Whatever the weather, a trip to the pub for lunch or a pint in the Yorkshire Dales is always a good idea.
But when it comes to the warmer months of the year, some pubs are more tempting than others due to their scenic outdoor spaces (who doesn't love a beer garden, especially in summer).
With this in mind, we have found some of the best pubs within the national park that offer more than just a few wooden benches and parasols.
We’re talking about those with "gorgeous" views across the hills, riverside pit stops and suntraps near village greens.
Here are some of the best pubs with outdoor spaces and beer gardens in the Yorkshire Dales that are worth visiting, according to their Google reviews.
Some of the best Yorkshire Dales pubs with outdoor spaces
The Bull Inn
Location: Church Street, West Tanfield, Ripon, HG4 5JQ
Rating: 4.3/5
One person left this review: “Really excellent place for food and drink especially on a sunny day with the beer garden over looking the river.
“Inside is cosy and there’s a small selection of cask ales, lagers and a cider.
“The food was really tasty a lovely pie with some excellent gravy and the lasagne tasted great as well. Portions not huge but enough.”
The Guardian praised The Bull Inn at West Tanfield for having one of the “finest riverside beer gardens in Yorkshire”.
Cover Bridge Inn
Location: East Witton, Leyburn, DL8 4SQ
Rating: 4.7/5
This visitor wrote: “Stopped for a quiet pint, sat by the river and had a small meal which was all we wanted.
“Lovely quaint village pup with garden leading down to the river where benches and tables with children play area.
“Nice food, not over the top and priced well.
“Staff very tentative and made you feel welcome.
“Overall great time and experience of the place.”
The inside of the pub seems just as appealing if you want something a little more cosy, from an inglenook fireplace to beamed ceilings.
The Lister Arms
Location: Malham, Skipton, BD23 4DB
Rating: 4.6/5
A cyclist commented: “A warm welcome awaits at the Lister Arms. Stopped over whilst cycling the Way of the Roses, a lovely afternoon lunch in the garden was followed by a superb evening meal.
Another adventurer added: “We stopped here for some food and a drink after walking round the cove and up to janets foss. It was a nice day so we sat in the beer garden. The atmosphere was lovely. We had a sharing platter and a couple of drinks. Really nice end to the walk.”
The outdoor area at the Lister Arms is also known to be quite the suntrap.
Red Lion
Location: Burnsall, Skipton, BD23 6BU
Rating: 4.3/5
This customer said: “The pub food here is excellent. Lots of places post-Covid and Cost of Living have lowered quality to keep prices low. The standards here are excellent.,but the prices still remain reasonable.
“Loads of outdoor seating (some under a canopy) right by the river. Gorgeous views of the hills opposite.
“You can now order and pay from the table easily. Despite being busy, our lunch was out within 10 minutes and all delicious. Really efficient service.”
The Guardian also complimented the Red Lion, adding: “Today it’s a pub of great character and charm, and its riverside terrace offers views across Wharfedale – of the river, green fields and heather-clad fells.”
Recommended reading:
- New 'peaceful' camping spot with 3 lakes near Yorkshire Dales among UK's best
- 5 of the best spring walks in the Yorkshire Dales – fancy some fresh air?
- Fancy a feast by the river? 3 of the best picnic spots in the Yorkshire Dales
The Fountaine Inn
Location: Linton Falls, Linton, Skipton, BD23 5HJ
Rating: 4.6/5
An account shared: “It’s in a beautiful position, opposite a green, and then the river. We stayed for drinks but looked at the menu and decided that we will return. Nice place!"
Another also wrote: “Beautiful village in the Dale's with a suitably great pub. Well appointed, good range of beers and food. It also has a village green with a river flowing through it right outside.”
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