Birch Hall Inn (Beck Hole)

Hidden away in the Esk Valley in the North York Moors national park is the beautiful hamlet of Beck Hole, home to the renowned mid 1800s Birch Hall Inn.

Consisting of a tiny little bar room which is relatively unchanged since the 1930s, a little shop and a second small bar in the Victorian extension. Down a narrow passage are the rather vintage outdoor toilets and a large beer garden with views on the the river Esk and the bridge.

This grade II listed pub is a charming slice of history, nostalgic and cosy. Mainly focused on local tourism, especially walkers passing through the area, they have quite limited opening hours so always worth checking if you plan to visit.

Their house beer, humorously called Beckwatter, does strike some resemblance to the peat coloured river but thankfully tastes nothing like it. It was a lovely traditional Mild from Three Brothers Brewing which was a welcome refreshment after a good walk.

It's cash only and no kids in the bar but there's plenty of spots outside to perch. I can imagine it's pretty busy there in summer so it was nice to visit on clement late winter's day. We'll definitely stop off again on future walks.

Make sure you check the opening hours before visiting though as they don't open on Saturdays.