The Tan Hill Inn: Britain’s Highest Public House
High on a lonely hill in the Yorkshire Dales near Keld, you’ll find the Tan Hill Inn, a unique and historic pub dating back to the 17th century.
Sitting 1,732 feet (528 meters) above sea level, this inn is Britain’s highest public house.
With its exposed wooden beams, stone floors, and cozy fire, this inn is a truly special place to visit.
A Rich and Storied History
 The Tan Hill Inn dates back to the 17th century and has a fascinating past.
Originally, it was a place for coal miners to rest.
The historic inn, known earlier as The Kings Pit, was surrounded by miners’ cottages.
Over time, it became a gathering spot for farmers, travelers, and even cattle drovers.
Even after the local mines closed in 1929 and the cottages were demolished in the 1930s, the Tan Hill Inn remained open.
It stayed popular thanks to local farmers and the increasing number of visitors arriving by car.
In 1995, it made history as the first pub in the UK to get a license to hold weddings and civil ceremonies.
The Tan Hill Inn Today
Today, the Tan Hill Inn is a cozy spot with exposed wooden beams, stone floors, and a warm fire.
It’s a place where walkers, cyclists, and visitors from all over the world come together.
The inn serves a variety of beers from local breweries like Black Sheep and Theakston and often hosts live music performances.
Over the years, bands like the Arctic Monkeys and British Sea Power have played here, adding to the inn’s lively atmosphere.
In addition to its regular offerings, the Tan Hill Inn is known for its quirky events and live music every Saturday night.
A Place to Stay and Enjoy
If you want to stay overnight, the Tan Hill Inn offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities.
There’s also space for camper vans and caravans.
The inn is dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for a walk in the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Who Is The Current Owner?
The current owner of the Tan Hill Inn is Andrew Hields.
He has been making improvements to the inn since 2018, adding features like a carvery, a second bar, and even plans for a rustic spa and outdoor pool.
The guest rooms were refurbished in 2019.
The inn continues to offer a range of services and amenities to enhance the visitor experience.
Despite its remote location, the inn is a popular destination, known for its friendly vibe and stunning views.
A Popular Filming Location
The inn has also been a popular filming location.
For example, it appeared in the ITV show Vera, The Inspector Lynley Mysteries, Murder in Mind, Top Gear, The Fast Show, Wish You Were Here…?, All Creatures Great and Small, Jude the Obscure, and Beyond the Yorkshire Farm.
Guests Were Trapped Inside The Inn During Winter
The inn also gained international attention for its unique experiences during severe winter weather.
On New Year’s Eve in 2009 and again in November 2021, patrons were snowed in, creating an impromptu extended stay.
This turned an ordinary visit into a unique adventure.
