The Green Dragon Inn, located in the tiny hamlet of Hardraw near Hawes, is best known to television viewers as the interior of the Drovers Arms in Channel 5’s hit adaptation of James Herriot’s beloved stories.
While the exterior shots of the Drovers Arms are filmed at the Devonshire Inn in Grassington, producers chose the Green Dragon for its historic interior, allowing viewers to step into the heart of Darrowby without leaving Wensleydale.
The Green Dragon Inn, located in the tiny hamlet of Hardraw near Hawes (Image: TRIPADVISOR)
With its flagstone floors, low oak beams, open fires and centuries-old stone walls, the pub has become almost as much a character in the series as the villagers who gather there.
Fans may recognise the main bar area as the setting for one of the programme’s most memorable moments, when newcomer James Herriot receives his introduction to Yorkshire Dales life in the very first episode.
Visitors regularly comment on the pub’s authentic feel.
One recent guest described it as “an absolute gem of a pub” on TripAdvisor, praising its historic character, generous food portions and welcoming staff.
Another compared it to something straight out of fantasy fiction, writing: “Think Lord of the Rings meets Yorkshire. A truly atmospheric pub that we will always return to.”
Others say the Green Dragon’s appeal lies in its having remained largely unchanged despite its growing fame.
One visitor wrote: “The pub itself is a very old building, it hasn’t been messed with or modernised and as a result is so full of charm and a very pleasant place to spend an evening.”
Located directly behind the inn is Hardraw Force, England’s highest unbroken single-drop waterfall, which plunges around 100ft into a wooded gorge.
The waterfall has also appeared in All Creatures Great and Small, allowing visitors to combine two filming locations in a single trip.
Many guests choose to stop for food or a drink after exploring the falls, with traditional favourites including Sunday lunches, pies and full Yorkshire breakfasts regularly earning praise in online reviews.
One visitor who stopped after visiting Hardraw Force described the food as “absolutely scrumptious”, adding that both staff and locals made them feel welcome.
Another wrote: “Amazing English country pub. A really authentic, quintessentially historic pub and hotel.”
The inn’s location on the Pennine Way also makes it a popular stop for walkers exploring the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Despite attracting television fans from across the country, the Green Dragon remains firmly rooted in village life and continues to serve the farming community of Upper Wensleydale.
