Blakey Ridge and Lion Inn
A historic 16th-century pub on the remote North York Moors, offering hearty food, cozy rooms, and stunning landscapes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Blakey Ridge and Lion Inn
Best Time
Crisp air, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic 16th-century pub on the remote North York Moors, offering hearty food, cozy rooms, and stunning landscapes.
"Quirky pub in fantastic surroundings with amazing food and huge portions!"
Book Accommodation Early
Rooms at the Lion Inn fill up fast, especially for weekend stays. Book well in advance!
Dog-Friendly Pub
The Lion Inn welcomes dogs, making it a great stop after a moorland walk.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lion Inn
Blakey Ridge
A historic 16th-century pub offering hearty meals, cozy fireplaces, and rooms with free breakfast.
North York Moors National Park
Surrounding Blakey Ridge
Vast, beautiful moorland perfect for walking, with stunning views and ancient landscapes.
Lyke Wake Walk
Starts near Osmotherley, passes Blakey Ridge
An iconic long-distance trail offering a challenging and rewarding moorland trek.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Moorland Setting
Plan Your Journey
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Accommodation Early
Rooms at the Lion Inn fill up fast, especially for weekend stays. Book well in advance!
Dog-Friendly Pub
The Lion Inn welcomes dogs, making it a great stop after a moorland walk.
Generous Portions
Be prepared for hearty meals! Portions at the Lion Inn are substantial. Consider sharing or opting for smaller sizes if available.
Embrace the Outdoors
Wear sturdy footwear and dress for all weather. The moorland can be exposed and unpredictable.
Villages worth visiting in North Yorkshire?
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Accommodation Early
Rooms at the Lion Inn fill up fast, especially for weekend stays. Book well in advance!
Dog-Friendly Pub
The Lion Inn welcomes dogs, making it a great stop after a moorland walk.
Generous Portions
Be prepared for hearty meals! Portions at the Lion Inn are substantial. Consider sharing or opting for smaller sizes if available.
Embrace the Outdoors
Wear sturdy footwear and dress for all weather. The moorland can be exposed and unpredictable.
Check Opening Times
While the pub is generally busy, it's wise to confirm opening hours, especially for dining, during off-peak seasons.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Lion Inn's fantastic location on the North York Moors, its delicious and generously portioned home-cooked food, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The historic pub's cozy ambiance, complete with fireplaces, makes it a standout destination for both locals and travelers. While some rooms can be warm or noisy due to the building's age, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many vowing to return.
"Quirky pub in fantastic surroundings.
Visited early last year and stayed over, room was clean but very warm. Quite noisy as we were next to creaky old staircase but didn't stop us sleeping. Bathroom was huge, great shower!
Went again last week and the food is still amazing, highly recommend the duck. Portions are huge too.
Staff are friendly and efficient.
Will definitely return over and over!"
Leanne Pickering
"Lovely atmosphere, great welcome and service and food exceptional. Sunday roasts are amazing and all meals great portions and so tasty. Lovely homely appeal and open fires so welcoming.
Today was our 4th visit and not once have we been disappointed!
Very highly recommended."
Kath
"Visited today with family for a birthday treat, despite the weather not being brilliant. The welcome was wonderful, the ambiance was very special. Each area in the restaurant had individual charm and plenty of space between tables.
The staff were wonderful, service excellent and the quality of the food very good.
I had one of the chef specials, the "meat feast paramo " , oh my goodness, even through photo does not do justice to the aroma, flavour combinations and size! It came with chip, side salad and a pot of Mayonnaise....I had not had a starter, and thankfully our lovely waitress provided a container for me to bring 1/2 of my meal home.
Others on our group had the duck with orange sauce, and the guys had 1/2 pound burgers, everything was fresh, hot and superbly presented.
Only down side was none of had room for a dessert."
Joanna Spice
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Blakey Ridge is best accessed by car, located off the A171. The roads can be narrow and winding, typical of the North York Moors. Parking is available at the Lion Inn. Public transport options are very limited.
Yes, Blakey Ridge can be a rewarding day trip from York if you have a car. It's about an hour's drive, offering a scenic escape into the moors.
The nearest significant towns are Whitby and Pickering, both roughly 30-40 minutes drive away. These towns offer more amenities and accommodation options.
Cycling is possible, but be prepared for challenging terrain and potentially strong winds on the moorland roads. The Lion Inn is a popular stop for cyclists.
Absolutely! The drive through the North York Moors National Park offers breathtaking views of rolling hills, heather, and dramatic landscapes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
It's highly recommended to book a table, especially for evening meals or Sunday roasts, as the Lion Inn is very popular and can get busy.
The Lion Inn typically serves food throughout the day and is open late. However, it's always best to check their official website or call ahead for the most current hours.
Blakey Ridge itself, being part of the North York Moors National Park, does not have an entrance fee. You only pay for food, drinks, or accommodation at the Lion Inn.
Yes, the Lion Inn offers relaxed rooms with free breakfast. Booking in advance is essential as accommodation is limited.
The Lion Inn sometimes hosts events or live music. It's worth checking their social media or website for any upcoming happenings.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The area is ideal for moorland walks. Popular routes include sections of the Lyke Wake Walk or circular walks starting and ending at the Lion Inn, offering stunning views.
Yes, families can enjoy the open spaces for picnics and short walks. The Lion Inn is also welcoming and offers hearty food. Be mindful of the remote location and moorland terrain.
The Lion Inn has a cozy, traditional pub atmosphere with open fires, pine furnishings, and a welcoming ambiance. It's a historic building with a lot of character.
The Lion Inn is a perfect resting point for hikers, offering food, drinks, and accommodation. Many hikers use it as a start or end point for their treks.
The weather on Blakey Ridge can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Expect wind, rain, and sunshine, often within the same day. Layering clothing is key.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Lion Inn serves home-cooked, traditional pub fare with generous portions. Popular dishes include steak pie, duck with orange sauce, and burgers. They also offer a separate gluten-free menu.
Yes, reviews consistently mention that the portions are huge and very filling. Some meals are substantial enough to share or take home.
While specific vegan options aren't always highlighted, the pub is known for its flexibility and offers a separate gluten-free menu. It's best to inquire directly about vegetarian and vegan choices.
The Sunday roasts are highly recommended and described as amazing, with great portions and delicious taste.
The Lion Inn offers a good range of beers and other beverages to complement their hearty meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the vast, open moorland landscapes, dramatic skies, and the historic Lion Inn itself. Sunrise and sunset can offer spectacular light.
Yes, Blakey Ridge is a prime spot for landscape photography, offering panoramic views of the North York Moors. The changing weather can add dramatic effect to your shots.
Yes, the interior of the Lion Inn, with its fireplaces and traditional decor, makes for charming photos, especially during cozy evenings.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) often provides the most flattering light for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows.
The Lion Inn itself is a landmark. For wider views, look for ancient roads, standing stones, and the rolling contours of the moorland.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the remote location means fewer structured child-friendly attractions, the sheer expanse of the moors provides a natural playground. Parents should ensure children are appropriately dressed for the weather and supervised closely, especially near any steeper terrain or water sources. The generous food portions at the Lion Inn are often a hit with hungry youngsters.
🚶 Hikers and Walkers
Hikers should always be prepared for the challenging and exposed terrain of the North York Moors. Weather can change quickly, so waterproofs and sturdy boots are non-negotiable. The Lion Inn is perfectly positioned to break up long walks, offering hearty meals and a warm welcome.
🚗 Road Trippers
It's an ideal spot for a lunch stop or even an overnight stay if you want to experience the tranquility of the moors. Remember that roads can be narrow, so drive cautiously and enjoy the journey. The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge is a well-known landmark that's easy to find once you're in the area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Lion Inn
Visitors consistently praise the food quality and generous portions served at the Lion Inn. Dishes like the duck with orange sauce and steak pie have received rave reviews, with some meals being so substantial that guests opt to take leftovers home. The pub also caters to dietary needs with a separate gluten-free menu, showcasing its commitment to all guests.
Beyond the food and lodging, the Lion Inn Blakey Ridge is a social hub for locals and visitors alike. It's a popular stop for walkers and cyclists traversing the moors, including those undertaking the famous Lyke Wake Walk. The welcoming staff and dog-friendly policy further enhance its appeal as a quintessential rural inn.
Exploring the North York Moors
Beyond the Lyke Wake Walk, numerous circular routes and shorter trails crisscross the moors, catering to all fitness levels. These paths lead through diverse scenery, from open moorland to sheltered dales, often revealing historical remnants like ancient roads, standing stones, and old farmsteads. The remote and wild nature of the moors provides a sense of escape and tranquility, with breathtaking views often stretching for miles.
When visiting the North York Moors, it's crucial to be prepared for the variable weather conditions. The moorland can be exposed, and conditions can change rapidly. Sturdy footwear, waterproofs, and layers of clothing are essential. The Lion Inn at Blakey Ridge serves as an ideal base or resting point for those exploring this magnificent national park, offering sustenance and shelter.
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