A newly-refurbished country pub has been drawing in visitors not only for its rustic charm but also for a secret hidden in its grounds—a stunning waterfall where Hollywood star Kevin Costner once bathed naked in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
The Green Dragon Inn, a 13th-century pub in the village of Hardraw, is no stranger to the limelight. Recently, it served as the interior setting for The Drovers Arms in Channel 5’s new adaptation of All Creatures Great and Small, giving fans of James Herriot’s world a chance to step right into the scenery.
The impressive Hardraw Force, in the grounds of the Green Dragon Inn
But beyond its cinematic appeal, this picturesque pub has an even more impressive claim to fame. Tucked away behind its historic walls is Hardraw Force, England’s highest single-drop waterfall.
Nestled beneath the crags of Great Shunner Fell, in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, the falls are located just a stone’s throw from the pub’s entrance, offering a unique attraction for both walkers and movie enthusiasts.
Visitors can explore the waterfall via two different routes—one that takes them behind the cascading water for an incredible view, and another that loops around the top, showcasing the beauty of the surrounding Dales landscape. The £4 entry fee might come as a surprise to some, but for a glimpse of such natural grandeur, it’s well worth the price, which the owners put back into the upkeep of the site.
The beautiful landscape around Hardraw Force
After exploring the falls, the Green Dragon’s cosy interior—with its oak beams, flagstone floors, and roaring fires—beckons. It’s easy to see why it was chosen for All Creatures Great and Small. For those interested in trivia, the exterior of The Drovers Arms was actually filmed at The Devonshire in Grassington, while The King’s Arms in Askrigg appeared in the original series.
Inside, the recently renovated pub offers a quintessential Yorkshire experience, complete with a hearty Sunday roast: three thick slices of roast beef, creamy mash, roasted vegetables, and a Yorkshire pudding the size of a child’s head, all served with lashings of gravy and washed down with a pint of Theakston’s bitter.
Diners enjoy the food at the Green Dragon in Hardraw
While the Green Dragon has seen its ups and downs over the years, the current owner—who also runs the famous Tan Hill Inn—appears to have breathed new life into the place. With stunning views, charming interiors, and its very own waterfall, this historic pub is now well worth a visit for any fan of the Dales—or of Kevin Costner’s memorable 1991 dip or James Heriot’s initiation into country life.
The Sunday roast at the Green Dragon Inn
THE GREEN DRAGON INN
WHERE: Bellow Hill, Hardraw, Hawes DL8 3LZ
HOURS: 11am-late daily
FOOD: Mon-Thurs 11.30am-4.30 – 5.30pm-8.30pm; Fri-Sun 11.30am-9pm
ONLINE: https://thegreendragonhardraw.co.uk/
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