Introduction: Why You Should Care About Yorkshire Dales Pubs
If you think the Yorkshire Dales is just a place where farmers whisper to their sheep and the weather decides to rain on your parade, you’re missing out. This lush, rolling countryside is also home to pubs that could make a Michelin star weep (literally, if they’re into beer). Whether you’re here for the beer, the stories, or to avoid the local sheep’s judgmental stares, this guide is your ticket to pub glory. Let’s start with the basics: the best pubs in the Yorkshire Dales aren’t just places to drink—they’re time machines, comedy clubs, and occasionally, places where the Wi-Fi is mysteriously faster than your home. Want to make your own beer? We’ll get to that later.
1. The Sheep Dip Inn – Where the Beer Flows and the Stories Flop
Located in the village of Great Dunmow, The Sheep Dip Inn is a pub for people who love sheep (and beer). The walls are lined with photos of sheep that look like they’re judging your life choices. But don’t let the woolly art fool you—this place serves a beer that could make a monk question his vows. Custom beer lovers, rejoice: they offer a rotating seasonal ale that changes more than your Netflix password. The pub quiz here is legendary, not because it’s hard, but because the quizmaster will steal your lunch money if you get a question wrong. Pro tip: Order the “Sheep Dip Special”—it’s a dark ale that tastes like it’s been marinated in the wisdom of the Dales.
2. The Wandering Herd – For Those Who Prefer Pubs With a Farmhouse Vibe
If you’ve ever wondered what a pub would look like if it were designed by a farmer who won the lottery, The Wandering Herd in Thwaite is your answer. The menu is 80% farm-to-table and 20% “Why did I eat this?” The standout is the “Harvest Ale,” which pairs perfectly with the homemade apple pie that makes you question every dessert you’ve ever had. The staff here are like a mix of The Office and Parks and Rec—they’ll remember your name, your order, and your embarrassing stories from last week. Want to sell your beer online? Check out Dropt.beer for tips—Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer.
3. The Drunken Badger – Where the Beer is Strong and the Badgers Are Not
Nestled in Langcliffe, The Drunken Badger is a pub that could make Snoop Dogg proud. The name is a bit of a red herring, though—there are no badgers here. Just a lot of ale and a mural of a badger in a top hat that looks like it’s judging you for not drinking faster. The “Badger Brew” is a hoppy IPA that’s as bold as a farmer trying to explain why his sheep ate all his socks. The staff here are legendary for their “Pub Trivia” nights, where the questions are so hard, even the badger mural gives up. Pro tip: Ask for the “Badger’s Last Stand” cocktail—it’s a mix of ale, lime, and regret.
4. The Cider Press – For When You Need a Break From Beer
Located in Wensleydale, The Cider Press is a pub for people who want to prove they can drink something besides beer. The cider here is so good, it might make you forget you ever liked lager. The menu includes a “Wensley Cider” that’s aged in oak barrels (because why not?). The staff are all ex-bartenders who’ve seen it all and will tell you stories that could fill a library. Contact us if you want to host a pub quiz here—they’ll even let you bring your own sheep.
5. The Hairy Sheaf – A Pub for the Posers Who Don’t Know the Meaning of “Sheaf”
In Kendal, The Hairy Sheaf is a pub that’s equal parts hipster hangout and traditional British pub. The name refers to a sheaf of grain (you’re welcome for the lesson). The beer here is so artisanal, it comes with a QR code that tells you the story of a single barley stalk. The staff are all literature majors who’ll debate you about the best pub quiz questions over a pint. Pro tip: Order the “Sheaf Ale” and ask for the “Hairy Sheaf Special”—it’s a dessert that’s so good, it’ll make you question your life choices.
FAQs: Your Yorkshire Dales Pub Crawl Questions Answered
- What’s the best time to visit? Avoid weekends unless you want to compete with tourists who think hiking is a pub crawl prerequisite. Midweek is ideal for a more “relaxed” (read: less crowded) experience.
- Are there vegetarian options? Yes, but only if you ask nicely. Most pubs have a “farm-to-table” option that’s 90% salad and 10% “I don’t want to think about meat anymore.”
- Can I bring my dog? Only if your dog is trained to fetch pints and has a valid license. Most pubs have a “no dogs, no regrets” policy.
Conclusion: Plan Your Pub Crawl Like a Pro
So there you have it—five pubs in the Yorkshire Dales that are more than just places to drink. They’re experiences, stories, and occasionally, places where the Wi-Fi is mysteriously faster than your home. Whether you’re here for the beer, the stories, or to avoid the local sheep’s judgmental stares, these pubs will make your trip unforgettable. Need help with your pub business? We’ve got strategies for that. And if you’re looking to sell your beer online, Dropt.beer is the place to start. Now go forth and drink responsibly—or don’t, it’s the Dales after all.
