Tan Hill Inn, North Yorkshire: Britain’s Highest Pub

With its exposed beams, stone-flagged floor and welcoming fire, the historic Tan Hill Inn is Britain’s highest pub at 1,732 feet above sea level.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, it is slightly higher than the Cat and Fiddle Inn in the Peak District, which is at 1,690 feet.

Situated in Swaledale, just near Keld, this isolated gem is a warm meeting place known internationally.

For centuries, the inn has occupied an isolated and lonely position amidst the stunning bleak beauty of endless moors that merge into an ever changing moody sky.

In fact, their closest neighbours are more than four miles away and the closest town is more than 10 miles away!

When William the Conqueror's surveyors ventured here in 1085, they promptly left after jotting down a single word to describe the surrounding area's setting: "wasteland".

Due to its high and isolated location, Tan Hill is regularly battered by ice storms, snow drifts and high winds - and regular maintenance is required.

The weathered structure has long attracted locals and hardy wanderers, but its remote setting means visiting is not for the fainthearted.

However, those who make the journey are rewarded with a beautiful interior, including a cosy bar and roaring fire.

One of the primary reasons people visit the Tan Hill Inn is for the spectacular scenery that surrounds it.

The inn is situated at the highest point of the Pennine Way, offering breathtaking views of the rolling hills and expansive moors that make up the Yorkshire Dales.

Visitors can take in the views on foot by exploring the many hiking trails that surround the inn or simply sit back and enjoy a drink while taking in the stunning surroundings.

The building itself dates to the 17th century, and during the 18th century, it was used as a hostelry by workers digging coal pits, which is reflected in its earlier name, The Kings Pit.

It is unusual for its isolation, but it was previously surrounded by miners' cottages.

In addition to miners, farmers and pedlars, frequent visitors at the inn included drovers leading cattle to the coal pits.

After the closure of the last mine in 1929, and demolition of the associated cottages in the early 1930s, the pub remained open due to the patronage of local farmers and the development of the motor car.

During the 1970's and early 1980's, people would buy the pub, but sell up after only one unpleasantly educational Yorkshire winter.

Beer would freeze in the pipes and water was only available from a spring. There was (and still is) no mains electricity, and we could hear the generator humming away behind the pub.

The pub stands alone on top of the moors, so there were no immediate neighbours to come and help you shovel your driveway.

You could be alone and stranded for days…

Since mid-2018, current owner Andrew Hields has been restoring the character to the Inn - and it’s still a popular destination today.

In 2019, the facility was encouraging camper vans and caravans and campers to stay for a modest nightly fee, and a venue for live music acts was in operation.

The best place to stay in the Yorkshire Dales

This lovely pub offers overnight accommodation, with a number of rooms available which can be pre-booked in advance.

Classically decorated bedrooms with comfortable beds and modern en-suite facilities.

The Inn is very dog friendly for well-behaved dogs, bring the pooch and have a lovely walk after a great meal, they just ask that you keep your owners on a lead!

We highly recommend that you check out their ‘Glamping Domes’ - which provide a new quirky addition to their accommodation.

Each Dome has a large king size bed, TV, heating and view out in to our Courtyard and waterfall.

Facilities are shared with the other Dome as well as the Bunk Room and include a shower, toilet and sink.

The Superior Double Ensuite is lovely too.

The room is spacious and comes with an ensuite bathroom, television, Wi-Fi and tea/coffee making facilities.

Tan Hill Inn is also a Dark Sky Discovery Site, an officially recognised place where anyone can stargaze.

The Tan Hill Inn's remote location and high elevation make it an excellent spot for star gazing.

Away from the light pollution of urban areas, visitors to the inn can enjoy breathtaking views of the night sky, including constellations, shooting stars, and even phenomena like the Milky Way on clear nights.

Many visitors to the Tan Hill Inn take advantage of the opportunity to indulge in this activity, especially during periods of clear weather and low light pollution.

Some may even bring telescopes or binoculars to enhance their experience and observe celestial objects in greater detail.

The inn itself may also organize special events or activities centered around star gazing, such as guided night sky tours or astronomy-themed evenings, providing guests with the opportunity to learn more about the stars and planets visible from the area.

Overnight camping, campervans and comfortable accommodation are all offered, along with of course some amazing food and drink and a great atmosphere!

How to get there…

You have either a heck of a long drive ahead of you, or you are a very serious walker - Tan Hill Inn is situated on a remote moor between the A66 and B6270.

Approaching from the south, leave the small town of Hawes following the signs to Muker, a six-mile road takes you through Buttertubs Pass and into Swaledale.

Turn left through Thwaite and proceed to Keld two miles further on. After Keld, a road leads off to the right over a bridge and up a hairpin bend and on to Tan Hill three and a half miles on.

From Reeth, a ten mile unclassified road leads through Arkengarthdale and Langthwaite before arriving at Tan Hill on its lonely journey.

If you are going to drive up to Tan Hill, you cannot pick a bad direction from which to come.

We enjoyed the drive through the little-known Arkengarthdale (Arken'dale to the locals), but this is the Dales... drive anywhere you want and it will be spectacular.

Someone who recently visited the pub said: “Wow what a place!! Atmospheric pub on top of the world. Roaring fires, good food and a gorgeous room with a view.

”Recommending to all my friends who haven’t visited yet. Dog friendly with walks straight out onto the moors. Really enjoyed our stay.”

Another person added: “Fantastic old-fashioned pub that serves excellent food in a wonderful setting. boasting an ambient and historical view of the Yorkshire Dales.

”Together with a hotpot, we ordered soup and sandwiches. Each and every dish was incredibly flavorful and finger licking good. Definitely worth the drive and visit is this place. Excellent work, chef.”

The weather can be pretty dramatic up here, so make sure you check the forecast before you venture out!

If you’d like to visit, the address is: Tan Hill Inn, Reeth, Richmond, Swaledale, North Yorkshire, DL11 6ED.

Check out more photos of the beautiful pub below:

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