The Tan Hill Inn
Long Causeway, Richmond DL11 6ED
The Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire is world-famous as Britain’s highest public house, standing at an impressive 1,732 feet (528 metres) above sea level. Situated on a lonely, exposed stretch of Swaledale moorland on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, this completely off-grid 17th-century inn relies on its own large generators and a natural mountain spring for water. It acts as an iconic refuge for hikers tackling the Pennine Way and is a legendary stopover for driving enthusiasts.
🚐 Motorhome & Campervan Stopover Guide
The inn operates a popular, relaxed overnight stopover policy on its rugged grounds, offering an unforgettable "wild" parking experience under expansive dark skies.
Registration & Fees: Overnight campervan and motorhome parking costs £10 per person, which must be paid upon arrival by registering with staff at the bar. A large portion of this fee is traditionally donated to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
No Bookings for Vans: Parking spaces cannot be reserved in advance; it functions entirely on a first-come, first-served basis. However, booking a table inside the pub for dinner is highly recommended, especially on Friday and Saturday nights when the inn regularly hosts popular live music events.
Terrain & Packing: The parking areas and adjacent moorland spaces are notably uneven and sloped. Bringing levelling ramps/blocks is essential to ensure a comfortable night's sleep. Because the pub is powered by an all-night generator, light sleepers may want to pack earplugs.
Facilities & Utility Constraints: This is a rustic, off-grid stopover. There are no electric hook-ups (EHU) and no drive-over grey waste or chemical toilet disposal points on-site. Overnight guests have 24/7 access to basic outside toilets and a shared camper shower room.
Site Regulations: To protect the surrounding dry moorland, open campfires, ground barbecues, and outdoor gas items are strictly prohibited. All personal litter must be bagged and taken home with you.
Crucial Driving Advice: The inn advises larger motorhomes to avoid using Stonesdale Lane from the B6270. The tight, steep bend can cause longer vehicles to get stuck, particularly during cold or wet weather. The safest access routes are generally via the A66.
🍽️ Pub Atmosphere & Dining
Stepping inside the inn reveals a cosy, time-capsule environment designed to withstand the brutal hill weather.
The Inn Experience: The interior features exposed stone walls, traditional beams, and a roaring open log fire that burns almost year-round. It is incredibly animal-friendly—dogs are always welcome inside.
Food & Drink: The kitchen serves hearty, traditional British pub classics, including local artisan meat pies (£18.95), ale-battered fish and chips (£17.95), and steaks. They are well-known for their Sunday Roasts featuring slow-roasted brisket or pork served with "Sunday's tallest" giant Yorkshire puddings. The bar is well-stocked with local ales, craft beers, and the inn's own branded spirits.
Entertainment: The pub features a popular acoustic open-mic night every Thursday, alongside regular weekend concerts and tribute bands in their dedicated events space, The Barn.
📍 Local Information & Surrounding Area
The pub sits at the isolated crossroads of North Yorkshire, Cumbria, and County Durham, entirely surrounded by sweeping moorland views.
Stargazing Hub: Because of its extreme isolation—with the nearest major towns like Hawes, Richmond, and Reeth located several miles away—the pub has zero light pollution. It is an officially recognised Dark Sky Discovery Site, making August and September prime peak months for viewing the Milky Way.
Walking Routes: The famous Pennine Way National Trail crosses directly past the front door of the pub, making it an ideal base camp for rugged moorland walks.
Weather Warning: Due to its unique microclimate at high altitude, the inn can experience extreme weather. It is seasonally susceptible to total road closures during heavy winter snowstorms, which have famously stranded guests inside for days at a time.
