Overview
If you are looking for a pub with a difference, you might want to visit Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in England. Situated at 1,732 feet (528 m) above sea level, Tan Hill Inn is located in the remote and beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park. It is the only pub in the British Isles that is over 1,000 feet (305 m) high and has stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

But Tan Hill Inn is not just a pub with a great location. It also has a rich history that spans over four centuries and includes many interesting and quirky stories. From its origins as a miners’ inn to its role as a music venue and a film set, Tan Hill Inn has seen it all. It has also survived fires, snowstorms, power cuts, and isolation to become a popular destination for tourists, walkers, cyclists, and locals.
In this article, we will explore the history and the stories of Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in England. We will also give you some tips on how to visit this unique pub and what to expect when you get there. So, grab a pint and join us on this journey to the top of England.
History of Tan Hill Inn
Tan Hill Inn has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the 17th century. The pub was originally built as an inn for the miners who worked in the nearby coal mines. The name “Tan Hill” comes from the fact that the area was once covered with heather, which was burned to produce charcoal for the smelting industry.
Establishment
The pub was first licensed in 1737 and soon became a popular stop for travellers and traders who crossed the Pennine Way, a long-distance footpath that runs along the spine of England. The pub also served as a meeting place for local farmers and shepherds who grazed their sheep on the moorland.
The coal mining industry declined in the 1920s and the last mine closed in 1929. The pub then became a haven for walkers, cyclists, and motorists who wanted to enjoy the scenic views and the fresh air. The pub also attracted some famous visitors, such as the poet Ted Hughes, the comedian Billy Connolly, and the band Arctic Monkeys.
Appearance in TVs
Several films and TV shows, including the 1973 horror film The Wicker Man, the 1983 comedy film An American Werewolf in London, and the 1995 drama series Band of Gold, have featured the pub. The pub has also hosted some live music events, such as the Tan Hill Music Festival in 2005 and the New Year’s Eve party in 2009, which featured the Kaiser Chiefs.
Tan Hill Pub has faced some challenges over the years, such as fires, floods, thefts, and vandalism. Heavy snowfall and power outages have, at times, isolated the pub from the outside world.Here, it has always managed to overcome these difficulties and continue to serve its loyal customers.
Owner of the pub
Andrew and Louise Hields currently own the pub after purchasing it in 2017. They have renovated the pub and added some modern facilities, such as Wi-Fi, electric car charging points, and a glamping site. They have also preserved the pub’s traditional charm and character, such as the open fireplaces, the stone walls, and the wooden beams.
How to Visit Tan Hill Inn
Planning a visit to Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in England? Here are some tips and information to help you make the most of your trip:
The pub is open every day from 11 am to 11 pm, except on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. The pub serves food from 12 pm to 9 pm, and offers a variety of dishes, such as pies, burgers, fish and chips, and roast dinners. It also has a selection of drinks, such as beers, wines, spirits, and soft drinks. There are also some special events and offers, such as quiz nights, live music, and discounts for walkers and cyclists.
Ammenties
The pub has 11 rooms for accommodation, ranging from single to family rooms. The rooms are cosy and comfortable, and have en-suite bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. The rooms also have stunning views of the moorland and the stars. The pub also has a glamping site, where you can stay in a luxury yurt, a shepherd’s hut, or a bell tent. The glamping site has a communal kitchen, a shower block, and a fire pit.
Location
Tan Hill Inn is located on the B6270 road, between Keld and Reeth, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. The pub is about 60 miles (97 km) from Leeds, 70 miles (113 km) from Manchester, and 250 miles (402 km) from London. The nearest train station is Kirkby Stephen, which is about 12 miles (19 km) from the pub. The nearest airport is Leeds Bradford, which is about 70 miles (113 km) from the pub. You can also reach the pub by bus, taxi, or bike, but be prepared for some steep and narrow roads.
Natural Beauties around the pub
The pub is a great base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park, which is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The park has some amazing landscapes, such as hills, valleys, rivers, waterfalls, and caves. The park also has some wildlife, such as sheep, cows, horses, birds, and rabbits. It also has some attractions, such as castles, museums, villages, and churches. You can also enjoy some activities, such as walking, cycling, horse riding, fishing, and caving.
Stories of Tan Hill Inn
Tan Hill Inn is not just a pub with a history, but also a pub with stories. The pub has witnessed many events and incidents that have added to its legend and appeal. Here are some of the most interesting and amusing stories of Tan Hill Inn, the highest pub in England.
The pub has its own ghost, known as the “Old Miner”. He is said to be the spirit of a miner who died in a mining accident and still haunts the pub. It is usually seen in the cellar or the bar, wearing a flat cap and a miner’s lamp. He is harmless and friendly, but sometimes likes to play pranks on the staff and the guests, such as moving objects, turning lights on and off, and making noises.
Mysterious Visitor
Some UFOs or at the very least some enigmatic sky lights have also stopped by the pub. In 1977, a group of bikers who stayed at the pub reported seeing a bright orange light hovering over the moorland. They claimed that the light followed them as they rode away from the pub and then disappeared. In 2010, another group of guests saw a similar light and filmed it with their mobile phones. They also claimed that the light moved and changed colours, before vanishing.
Events Stories
The pub has also hosted some unusual weddings, such as the wedding of a couple who met at the pub’s New Year’s Eve party in 2009. The couple decided to get married at the pub on the same date a year later, even though the pub was snowed in and the guests had to arrive by tractor. With their friends and family present, the couple said their vows in front of the pub’s fireplace. The pub’s staff also baked a cake and decorated the pub with candles and fairy lights.
Achievements
The pub has also been the scene of some Guinness World Records, such as the highest game of cricket, the highest concert, and the highest comedy gig. In 2007, a group of cricketers played a game of cricket on the moorland near the pub, at an altitude of 1,732 feet (528 m). They used a plastic ball and a wooden plank as a bat, and wore woolly hats and gloves to keep warm. In 2010, the band Scouting for Girls performed a concert at the pub, in front of 80 fans who won a competition. The band played some of their hits, such as “She’s So Lovely” and “This Ain’t a Love Song”. In 2011, the comedian Mark Watson performed a comedy gig at the pub, as part of his “Extreme Comedy Tour”.
FAQs
Q: Is Tan Hill Inn dog friendly?
A: Yes, Tan Hill Inn is dog-friendly and welcomes well-behaved dogs in the pub and the rooms. The pub also has some resident dogs, such as a border collie, a labrador, and a spaniel.
Q: Is Tan Hill Inn haunted?
A: Some people believe that Tan Hill Inn is haunted by the ghost of an old miner, who likes to play pranks on the staff and the guests. However, there is no evidence to prove that the pub is haunted, and most people enjoy the pub’s atmosphere and charm.
Q: Is Tan Hill Inn accessible?
A: Tan Hill Inn is accessible by car, bus, taxi, or bike, but the roads can be steep and narrow, especially in winter. The pub also has some steps and stairs with enough space.
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