From stunning views over rolling hills to the oldest pub in the county, we’ve pulled together the ultimate top ten list of the best country pubs in Yorkshire.
It’s no secret that Yorkshire is blessed with some of the finest country pubs in the UK. But when you’re planning a weekend escape or a post-walk lunch, finding the perfect spot matters. To help you bypass the ordinary, we’ve narrowed down the options into a definitive top ten across North, West and South Yorkshire. Handpicked for their standout food, stunning scenery or deep-rooted heritage, these idyllic watering holes guarantee an unforgettable trip.
Looking for somewhere to stay while you’re out and about in Yorkshire? Here’s our guide to the best dog-friendly hotels in Yorkshire.
Quick picks: best country pubs in Yorkshire
The Bingley Arms
It’s a pub that has stood proud for over 1,000 years, officially recognised as Britain’s oldest. Inside it’s a labyrinth of history, featuring original priest holes and a magnificent Dutch oven. The sprawling beer garden out back is tailor-made for alfresco summer drinking.
Brews and bites: While big-name lagers are on tap, local ale enthusiasts will appreciate pints of Ossett’s White Rat and Yorkshire Blonde. The kitchen elevates standard pub grub with a potato and asparagus salad, fresh mussels, and towering Sunday roasts.
Where to find it: The Bingley Arms, Church Lane, Bardsey, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9DR. A 25-minute drive from Leeds city centre, ideal for combining with a walk around the Harewood Estate.
The Shibden Mill Inn
Nestled deep within the breathtaking Shibden Valley, this 17th-century converted mill is a true looker. Featuring low, original beams (mind your head if you’re over six feet tall), roaring open fires and a vine-covered exterior, it offers a picture-perfect sanctuary.
Brews and bites: This isn’t just a watering hole – it’s an acclaimed foodie destination boasting AA Rosettes. Alongside local guest ales, you can indulge in a multi-course tasting menu featuring cod, leek and pea fricassee with mussels and salmon roe. There’s also an a la carte menu featuring stand-out dishes like lamb loin with Wye Valley asparagus, and classics like pie and mash. Alternatively, grab a hot ham hock sandwich to accompany a quiet pint.
Where to find it: The Shibden Mill Inn, Shibden Mill Fold, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 7UL. Hidden down rural lanes, it is a 10-minute taxi ride from Halifax train station.
The Cow and Calf, Ilkley
Credit: Tim Green
In a building with plenty of stories to tell – it has been a boarding house, a private home and a hotel specialising in ‘water cures’ – The Cow and Calf is perfectly perched next to some of Ilkley’s most famous country landmarks. The views looking across Wharfedale from the outdoor terrace have to be among the finest in the county.
Brews and bites: A robust selection of cask ales, crisp lagers and low-alcohol options ensures all hikers are catered for. The main menu leans on comforting classics, but the Sunday centerpiece is the Trio of Roasts – a generous helping of beef, pork belly, and turkey with all the trimmings.
Where to find it: The Cow and Calf, Hangingstone Road, Ilkley, West Yorkshire, LS29 8BT.Perfect for day-trippers – step right off the Ilkley Moor walking trail and straight into the taproom.
The Boathouse Inn, Saltaire
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This single-storey stone pub sits right on the banks of the River Aire, offering a sweeping waterside terrace. Built in 1871 and beautifully modernised, it blends historic character with a vibrant, bustling atmosphere right on the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Brews and bites: Being in Saltaire, the exceptionally sessionable Saltaire Blonde is a permanent fixture on the hand-pulls. Food ranges from a premium pork pie served with mushy peas and mint sauce to an authentic, fragrant Punjabi chicken curry that provides the ultimate post-walk fuel.
Where to find it: The Boathouse Inn, Victoria Road, Saltaire, West Yorkshire, BD18 3LA. Just a 2-minute walk from Saltaire train station, making it an easy country pub to access for non-drivers.
The Abbey Inn, Byland
Overseen by the team behind the Michelin-starred Black Swan at Oldstead, this 19th-century inn offers an impeccably styled, relaxed atmosphere. Historic stone walls, dark oak fixtures, and views of the dramatic Byland Abbey ruins make it an unmissable destination.
Brews and bites: Alongside perfectly kept pints of Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, the bar serves up world-class craft cocktails and premium sherries. The menu focuses on estate-reared ingredients, showcasing hyper-local dishes like the acclaimed Byland Dexter smash burger and grilled venison haunch.
Where to find it: The Abbey Inn, Byland, York, North Yorkshire, YO61 4BD. Deep in the North York Moors, best accessed via car, roughly 45 minutes north of York.
The Craven Arms, Appletreewick
© Copyright Yorkshire-List 2026
This is the quintessential Wharfedale pub. Warmed by authentic gas lighting, massive stone fireplaces, and featuring a maze of cosy snugs, it feels entirely untouched by time. The spectacular heather-clad views from the hillside beer garden are bound to end up on your Instagram feed.
Brews and bites: Staples include steak and ale pie and fish and chips and this is supplemented by creative dishes like pan-friend sea bass with crushed garlic buttered white bean, Jerusalem artichoke puree, fine green beans and sun dried tomato and red wine jus. The bar serves a changing lineup of microbrewery real ales, plus a huge gin, wine and whisky menu.
Where to find it: The Craven Arms, Burnsall, Appletreewick, West Yorkshire, BD23 6DA. Set right on the Dales Way walking route, roughly a 20-minute drive from Skipton.
The Alice Hawthorn, Nun Monkton
Overlooking the expansive green of one of Yorkshire’s prettiest villages (complete with a duck pond and a historic maypole), this 18th-century coaching inn is a masterclass in rural elegance. Guests can relax in light-filled, Scandinavian-inspired garden rooms or cosy up next to the central log burner.
Brews and bites: A treasure trove for wine lovers, the pub boasts a meticulously sourced, expansive wine list alongside local North Yorkshire ales. The award-winning food focuses on seasonal elegance, featuring dishes like chargrilled Iberico pork with romesco sauce, chimichurri and truffle and parmesan croquettes, and seared fillet of cod.
Where to find it: The Alice Hawthorn, The Green, Nun Monkton, York, North Yorkshire, YO26 8EW. Tucked between Harrogate and York, easily reached via the A59.
The Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow
Credit: The Norfolk Arms
Perched on the edge of Sheffield where the city gives way to the Peak District, The Norfolk Arms combines panoramic countryside views with the cosy comforts of a traditional country inn. It’s perfect all year round, think roaring log fires in winter, a spacious beer garden for sunny afternoons and a warm welcome for walkers, cyclists and families exploring the surrounding moorland and valleys.
Brews and bites: This is hearty pub food done properly. Signature dishes include the homemade steak and ale pie, double-crusted and served with chunky chips and rich gravy, alongside favourites such as pan-fried seabass with crushed new potatoes, lamb chump with red wine jus and generous steak dinners complete with beer-battered onion rings. There’s also an extensive range of lighter lunches, sandwiches and homemade puddings, making it just as appealing for a quick stop as a long leisurely meal.
Where to find it: The Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow Road, Ringinglow, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 7TS.Set between Sheffield and the Peak District, with spectacular views across the Mayfield Valley and easy access to some of the region’s best walking routes.
The Schoolrooms and Assembly, Low Bradfield
Credit: Victoria Greensmith Photography
Housed in a beautifully converted Victorian schoolhouse in the rolling hills of Low Bradfield, this vibrant hub captures the very best of South Yorkshire’s country charm. By day it is a bustling, light-filled cafe and deli, but its evening and weekend “Assembly” dining transformations make it a standout destination.
Brews and bites: It’s a brilliant game of two halves. By day, The Schoolrooms café serves up family-friendly, school-themed dishes like the ‘Headmaster’s burger’ alongside fresh sandwiches. As day fades, the space transforms into Assembly – a refined bar and bistro doling out exceptional, hearty comfort food like slow-cooked beef brisket Yorkies and deep-filled Bradfield steak and ale pies.
Where to find it: The Schoolrooms, Mill Lee Road, Low Bradfield, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S6 6LB. Perfect for pairing with a scenic walk around the Agden or Damflask Reservoirs.
The Fox House, Longshaw
Credit: Fox House
Dating all the way back to 1773, this historic stone inn sits on the high moors of the Peak District border. It has served as a vital refuge for weary travellers for centuries. Now operating as a rustic Vintage Inns property, it features crackling log fires, flagged floors, and a welcoming atmosphere after a breezy afternoon on the moors. There’s also a very large beer garden for when the sun comes out, making it the perfect location for any time of year.
Brews and bites: The bar serves up a dependable, extensive range of regional cask ales, chilled ciders, and a carefully curated wine menu. The food menu focuses on comforting, crowd-pleasing pub classics – the best sellers include signature prawn cocktail in rich Bloody Mary Marie Rose sauce, Korean chicken burger and club sandwich.
Where to find it: The Fox House, Hathersage Road, Longshaw, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S11 7TY. Superbly accessible, it sits directly on major walking trails near the National Trust Longshaw Estate, with a bus stop right outside connecting to central Sheffield.
Prices were checked and verified in June 2026, but menus, prices and promotional offers change regularly. If you'd like your restaurant/offer to be featured, updated or amended in this list, please email [email protected].
