Where to eat locally The following is a list of places to eat which we recommend. All of the pubs mentioned are old and have wonderful traditional interiors, all very atmospheric with flagstone floors and open fires. In low season, some don't open on one day a week (often a Monday) so it's worth ringing ahead. The Buck Inn, Buckden (just in front of the house) First on the list is of course the Buck Inn, in the village itself, immediately in front of the house. It is a large pub with plenty of dining space. The menu is not as extensive as it used to be, and is a bit pricey. That said, the pub is under new management, and things are improving across the board, after a few years of decline. There are plenty of tables outside in the sun for eating or drinking at. Tel (01756) 760228 West Winds Tea Rooms, Buckden (just next to the house) Serves high tea and has a light menu. Tel (01756) 760883 The White Lion, Cray (5 minutes by car, 45 minutes on foot) Cray is a tiny farming hamlet just up the dale with a charming pub, which has a good selection of food and a friendly atmosphere. They also have tables outside. Tel (01756) 760262 The George, Hubberholme (5 minutes by car, 30 minutes on foot) Very similar to the White Lion in terms of food and atmosphere, although its inside area is fairly small. There are plenty of outside tables. Hubberholme is also just up the dale from Buckden, and is a small village with an ancient parish church. The pub and the church are either side of the bridge over the river Skirfare which feeds into the river Wharfe just above Buckden. Tel (01756) 760223 WALKING SUGGESTION: Why not try the classic circular walk of Buckden-Cray-Scar House-Hubberholme-Buckden (or in reverse!). It takes about 2.5 hours in all and is fairly easy walking. It's an all time favourite of ours. And have lunch at either Cray or Hubberholme, and a pint at both! The next three entries are good pub options, just down the dale. They can also provide lunch venues for circular walks starting and finishing in Buckden - take a look at an OS map, and you'll see which footpaths to use - there are two footpaths linking each village, either side of the river Wharfe. The Fox & Hounds, Starbotton (15 minutes by car, 1 hour on foot) In the next village down the dale from Buckden. Tel (01756) 760269 The Racehorses Hotel, Kettlewell (25 minutes by car, 2 hours on foot) In the second village down the dale from Buckden. Tel (01756) 760233 The Bluebell Inn, Kettlewell (25 minutes by car, 2 hours on foot) In the second village down the dale from Buckden. Tel (01756) 760230 Grassington (40 minutes by car) Grassington is the small market beyond Kettlewell. Its cobbled market square is beautiful. There are various options there for eating, including the Devonshire Arms in the market square. There are plenty of tourist and curio shops in and around the market square, as well as a full range of shops to get your provisions - small supermarket, butcher, chemist, electrical store, clothes shop, etc. There is also a very good walking and outdoor equipment shop. The Angel at Hetton (50 minutes by car) This is one of the original gastro pubs. The ambience and the food are superb - it's smart and somewhat upmarket. You can look them up in any of the usual national restaurant and pub guides. Booking is essential - tel (01756) 730263. It is located in the village of Hetton, just between Skipton and Grassington. Although it's some drive from Buckden, it's well worth it for that special occasion. Why not have lunch there en route out of the Dales at the end of your holiday? back to top