the Harrogate, York and Leeds Collection

Beautiful Country Pubs
Harrogate,
York & Leeds
Vintage Inns of Harrogate, York & Leeds Collection
The area roughly bounded by ancient York, historic Harrogate and the vibrant city
of Leeds is affluent and desirable – known as the Golden Triangle. Throw in the
natural beauty of the area, and it becomes even more attractive.
This magnificent area is big on reputation and promise and provides miles of
stunning countryside (including National Parks and award-winning gardens),
charming market towns (like Knaresborough), fabulous shopping and exciting
journeys back in time.
Our Collection features eight old favourites offering an idyllic slice of Yorkshire life
and pub fayre as it should be – tasty, well cooked, satisfying and value for money.
Get the drinks in and you’ll be celebrating the good life too.
Among our pubs is The Roundhay Fox, a traditional Yorkshire stone hostelry on the
outskirts of Leeds and on the edge of Roundhay Park, one of the largest city parks
in Europe.
The Kestrel near Harrogate is an attractive inn with ample gardens in the tranquil
landscape surrounding Plumpton Rocks. Over in Hampsthwaite to the west of
Harrogate, and easily mistaken for one of the local stone farmhouses, you’ll find The
Nelson Inn.
And at The Three Cups at Stamford Bridge, near York, you’ll find the scene of an
ancient battle and an area steeped in history.
It’s easy to fall in love with the Golden Triangle’s unique and beguiling combination
of historic and modern, from the cosmopolitan chic of spa town Harrogate, the
pulsating city of York layered with 2,000 years of history and the rich cultural
heritage of Leeds.
We promise you a ‘vintage’ experience along the way!
Contents
Three Cups – Stamford Bridge
The Dormouse – York
Fox & Roman – Dringhouses
Fox & Grapes – Leeds
Roundhay Fox – Leeds
The New Inn – Scarcroft
Nelson Inn – Hampsthwaite
The Kestrel – Plompton
Information
Waterside walks
Heritage sites
National Trust sites
Visitor attractions
Museums
Countryside walks
Vintage Inn Collection
Harrogate, York and Leeds
A61
A19
A1(M)
Nelson Inn
A64
Harrogate
A59
A59
The Dormouse
The Kestrel
A1036
A61
York
Fox and Roman A64
A58
The New Inn
A660
A64
A6120
Fox and Grapes
Roundhay Fox
M62
Three Cups
A1237
Leeds
M62
A1
M1
A166
Three Cups
York Road, Stamford Bridge, York, YO41 1AX
Tel. 01759 377381
This roadside inn is located in an area steeped in history and the village of
Stamford Bridge, to the east of York, sits astride an ancient ford crossing
point on the magnificent River Derwent.
Dating back to 1854, the inn sits on a site said to have been a camp for
soldiers waiting to take part in The Battle of Stamford Bridge in 1066,
which was the last ever Viking battle on English soil. But no last suppers
here – rather consistently good pub food, fine wines, real ales and a much
more conducive atmosphere. Inside, there’s also an ancient draw well some
23 feet deep, which was first discovered during building work in the 1960s
and is still visible today through a porthole in the floor of the pub.
Surrounded by lovely woods and open fields, The Three Cups is a gateway to
some wonderful walking. Outside the pub is a footpath running alongside
the Derwent that leads to a disused railway track called The Gallops, while
the acclaimed Minster Way passes The Three Cups. Some 50 miles long, it’s
a captivating walk of contrasts – from the impressive minsters of York and
Beverley, through the farmland and woodland of the Vale of York and
River Derwent, to the rolling hills of the Wolds.
As its name suggests, there has been a river crossing in the village since at
least Roman times when a military fort was established in 70AD, but the
current structure was completed in 1727 and is a Grade II listed monument.
Of course, it links to the glorious walled city of York – of which King
George VI famously said “York’s history is the history of England” – that
also started life as a Roman fort town called Eboracum in 71AD.
For details on more attractions around Stamford Bridge, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thethreecupsstamfordbridge
Your cup runneth over...
• The Minster Way goes right
past the pub, through the village,
and leads directly to York some
seven miles away.
• Opposite the pub is
‘The Viaduct’ which originally
carried the York to Beverley railway
line across the Derwent, but now
forms part of another pleasant
public cycle route.
• Walkers and cyclists have
a refreshing drink, or two, or three
here to quench their thirst, while
hikers
and historians tend to linger longer
over a rewarding meal.
1
The Dormouse
Clifton Park Avenue, York, YO30 5PA
Tel. 01904 640682
This charming hostelry is nestled near the conservation area of Clifton, just
to the north west of the ancient Roman and walled city of York and has a
long tradition of welcoming travellers. Accommodation is available.
The Dormouse is built on the site of the old Clifton hospital, originally
known as the North and East Riding Pauper Hospital when it opened in
1847, but these days it looks after visitors and locals rather than patients offering friendly hospitality, plus delicious food and refreshing drinks, to
create the ideal setting in which to relax and unwind.
Just off the A10 Shipton Road and less than two miles from York’s
magnificent centre, it’s a popular and convenient haunt for locals, walkers,
tourists and cyclists all taking advantage of the historical gem that is York.
Over a million people every year take a walk through 1900 years of history
on the city’s celebrated city walls and it also offers world class attractions
like the Jorvik Centre which shows what a 10th century Viking village
looked like.
Other highlights include, the keep of the old castle built in 1245 called
Clifford’s Tower and the Yorkshire Museum in the ruins of a medieval abbey
housing Roman, Anglo- Saxon and Viking artefacts. The Shambles is a
famous medieval street of shops named after the shammel benches where
butchers would display their wares and it’s a captivating walk back through
time that still offers good shopping today. The Micklegate Bar Museum
(York’s 12th century south gate) is also worth a look and shows where the
heads of traitors were displayed on spikes until well into the 1700s.
For details on more attractions around Clifton and York, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thedormouseyork
Full steam ahead...
• A path takes you past the renowned
National Railway Museum, via
Clifton Ing, to within 50 metres of
The Dormouse.
• And there’s a delightful riverside
footpath along the majestic River
Ouse that also brings you back to
the pub.
• Refuel and replenish at
The Dormouse, either before or after
your excursion/exertions!
2
Fox & Roman
58 Tadcaster Road, Dringhouses, York, YO24 1LR
Tel. 01904 708720
Located in Dringhouses, just to the south west of historic York, this
characterful inn is steeped in almost as much history as the celebrated
Roman city of Eboracum itself.
A racing certainty...
Its name reflects the building’s former guise as The Fox Hotel, but also a
Roman grave was found on site in 1833 - there are artefacts still on display
inside today. The Fox Hotel also used to stable racehorses and the inn
regularly welcomes crowds of thirsty and hungry punters, before and after
the races at nearby York Racecourse. Pike Hills Golf Club is also on the
doorstep and players count the pub as its 19th hole.
• Dringhouses is close to the
Knavesmire, a popular piece of
open recreational land on which
York Racecourse is situated, while
it’s only 30 minutes walk to the city
centre too.
Dringhouses village is well known as the site of a Roman settlement, adjacent
to a major Roman road running from York to Tadcaster. A tomb was
discovered in 1833, while in 2003 a major excavation unearthed the remains
of a large Roman building with associated burial pits.
• Once there, rest your legs
as the YorkBoat Guided River Trip
enables you to see all the marvellous
sights in comfort, whatever the
weather.
Many more Roman remains and artefacts can be found in Eboracum (York),
because it was a major force in Roman Britain and they laid the foundations
for the famous city walls spanning over two miles. But the Vikings also
captured it in 866, renamed it Jorvik, and made it capital of the North
of England.
Continue exploring through the ages at the medieval Treasurer’s House,
where four centuries of history including a model ship made from bones
are on display. York Dungeon is worth a visit too, while York Minster is the
most impressive gothic cathedral in the country, so check out the views from
the top. It’s also impressive from the river and regular pleasure boat cruises
down the Ouse even go as far as the Archbishop of York’s residence
at Bishopthorpe, not far from Dringhouses.
• With so much to see and do in York,
there’ll be no time to stop, so be sure
to take lunch at The Fox & Roman
before you head off, or drop by for a
relaxing evening meal afterwards.
For details on more attractions around Dringhouses and York, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefoxandromanyork
3
Fox & Grapes
York Road, Leeds, LS15 4NJ
Tel. 0113 393 5009
Eight miles to the east of the vibrant city of Leeds, this cosy inn continues
the Daleside tradition of hearty pub fayre, quaffable cask real ales and
roaring log fires.
Dating back to the mid 18th century, it has long been established as a
favourite resting place for travellers journeying to and from York. As the
name suggests, it was a regular refreshing post for local hunters and also
the drop off point after the chase. So, no need to hunt around for a decent
country pub here – The Fox & Grapes is indeed a fine catch.
Get into the swing
of things...
• Access the bridle path from the pub
car park to nearby Potterton Hall
and Saw Wood.
The walking and rambling opportunities in this area are particularly good
with the 62 mile Leeds Country Way accessible just yards from the pub’s
door. It is no more than 7 miles from Leeds’ city square, but is mainly rural
with extensive views and follows public footpaths and minor lanes.
• Alternatively, turn right on the A64,
walk for just 200 yards, and access
the circular footpath of the Leeds
Country Way for a walk in the
pretty Barwick in Elmet area.
Another nearby footpath leads to Bramham Park 4 miles away, which is a
splendid Queen Anne mansion set in 66 acres of formal grounds and 100
acres of pleasure grounds. The gardens are unique in the UK for their ‘grand
vista’ design and similar to
the spectacular gardens of Versailles, near Paris.
• Don’t go round in circles looking for
a decent pit stop, The Fox & Grapes
is a home-from-home that will take
care of morning coffee, lunch, a
drinks break or a filling meal.
Temple Newsam Estate is one of the great historic parks in England with a
regal Tudor-Jacobean mansion. It’s also renowned for its Rhododendron and
Azalea walk, while Europe’s largest working Rare Breeds Farm, with over 400
animals, is set within the grounds. For the more energetic, there are also 10
golf courses within a five mile radius of The Fox & Grapes.
For details on more attractions around Leeds, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thefoxandgrapesleeds
4
Roundhay Fox
Princes Avenue, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 2EP
Tel. 01132 693352
This traditional Yorkshire stone hostelry is located in the prosperous and
largely affluent suburb of Roundhay on the north eastern outskirts of Leeds.
It’s also right on the edge of Roundhay Park, which is one of the largest city
parks in Europe.
Round our way...
The inn was previously two Italian restaurants, a tea shop and a wine bar
known as The Stables, but today The Roundhay Fox looks after fine wines,
warming beverages, cask real ales and hearty pub food all under one roof –
with roaring log fires on offer too.
• A footpath through Roundhay
Park leads past the castle to
Shadwell and gives access to the
circular Leeds Country Way.
Opposite the pub is Tropical World, an impressive set of glasshouses with
the largest collection of tropical plants in the UK outside of Kew Gardens
in London, but also including a butterfly house, nocturnal house and
aquariums. It has attractions representing different climates from all over
the world.
• Carry on another three miles
and you reach panoramic Eccup
Reservoir, while one of Yorkshire’s
finest country estates, Harewood
House, is just a little further.
Roundhay Park is over 700 acres of featured walks, lakes, woodland and
gardens. Highlights include the Alhambra & Monet Gardens and their
spectacular water features, the Mansion House, Waterloo Lake which was
constructed by local troops returning from the Napoleonic Wars, Soldiers’
Field where troops gathered during the First World War and The Arena
amphitheatre that hosts international concerts by the likes of U2, Robbie
Williams and The Rolling Stones.
• Once you’ve done the rounds, get
another one in at The Roundhay
Fox – and even stick around a
while for lunch or a scrumptious
evening meal.
Golden Acre Park in Bramhope and the medieval ruins of Kirkstall Abbey
are two further attractions nearby, while the hallowed turf of Headingley
Cricket Ground is but four miles away, and there are a dozen golf courses
within a five mile radius of The Roundhay Fox.
For details on more attractions around Roundhay and Leeds, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/theroundhayfoxleeds
5
The New Inn
Wetherby Road, Scarcroft, Leeds, LS14 3AT
Tel. 0113 289 2748
This rather grand looking hostelry is located in the popular village of
Scarcroft, six miles north west of Leeds city centre, and its expansive gardens
attract visitors from miles around for alfresco dining and social soirees.
If you go down to
the woods today...
Dating back to 1852, it was originally known as The New Inn, but the
present building is a 1930s roadhouse which was built adjacent to the older
New Inn. Until very recently it had its own brew house, which served the
pub, but the range of cask real ales on offer (plus fine wines too) is still one
of the best in the area.
• A circular path runs through
Scarcroft Plantation, with two access
points off the main road, while a
third access comes across private
woodland on the southern boundary.
Scarcroft Watermill built in 1810 is a village landmark, but it’s probably
best known for the regionally important geological site known as Hetchell
Crags (200 metres long and up to 10 metres high) that attracts walkers and
rock climbers alike with its imposing beauty. The approach to the crags is
by footpaths through Hetchell Wood from the car park, or along the old
railway line from either Scarcroft Hill or Bardsey.
• Turn left out of the pub car park,
walk for just 50 yards, and you
access the Leeds Country Way (a
scenic circular footpath of some 60
miles around the borough).
The village is also on the edge of Scarcroft Plantation, a pretty wooded area
that’s very popular with locals stretching their legs or walking the dog, and it
has a golf course to its western side – literally opposite The New Inn.
Other attractions only slightly further afield include Harewood House,
which is one of Yorkshire’s most popular estates and recently won a Large
Visitor Attraction prize in the Excellence in England Awards. And Roundhay
Park nearer the city centre is the second largest city park in Europe and
offers a multitude of gardens in a variety of diverse themes.
For details on more attractions around Scarcroft, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thenewinnscarcroft
• No unwelcome surprises at The New
Inn, just consistently good pub food
and real ales, plus the warmest of
welcomes and roaring log fires
to match.
6
Nelson Inn
Skipton Road, Hampsthwaite, Harrogate, HG3 2BU
Tel. 01423 500340
Within easy reach of several landmark towns, The Nelson Inn is located in
the once medieval but now small, commuter village of Hampsthwaite on the
south bank of the River Nidd to the west
of historic Harrogate.
Dating back to 1853 and easily mistaken for one of the local stone
farmhouses, it’s an idyllic spot in which to wine, dine, drink, chat, relax
and walk in some spectacular countryside. Being set next to the babbling
Saltergate Beck, in an area criss-crossed by inviting footpaths.
The acclaimed Nidderdale Way is universally popular and offers beautiful
and contrasting countryside – from the dramatic uplands around Scar
House Reservoir at the head of Nidderdale to the more gentle rolling
pastures and river valleys along the course of the Nidd.
Meanwhile, Ripley Castle & Gardens just to the north allows you to walk,
room by room, through 690 years of heroic and bloody history – savouring
the atmosphere whilst admiring the furnishings and works of art.
Knaresborough is one of the prettiest and most photographed towns
in North Yorkshire and it too has a well preserved medieval castle and
an ancient market, whilst Harrogate has monuments to its spa heritage
everywhere - you can bathe in the original Turkish Baths just like the famous
author Agatha Christie did. But you can also watch the world go by in
Montpellier Quarter, relax on ‘The Stray’, which is 200 acres of green lawns
surrounding the town, soak up some culture at the Mercer Art Gallery, or
stroll through the attractively landscaped Valley Gardens.
For details on more attractions around Hampsthwaite, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thenelsoninnhampsthwaite
Do the walk of life...
• Heading north from the inn, walkers
can gain access to the
53 mile circular Nidderdale
Way in a designated Area of
Outstanding Beauty.
• Some quite challenging climbs along
the route are rewarded by dramatic
glimpses of Nidderdale, especially the
vistas from Middlesmoor Church.
• Retire to the comforts of The Nelson
Inn to swap tales (and ales) of your
findings and achievements.
7
The Kestrel
Wetherby Road, Plompton, Knaresborough, HG5 8LY
Tel. 01423 797979
This attractive inn with rooms and ample gardens sits in the tranquil
landscape surrounding Plumpton Rocks, one of the most important historic
and environmental sites in the north of England, and handy for the A661
Wetherby Road.
Don’t walk on by...
The hamlet of Plompton with its quaint agricultural workers cottages lies
just south of historic Harrogate and, formerly Oak View Farm, The Kestrel
was only the second inn in the area to open back in the late 1800s. It
maintains this pastoral charm today and offers hearty pub fare, fine wines
and quaffable real ales.
• A footpath nearby the inn
leads to Rudding Dower Park and
finally onto Spofforth Moor and
Spofforth Hags, home to
a ruined medieval castle.
Plompton Rocks is a Grade II listed English Heritage Site and the 30 acre
park and pleasure gardens offers endless tranquil lakeside walks, dramatic
millstone grit rock formations and mature native woodland. The boathouse
and gatehouse are both listed buildings, while a public footpath also runs
through it, passing through Birkham Wood.
• Alternatively, a path heading east and
following the Crimple Beck leads to
the famous ‘horse’ village of Follifoot
and back to Plompton Rocks.
Crimple Valley nearby (which lends its name to the ICI fabric crimplene)
is spanned by a Victorian railway viaduct which is a listed monument and a
local beauty spot, while Knaresborough (just over two miles from Plompton)
is probably the most picturesque town in North Yorkshire and its castle still
stands, towering over the River Nidd. Other highlights include the oldest
chemist shop in England and a house built into the rocks.
• Suitably invigorated,
The Kestrel is always a safe bet for
your refreshment
and sustenance requirements.
And, of course, Harrogate’s cosmopolitan charm and character owes much
to its heritage as a Victorian spa town, but apart from interesting museums
and artefacts it also offers a lively mixture of great shopping, café culture and
plenty of green open spaces.
For details on more attractions around Harrogate, plus other ideas for days out in the area,
visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thekestrelharrogate
8