Sitting 1,732 feet above sea level, The Tan Hill Inn can be found on Pennine Way nestled within the stunning Yorkshire Dales – and its officially considered the highest inn in the British Isles by the powers that be, the Guinness Book of World Records.
When heading on a countryside walk, one of our key criteria for where we go is based on whether there’s a pub at the end of it… And this one just has to be the most rewarding of them all.
A traditional pub with a friendly, local vibe to it, The Tan Hill Inn, known as Britain’s highest pub, dates way back to the 17th century – meaning not only does it come with a world record, but a whole lot of history, too.
While the pub is now frequented by hikers and fans of the Dales iconic landscape, back in the 18th century, the pub was used as a hostelry by workers digging coal pits – and while isolated now, it was previously surrounded by miners’ cottages.
Before they shut all the pits down, of course. Once the local mines closed in the early decades of the 1900s, the pub remained open for farmers and locals to enjoy – made possible by the opening of the now-famous Pennine Way.
Today, Britain’s highest pub stands alone – almost 11 miles away from the nearest from the nearest town, Kirkby Stephen – making it the perfect discovery for those travelling the Pennine Way.
Read More: 16 Of The Best Pubs To Visit In The Yorkshire Dales
Just like any other pub, The Tan Hill Inn has changed hands multiple times over the years, most recently in 2018 when current owners Andrew Hields and Mike Kenney took over the historic pub, with a big vision for providing both locals and tourists with a bigger and better experience.
Focusing on updating and renovating Britain’s highest pub, the new owners have created an air of luxury throughout the inn’s rooms – which are all available to stay in for a modest price.
Decked out with grand roll-top tubs and brand-new bathroom suites, each bedroom now boasts a cosy, country feel – providing a unique, rural retreat for those passing through the area.
And it’s not just changes indoors that have taken the inn to a whole new level for guests. Outdoors, the owners have added incredible clear domes where guests can drink and dine under the Yorkshire Dales stars – with sights of the Northern Lights occasionally making an appearance thanks to the National Park’s crystal clear skies.
Downstairs in the pub, the owners have paid homage to the inn’s history, retaining original features and keeping the interiors understated, cosy and traditional – just what you’d expect from a proper Yorkshire pub.
While the pub has undergone a huge journey over the past century, there’s still so much more in store for the famous pub – with the owners also considering a barn carvery, glass-roofed pods for guests to sleep under in the stars, a rustic spa and outdoor pool, and more live music and entertainment.
The Tan Hill Inn can be found in the Muker parish, North of the Yorkshire Dales, with both Keld and Ravenseat fairly nearby to explore while taking on a walk. Find out more and book a stay here.
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[Featured image: Tan Hill Inn, North Yorkshire
cc-by-sa/2.0 – © Richard Slessor – geograph.org.uk/p/154896]
