cycling to the Buttertubs Pass, which connects Wensleydale and Swaledale. Buttertubs Pass is the name given to Cliff Gate Road (B6270 road), which stretches 8.8km (5.5 miles) long from Hawes to Thwaite. Along the road, you’ll find the mind-blowing Buttertubs, which are a group of deep limestone potholes with unique vertical shafts.
Weddings and Events
The country inn is also a great place for hosting events. Sure, Beck and I can’t speak from experience having married in Australia; but, we’ve heard good things about using the inn as a wedding venue. Additionally, there are plenty of live music events at the pub. Head to the official website to find out about upcoming gigs and events.
Check out where Beck and I got married in Australia – Caves Beach
Things to Do Near Tan Hill Inn
As mentioned, the country inn is not just a great place to visit or stay at, but it’s also a fantastic base for exploring Swaledale and the wider Yorkshire Dales. Below, we’ve listed some of the best places to visit during a day trip from the country inn.
- Hawes: explore the charming town, walk to Aysgill Force, learn about the area at the Dales Countryside Museum or eat cheese at the Wensleydale Creamery Visitor Centre.
- Hardraw: see some of the best waterfalls in the Dales – Hardraw Force and Cotter Force.
- Muker: walk to the Muker Meadows, Swinner Gill and Crackpot Hall.
- Keld: chase more waterfalls such as Kisdon Force, found along the Keld Waterfalls Walk.
Is it Worth Visiting the Tan Hill Inn?
What do you think? Is it worth visiting the highest pub in Britain? Let us know what you think in the comments below. Personally, Beck and I certainly think the famous country inn is worth visiting. We thoroughly enjoyed visiting the pub and exploring the surrounding area. Sure, staying at the inn is a little steep price-wise. But, if you have the means, we highly recommend staying there for an unforgettable experience.
How to Get There
Given its remote location, you’ll have to drive to the pub as there is no public transport access. If you don’t have your own set of wheels, then we recommend hiring a car using DiscoverCars.com. You’ll find a wide variety of cars on Discover Cars for very reasonable prices. Also, the website is user-friendly and booking online is super easy. Have a look at car hire from Manchester.
There is plenty of roadside parking opposite the pub, which is free.
Car Hire
If you don’t have your own car, you should hire one using Discover Cars. Personally, we use Discover Cars and highly recommend them for finding your ideal car hire at an affordable price. Booking online is super easy and the free cancellation policy is great.
To find out more about renting a car with Discover Cars, read our Discover Cars review and Discover Cars Insurance review.
FAQs About the Tan Hill Inn
Below, you’ll find the most frequently asked questions about the famous country inn.
Why Is the Tan Hill Inn Famous?
It’s famous for being the highest pub in Britain.
How High Is the Tan Hill Inn?
The pub is located 528 metres (1,732 feet) above sea level.
When Was the Tan Hill Inn Built?
The inn dates back to the 1600s! By visiting the pub, you’ll see lots of old photos, posters and clippings, which detail the history of the inn.
What Was Filmed at the Tan Hill Inn?
The pub featured in the film An American Werewolf in London, which was released in 1981.
Who Owns the Tan Hill Inn?
Mike Kenney and Andrew Heilds are the current owners.
Is the Tan Hill Inn Dog Friendly?
Yes, it’s a dog friendly venue.
How Much Does it Cost to Stay at the Tan Hill Inn?
The cost of your stay depends on what accommodation type you choose. For all of the latest details about rooms and pricing, click here.
What Type of Room Can I Book at the Tan Hill Inn?
The inn offers standard king rooms, twin rooms with private bathrooms, superior double rooms with an en-suite, family rooms with an en-suite and bunk beds in mixed dormitory rooms. Also, the inn offers glamping pods with shared facilities, wild camping and spaces for motorhomes, campervans, caravans and campers. Again, for details about the facilities, amenities and prices, click here.
Best Villages to See in the Yorkshire Dales
- Grassington: Everything You Need to Know About Grassington
- Hawes: The 16 Best Things To Do In Hawes
- Ingleton: 10 Awesome Things To Do In Ingleton
- Masham: Everything You Need to Know About Masham
- Buckden: The 5 Best Things To Do In Buckden, Yorkshire
- Keld: The 5 Best Things To Do in Keld, North Yorkshire
- Clapham: The Top 13 Things To Do During A Visit to Clapham, Yorkshire
- Ribblehead: 15 Awesome Things To Do In Ribblehead
Other Yorkshire Dales Guides
For more information about the best things to do in the Yorkshire Dales, click the button below. Otherwise, to help you get started, read our 42 Best Yorkshire Dales Walks or 48 Best Yorkshire Dales Waterfalls guides.
Bonus Tips
- The inn is a Dark Sky Discovery Site: the inn is a great place to enjoy the beautiful night sky.
- Richmond to Tan Hill Inn: many people visit the country inn from the nearby town of Richmond. Indeed, this a great day trip to do. From Richmond, expect a 45 minute drive to get to the pub.
- Explore other nearby national parks: don’t just stop at the Yorkshire Dales. Head to the beautiful Lake District (guides coming soon), Peak District, Forest of Bowland and North York Moors National Park.
Check out our other Yorkshire Dales National Park content.
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