The Duke of Wellington Inn, a cherished 18th-century country pub in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, has been listed for sale at £475,000.
Overlooking Danby’s picturesque village green, this historic inn, established in 1765, has long been a cornerstone of the community. Once a recruiting post during the Napoleonic Wars, the pub retains its rich heritage, with a cast-iron plaque of the first Duke of Wellington still proudly displayed above the fireplace in the main bar.
Today, the inn is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, hosting folk music nights, darts and dominoes matches, and serving as a welcoming retreat for visitors exploring the 1,400 miles of walking trails in the North York Moors.
a rare opportunity in a sought-after location
The Duke of Wellington Inn offers a turnkey business opportunity, featuring:
• Eight well-appointed en-suite letting bedrooms
• Traditional bar seating 25 guests
• Lounge with a fireplace accommodating 35 guests
• Dining/breakfast room with space for 30 diners
• Owner’s private accommodation on the second floor, including a lounge, office, two bedrooms, and a bathroom, with potential for conversion into additional guest rooms or a self-contained apartment
With the North York Moors National Park attracting 8 million visitors annually and contributing £425 million to the local economy, the inn enjoys a prime location near Danby’s railway station—providing connections to Middlesbrough and Whitby—and just a short distance from the North York Moors National Park visitor centre.
The Duke of Wellington Inn offers significant scope for expansion, whether through enhanced accommodation offerings, new dining experiences, or increased marketing to capture the booming rural tourism market.
Robert Smithson, from Colliers’ Hotels team, highlighted the unique opportunity:
“It’s not every day that a place like this comes up for sale. The Duke of Wellington Inn isn’t just a business, it’s a piece of Yorkshire history, loved by locals and visitors. With a loyal customer base, incredible surroundings, and so much potential to grow, it’s a fantastic opportunity for someone to take the reins and make it their own.”
For those looking to invest in a thriving hospitality business in a sought-after location, this historic inn offers charm, character, and substantial growth potential.