The Three Horseshoes in Wensley ticks all the boxes for the ideal country pub.
What to expect at The Three Horseshoes
Walk around the tiny Yorkshire Dales village of Wensley and you’d be forgiven for feeling like you’ve stepped back in time. It’s a serene place; the charming 12th-century Church of the Holy Trinity – filming location for James and Helen Herriot’s wedding in All Creatures Great and Small – is neighboured by a few homes, holiday cottages and a rather lovely village hall. Birds chirrup, the River Ure gurgles and sights of the stunning landscape roll on for as far as the eye can see. And if that doesn’t already sound perfect… there’s a cracking pub.
Uphill from the church, The Three Horseshoes’ elevated location allows it the best view in the village – a vast panorama of the glorious Dales. The beautifully restored 18th-century building has everything that you’d want in a proper country pub: stone floors, original timber ceiling beams, traditional features and open fire. It has 3 rooms – a cosy front lounge, a central restaurant area, and a room to the rear with one large, family-sized table. Outside, there’s a sizeable beer garden that overlooks that wonderful scenery. Whether you’re after a pint in the sunshine or a hearty post-hike meal, The Three Horseshoes is sure to please. If that’s not enough, it’s right next to a very pretty waterfall, too. Now… that’s just showing off!
What’s to drink at The Three Horseshoes?
The Three Horseshoes has a good range of ales from local suppliers which rotate regularly, as well as premium beers, lagers and ciders. We opted for Trade Winds – a subtle, easy-drinking extra pale ale – and a delicate, almost floral blonde ale, Semer Water, both brewed less than 2 miles away in Wensleydale Brewery (Leyburn). The brewery has an on-site shop and a store online where their range can be purchased in bottles or cans. The Three Horseshoes also boasts a large variety of spirits, soft drinks and a carefully selected wine list.
What’s to eat at The Three Horseshoes, Wensley?
The Three Horseshoes serves homemade, hearty pub food, featuring classics such as steak and ale pie, wholetail scampi, and sausages and mash. The pub prides itself on using only local suppliers to source high-quality ingredients, which it lists on its website. The specials board changes regularly, including a selection of daily soups. On evenings, a pizza menu is also available and, on Sundays, there is of course a choice of traditional Sunday lunch with all the trimmings. The menus can be viewed here.
Booking via telephone is recommended.
Where can I find The Three Horseshoes?
The Three Horseshoes is in the idyllic Dales village of Wensley, just a mile and a half from the market town of Leyburn. We parked in Leyburn and had a lovely walk to The Three Horseshoes, but the pub does have a carpark, too. Wensley is a 20-minute drive from Richmond and around half an hour from Northallerton or Ripon.
Buses to Leyburn run from Northallerton and Richmond. Leyburn also has a small train station on the Wensleydale Railway, an authentic Heritage Railway running from Scruton to Redmire, a beautiful route on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
What’s on at The Three Horseshoes?
The Three Horseshoes hosts occasional darts and dominoes tournaments, and quizzes. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest information, plus details of current offers or menus for special occasions.
The Three Horseshoes, Wensley: Summary
- Traditional country pub
- Local beers and ales
- Homemade, hearty food using local ingredients
- Dog-friendly
- Beer garden
- Carpark
- Open fire
- Beautifully restored 18th-century building
- Occasional events
- Stunning Yorkshire Dales location
Where can I find out more information or make a reservation?
The latest opening times, menus and updates, can be found on The Three Horseshoes' Facebook and Instagram pages and their website. You can make a reservation via telephone.
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