Cosy Pubs in Yorkshire to visit this Winter

Tis the season to explore the very best cosy pubs Yorkshire has to offer.  From city centre hideaways to high up on the Dales and everything in between.

Warm up by the crackling fires, tuck into seriously delicious pub classics and Sunday roasts, sip on cask ales and take in the beautiful scenery.

The Blue Lion Inn & Restaurant, East Witton

Nestled in the midst of renowned Wensleydale, the historical 18th-century Blue Lion in East Witton captures the best characteristics of traditional rural England. Enter the inn and unwind in their cosy surroundings after making your way across the cobblestone driveway. In one of the most famous pubs in North Yorkshire, warm up by the crackling log fires.

As the Good Pub Guide’s three times ‘Dining Pub of the Year’ winners, you’ll be spoilt for choice with their seasonal menu.

They also have 15 boutique rooms for those wanting to stay at the inn for longer and explore what surrounds The Blue Lion.

Main Road, East Witton, Leyburn DL8 4SN – 01969 624 273

The Crown at Boston Spa

Modern country pub, The Crown at Boston Spa, boasts an open kitchen, a gorgeous conservatory and a separate dining area. A few years ago they underwent a significant refurbishment which ultimately turned the Grade II building into a modern space. With its classic English pub aesthetic, join them for a post-work drink or step into their contemporary dining area to tuck into a delicious seasonal menu, bottomless brunch, afternoon tea or a classic Sunday roast.

128 High Street, Boston Spa LS23 6BW – 01937 229900

Tan Hill Inn, Swaledale

Standing high in the Yorkshire Dales is a 17th-century pub, the Tan Hill Inn. Known for being the highest public house in Britain, this cosy, characterful building is surrounded by stunning scenery, making it a warm and friendly place for those walking, cycling or simply looking for a new pub to try. Cosy up next to the roaring fire, tuck into some food and escape from the harsh cold British weather at this cosy pub in Yorkshire.

Long Causeway, Richmond DL11 6ED – 01833 533 007

Shibden Mill Inn, Halifax

Hidden in Halifax’s breathtaking Shibden Valley, the multi-award-winning 17th-century Shibden Mill Inn is a homely country retreat. In their 2 AA Rosette restaurant, enjoy dishes from their A La Carte, lunch and delicious Sunday lunch menus. Indulge in Head Chef Will Webster’s seasonal tasting menu, which features the best local food, for a true culinary delight.

The rooms at the Shibden Mill Inn are created with a warm boutique feel in mind, combining charm with comfort, seamlessly blending the historic and rustic elements with more opulent, modern accents.

Shibden Mill Fold, Halifax HX3 7UL – 01422 365 840

Craven Arms, Appletreewick

Found in the heart of Wharfedale in Appletreewick is The Craven Arms, a traditional 16th-century Dales pub serving up real ales and hearty food. Combining real log fires, gas lighting and a truly friendly atmosphere, you’ll quickly discover the Craven Arms is something special.

The kitchen team behind the Craven Arms prepare their dishes from scratch using the best local produce. At this cosy pub in Yorkshire, customer favourites include the famous steak and ale pie and classic fish and chips, as well as the range of artisan dishes created with new flavours and techniques.

The Craven Arms, Appletreewick, Skipton BD23 6DA – 01756 720 270

Lister Arms, Malham

The charming 4-star hotel tucked away in the quaint village of Malham, The Lister Arms gives you the home-away-from-home feel. Explore the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales with Malham Cove, Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar only a short distance away.

Devour gastro-pub classics, award-winning ales and settle down next to the fire to catch up with friends and family. Find a menu boasting seasonal flavours and ingredients, all within proper-sized portions.

Malham, Skipton BD23 4DB – 01729 830 444

The Green Dragon Inn, Hardraw

Standing in a beautiful location in the delightful village of Hardraw, The Green Dragon Inn dates back to the 13th century. After being lovingly restored whilst protecting its original features, the ancient inn boasts open fires, high ceiling beams and locally brewed ale.

This traditional country inn also serves classic pub food to warm you up in the colder months. Popular with tourists and locals alike, it’s the perfect pub to visit all year round with plenty of seating inside and out.

Bellow Hill, Hardraw, Hawes DL8 3LZ – 01969 667 392

The Star Inn, Harome

Since being rebuilt after the destructive fire in November 2021, The Star Inn managed to preserve some of the original features including roof timbers. Found just outside of Helmsley, The Star serves a seasonal A La Carte menu plus a full-tasting menu which makes the most of local ingredients and the kitchen garden produce.

Over the years it has received celebrated awards including a Michelin Star and was named Top UK Gastropub. This 14th-century inn has a beloved thatched roof and a roaring fire for the colder days, perfect for a meal out this winter.

Main St, Harome, near Helmsley YO62 5JE – 01439 770 397

The Black Swan, Pickering

Immersed in history for over 300 years, this cosy pub in Yorkshire is perfect for those seeking an escape and needing a place to relax for a night or two. Ideal for walkers and cyclists, dine in their delicious restaurant as they serve freshly prepared, authentic dishes, using local producers where possible.

This Grade II listed building dates back to the 17th century, and is dog-friendly so you can bring the whole family along. Join them for a classic Sunday lunch, all sourced from local farms and shelter yourself from the bitter cold of winter.

Black Swan, 18 Birdgate, Pickering YO18 7AL – 01751 798 209

The Durham Ox, Crayke

Found in the small village of Crayke near York is the 300-year-old pub, The Durham Ox. Family-owned since 1999, this award-winning pub presents a traditional, cosy atmosphere with exposed beams and roaring fires in the winter. Giving customers somewhere to eat, drink and stay, explore the charming village found in the area of the Howardian Hills.

They pride themselves on offering the “perfect escape to the country”. As well as stocking a large selection of cask ales and wines, on their menu you can find the best local produce combined into mouthwatering dishes.

West Way, Crayke, York YO61 4TE – 01347 821 506

Whitelock’s Ale House, Leeds

Otherwise known as the oldest pub in Leeds, this former marketman’s pub still appears to have its original features including the old wooden and copper-topped bar, stained glass, tiled front and cast iron fireplace. Whitelock’s was formerly named The Turk’s Head when it first opened in 1715, and by 1963 it received a Grade II listed status.

Still as busy and thriving in the current day, Whitelock’s has become a favourite amongst all generations. We recommend visiting for one of the best Sunday roasts in Leeds. Step inside for a warm and welcoming pint, or enjoy a drink in the beautifully lit yard on a summer’s day. Their sister pub The Turk’s Head stands at the top of the yard, serving up draught taps, craft beers, spirits, wine and cocktails.

Turk’s Head Yard, Leeds LS1 6HB – 0113 245 3950

The Pipe and Glass, Beverley

A short drive away from the bustling town of Beverley, The Pipe and Glass is one of Yorkshire’s friendliest pubs and has proudly held a Michelin star since 2010. As well as being awarded numerous other awards, this former coaching inn with rooms is found on the site of the stunning Dalton Estate.

With parts of the building dating back to the 17th century, The Pipe and Glass offers a private dining suite, luxury boutique bedrooms and some seriously good food. Join them for an evening meal, an easy lunch, a sumptuous Sunday lunch or an afternoon tea filled with exciting sweet and savoury treats.

W End, South Dalton, Beverley HU17 7PN – 01430 810 246

Mother Shipton’s Inn, Knaresborough

Situated in the alluring town of Knaresborough, Mother Shipton’s Inn can be found next to the river Nidd. The 16th-century coaching inn remains full of its original character, plus a selection of eclectic furniture that’s perfect for a few hours catching up with friends or family. Sip and savour on real ales, enjoy the surroundings and tuck into small plates, hearty mains and delicious desserts for those with a sweet tooth at this cosy pub in Yorkshire.

Mother Shipton Inn, Low Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8HZ – 01423 865 638

The Alice Hawthorn, York

This charming country gastropub is only a short drive away from York city centre. The award-winning cosy pub, The Alice Hawthorn, is known for its touch of Yorkshire history, found within the exquisite food and luxury rooms. All year round you can expect an elevated dining experience with a twist on classic pub favourites. Celebrating the seasons using the best local produce, what better way to tuck into comfort food than in front of a roaring open fire?

The Green, Nun Monkton, York YO26 8EW – 01423 330 303

The Cow & Calf, Ilkley

Surrounded by some of the best views in Yorkshire, The Cow & Calf in Ilkley serves something to suit everyone’s taste. This idyllic country pub boasts views across Wharfedale, as well as retaining many of its traditional features. The team are ready to serve you seasonal, hearty pub classics like signature burgers, pie of the day and slow-cooked pork belly. A weekend trip to the pub isn’t complete without a Sunday lunch served with crackling, Yorkshire puddings and as much gravy as you like.

Hangingstone Rd, Ilkley LS29 8BT – 01943 607 335

The Fox House, Sheffield

Housed in a building that dates back to 1773, this cosy pub in Yorkshire, The Fox House is ready to welcome you with drinks to suit every taste, country pub classics and a charm like no other. The well-known 18th-century house is set within a beautiful part of the Peak District, brimming with character that’s perfect to venture into on a nice scenic walk with the dog or for those who are craving an unforgettable seasonal dining experience.

Hathersage Rd, Longshaw, Sheffield S11 7TY – 01433 630 374

Warton Arms, Beverley

Step into this stunning cosy pub with a thatched roof in Beverley, The Warton Arms. Whether you prefer sitting out in the beautiful beer garden or cosying up inside, this delightful pub is perfect for those wanting to escape to the countryside. Bring the whole family along, as well as the dogs, and delve into wonderful pub classics including steak and ale pie, hunters chicken and more. Saving the best for last, tuck into indulgent desserts like apple crumble and sweet sticky toffee pudding.

Hull Rd, Woodmansey, Beverley HU17 0TH – 01482 679 700

The Abbey Inn, Byland

Only down the road from their award-winning Michelin-starred restaurant, The Black Swan at Oldstead, chef Tommy Banks opened The Abbey Inn Byland in the summer of 2022. The perfect relaxed country pub with rooms. Showcasing their ethos for hyper-local, seasonal ingredients, produce is grown at their local family farm.

The historic 19th-century inn overlooks the gothic ruins of Byland Abbey. Dine on a seasonal menu and specially-curated cocktails including real ales and seasonal cocktails. Although new to the pub scene, The Abbey Inn Byland is already known as one of the cosiest pubs in Yorkshire.

The Abbey Inn, York YO61 4BD – 01347 868 204

The Beck & Call, Meanwood

Found on the outskirts of the city in the suburb of Meanwood, this cosy Yorkshire pub is everyone’s dream local. Customers can expect to find delicious gastro-pub classics, perfect for a lazy day on a cold winter evening.

Cosy up in the orangery for a quiet pint, meeting up with friends or tucking into their beloved Sunday roast complete with all the trimmings. Classic pub grub, cask ales, live sports and a pool table – what more could you want from your local?

Stainbeck Rd, Chapel Allerton, Leeds LS7 2NP – 0113 266 1192

The Cricket Inn, Sheffield

This pub dating back to the 18th century, The Cricket Inn welcomes everyone from near and far to their Penny Lane location in Totley, Sheffield. Look out over the beautiful Blacka Moor and cosy up next to the open fire fires throughout the colder months. Expect to find a menu full of hearty flavourful food and an exceptional choice of beverages. The Cricket Inn has become a much-loved spot in South Yorkshire amongst dog walkers, cyclists and those who simply want a pint at a friendly pub.

Penny Ln, Totley, Sheffield S17 3AZ – 0114 236 5256