Tan Hill Inn unveils new room with nods to its history

The Tan Hill Inn stands 1,732 feet above sea level in Swaledale and is known for being a remote spot in the Yorkshire Dales, so high punters are often stranded inside during snowy weather.

Although the current building dates to the early 1600s, it replaced a far earlier hostelry, The King’s Pit, which fed and watered miners, who dug the dales for coal.

So rich were the seams of coal that as far back as the 13th century the King’s Pit mine was turning a profit for the Crown.

And – although researchers are unsure which King gave the pit its name – the Tan Hill Inn has revived it for its private dining room, appropriately named King’s Pit Cave.

Andrew Hields, who bought the pub in 2018, said: “The challenge throughout has been to ensure the fabric and character of the building remain intact, while introducing the sort of comforts people expect, such as Wifi and good showers after they’ve spent a day walking the fells.”

The new room has nods to the inn’s mining past. (Image: TAN HILL)

“We are always very mindful that, not only is the Inn a historically interesting pub, but it also a much-loved one and people travel – often on foot – from far and wide to visit us.

“Now, by creating a private room in which they can meet, dine or celebrate, hopefully we are giving them even more reason to visit.”

The King’s Pit Cave features roughly hewn stone walls, stone-flagged floors and handcrafted wooden furniture.

Filming for Jane Eyre in 1970. (Image: IAN WRIGHT)

It offers space for up to 10 guests and includes a dedicated table service team and an exclusive menu.

Mr Hields has invested around £750,000 in upgrades and improvements since taking over, including refurbishing rooms, improving infrastructure, and updating the barn to attract more weddings.

In November 2021 after 61 guests and staff were stranded inside for three nights during Storm Arwen.

In January 2025, heavy snow again left two dozen guests and six bar staff stranded for five days.

The pub has also appeared on screen, including in the 1970 film Jane Eyre and television series such as Vera, Top Gear, and All Creatures Great and Small.