Tan Hill, England: home of the UK's highest pub

19th Nov 2024

Tan Hill is a world famous location for visitors to Yorkshire, and is home to the highest pub in the UK.

If you are looking to take a UK road trip this year, then consider travelling to this iconic location.

This guide looks at how you can get there, what to do in the surrounding area, and some fun facts about the Tan Hill Inn.

Where is Tan Hill?

Tan Hill is situated in Swaledale in North Yorkshire, England. It can be found near the town of Keld.

It is the highest point on the Pennine Way in the Richmondshire district.

The hill can be found close to the northern border of the famous Yorkshire Sales National Park.

It is based around eight miles from the Buttertubs Pass – another great place to take a road trip.

What is the Tan Hill Inn?

The Tan Hill Inn is a historic venue in the Yorkshire Dales and is noted as the highest pub in Britian – at an elevation of 528 metres (1,732 feet) above sea level.

Dating back to the 17th century, it originally served the needs of the local coal miners and farmers, but has become a hotspot for hikers, tourists, and drivers.

Offering a unique experience, there are also rooms for people to enjoy the stunning views and trails in the surrounding area.

It has been used as a filming location for many years movies and TV shows, as well as hosting famous bands.

Viewed as a bucket list location for explorers of the Yorkshire Dales, it has become a symbol for rural England.

Tan Hill Inn opening hours

Open year-round (with the exception of Christmas Day), meals are served until 8pm most days, and it closes around 11.30pm.

Why should you go to Tan Hill?

Locals expect at least 15 days of snow each winter at this isolated spot high in the Pennines. It often covers the heather moorland above the deep valleys of the Dales National Park.

It is highly regarded as one of the most beautiful spots for visitors anywhere in the UK.

What to do near Tan Hill

In the snow, this spectacular landscape creates wonderfully wild country for bracing hill walks (or snug drives in your car).

Even better, warm up next to the fire in the 400-year-old Tan Hill Inn, Britain’s highest pub. It stands alone at 1,732ft (528m) on top of Swaledale, where it needs its own electricity generator.

Inside, warm yourself amid exposed beams and flagstone floors with hearty homemade food. The Inn often becomes Britain’s highest live music venue too. Not-too-shabby acts playing here have included the Arctic Monkeys, Mark Ronson and The Levellers.

Other places to visit include the rest of the Yorkshire Dales – which is a fantastic base to other towns and landmarks.

Swaledale is around six miles away, and is known for its picturesque valleys, and small villages like Reeth and Muker.

Just over 15 miles away is another market town, called Hawes – and is the home of Wensleydale cheese.

The town of Richmond has Norman castles, museums, bars, and restaurants that are popular with visitors.

Kisdon Force Waterfall is eight miles away, just off the River Swale. There is a footpath to it from the town of Keld. More waterfalls can be found in Aysgarth.

Gunnerside Gill is a beautiful lead-mining valley that is often used by hikers in the region.

If you are looking for a stunning mountain road, then take a drive through Buttertubs pass.

However, if you are staying at the Tan Hill Inn, then there are several circular paths that can take you on an adventurous walk in the surrounding area.

Where to stay and eat

Tuck into warming pies or lasagnes at the Tan Hill Inn (01833 628 246), then choose between smart en-suite rooms, a simple bunkroom, or even outside camping.

How to get there

Find Tan Hill in the big empty bit of Yorkshire on the map between the M6 and A1M. It’s a two-hour drive from Manchester. Beware that the nearest town, Kirkby Stephen, is an 11-mile drive. Take the winding moorland road between Langthwaite and Barras. You can’t miss the pub: there are no other buildings for miles.

Here is the route from Kirkby Stephen to the Tan Hill Inn.

Alternatively, use RAC Route Planner.

Need temporary insurance for your road trip? Our short-term car insurance product is perfect if you're looking for flexible cover between 1 hour and 30 days.

Are you experiencing a car fault, warning, or mechanical problem on your road trip? Find a local mechanic with the RAC.

Images: Alamy, Getty