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4-star hotel Check-in 15:00 · Check-out 11:00

The Lister Arms

Experience cosy country-chic rooms with fireplaces at The Lister Arms, Malham. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast, parking, and explore nearby Malham Cove in Yorkshire Dales.

Lister arms, Malham, Skipton BD23 4DB, United Kingdom View on map
9.2/10
Exceptional Based on 2735 recent guest reviews
Free Wi-Fi Free breakfast Free parking Pet-friendly Kid-friendly
What recent guests emphasize

Comfortable stay with excellent food and friendly service

Guests appreciate the cosy, country-style atmosphere, convenient location for walking, and attentive staff. The dining experience receives high marks despite a somewhat limited menu. Pet-friendliness and quality breakfast are standout features, while some note the room decor and evening menu options could improve.

Guests often praise

  • Warm and welcoming service, with staff frequently described as courteous and attentive
  • Comfortable, cosy rooms featuring charming exposed beams and fireplaces
  • High-quality, hearty food, especially praised are the breakfast offerings and pub meals like the Yorkshire Burger and venison scotch egg
  • Excellent location for access to nearby natural attractions and scenic walking routes
  • Dog-friendly atmosphere with thoughtful amenities for guests travelling with pets

Worth knowing

  • Evening menu has limited choices, and some guests find prices on the higher side
  • Some rooms show minor wear and could feel a bit dated around the edges
  • No on-site fitness center, pool, or airport shuttle service
  • Charges apply for pets, which some guests found a bit expensive
  • Quiet and peaceful setting ideal for rest but may not suit those seeking lively nightlife

Best for

  • Travelers seeking a cosy, traditional pub experience in the Yorkshire Dales
  • Nature lovers and walkers wanting easy access to popular local geological sites
  • Guests travelling with dogs who need pet-friendly accommodations and facilities
  • Visitors looking for hearty, well-prepared meals in a relaxed yet upscale pub setting
  • Couples or small groups desiring a quiet, comfortable rural retreat
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About this property

Welcome to The Lister Arms

Set in the heart of Malham village within the Yorkshire Dales National Park, The Lister Arms is a cosy, ivy-covered stone building combining elements of a hotel, gastropub, inn, pub, and restaurant. Its country-chic rooms often feature fireplaces, providing a warm and inviting atmosphere, while some guests appreciate the exposed beams and thoughtful room amenities such as tea, coffee, and cookies. The property is known for its quiet setting, making it suitable for visitors seeking a peaceful stay after outdoor activities.

The property offers a range of practical amenities including free Wi-Fi, breakfast, and parking, alongside a pet-friendly and kid-friendly environment. Guests often highlight the welcoming and attentive staff, as well as the traditional dining experience, particularly the pub’s seasonal menu that reflects local flavours. While the evening menu is described by some as somewhat limited and on the higher side in pricing, the food quality and friendly service receive consistent praise.

Positioned across from the village green, this location serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby natural attractions such as Malham Cove, Janet's Foss, and Gordale Scar, all well-regarded for their scenic beauty. The Lister Arms also appeals to walkers and dog owners, offering facilities like a communal lounge, boot wash, and drying rooms to support outdoor adventures. Check-in is from 15:00 with check-out by 11:00.

Those considering this property should expect a relaxed yet characterful stay, with a mix of traditional charm and practical comfort. Reviews reflect a generally positive experience, especially for travellers interested in countryside walks and hearty regional cuisine, though some note areas where the accommodation and dining options might feel more modest or dated compared to higher-end alternatives nearby.

Summary compiled by GoHotelly editors from verified guest reviews, partner descriptions and editorial notes.
Facilities & essentials

What's on-site and what you should know before you arrive

The short version: what's available day-to-day, and the key practical details most travelers search for.

Most popular facilities

Free Wi-Fi
Free breakfast
Free parking
Pet-friendly
Kid-friendly
Restaurant
Bar
Smoke-free

Not available at this property

Pool
Airport shuttle
Fitness center
Verified guest reviews

What recent guests are actually saying

Reviews from travelers who stayed here in the last 12 months, grouped to help you spot the pattern quickly.

AT
Andrew Tomlinson Apr 05, 2026
10

Absolutely loved this place. Great setting and location for walking (foss, scar, cove loop recommended). Great comfortable room well stocked with tea/coffee/cookies. Cosy and classic fireplace bar. Outstanding staff - courteous and attentive. Dinner was amazing. Worth every penny.

FW
Francesca Williams Mar 29, 2026
10

We had an amazing stay at The Lister Arms in Malham! The room was cosy and comfortable with lovely exposed beams, and it was wonderfully quiet. The bed was super comfy and perfect for a great night’s sleep after a big walk. The shower was hot with excellent water pressure (very important to me!) and was absolutely perfect. The food was fantastic—the Yorkshire Burger with chorizo jam is an absolute must-try! We also had the fish and chips, beef short rib, steak pie, treacle tart, and sticky toffee pudding sundae, all of which were five-star. Breakfast was one of the best I’ve ever had, with a really tasty fry-up and a great selection on the continental side too. The staff were so friendly and welcoming, making us feel right at home in true Yorkshire style. Not just dog-friendly, but dog-enthusiastic! It’s also perfectly located—you can make it part of a lovely two-hour loop walk taking in Malham Cove and Janet’s Foss. Can’t wait to stay again!

SD
Sandra Davies Mar 27, 2026
8.0

The location is really very good to get around all the local attractions. My room was just fine and served us and our dog who came along with us. Staff were very good and nothing was too much trouble. My only comment would be about the evening menu we found it very limited in choices available even with a specials board running along side. Some of the prices for some meals were a little too expensive. The drinks on offer were very good. The breakfast was extremely good. Henry our dog loved the sausages.

RR
Ricky Romero Mar 25, 2026
10

I cannot speak to the rooms, as I only ate supper here. The service was top notch, the waiter was very helpful and animated. The food was wonderful too. The entire dining experience was very nice, simultaneously upscale but relaxed and casual. I would recommend it to anyone in the area looking for a good meal and a pleasant experience.

LH
Lily HG Mar 12, 2026
8.0

Overall good experience staying here. Accommodation was good, a bit tatty around some of the edges, but good supplies within the room. Food was good although not a huge menu. Breakfast was great and all very accommodating for dogs! At the top end of the budget for a one night stay especially with £20 extra for a small dog in a cage.

TH
Tom Hughes Feb 21, 2026
10

Excellent evening meal after a long walk at Malham Cove. The atmosphere was a perfect winter British pub vibe—cosy, warm, and welcoming. Danielle, our server, was excellent; she knew the menu inside out and her friendly service really made the evening even better. Would highly recommend.

MB
Mickey Bowler Dec 29, 2025
10

We stayed at The Lister Arms as a couple with our dog and had an absolutely fantastic time. The location is perfect — right in the village and ideal for walking to Malham Cove, Gordale Scar, Janet’s Foss, and the tarn. The pub is genuinely dog‑friendly, with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that matches what other reviewers praise too. Our room in The Barn was lovely: comfortable, clean, and full of character, just as described in reviews. The communal lounge, plus dog and boot wash areas and drying room, made it clear they’ve thought of everything you might need on a walking holiday with a dog. Breakfast was excellent every morning — a great choice and really high quality, matching the inn’s reputation for hearty, well‑cooked food. We also ate in the pub twice, and both meals were delicious with friendly, polite service. A brilliant place to stay if you love walking, good food, and travelling with a dog. Highly recommend!

KW
Katherine Walker Dec 23, 2025
10

Another fantastic visit to The Lister Arms. The food was outstanding (the venison scotch egg was exceptional). The rooms lovely and the staff amazing. Claire was our brilliant waitress, who was attentive without being overbearing. She looked after us really well. We will absolutely be back. Thanks to all.

Location & neighborhood

Where you'll find The Lister Arms

Skipton, United Kingdom

Across from the village green, this cosy, ivy-covered stone pub with rooms is in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and a mile from the curved, limestone cliff of Malham Cove.

  • The Buck Inn 1 min Walk
  • Malham Post Office 1 min Walk
  • Kirkby Malham School 17 min Walk
  • Manchester Airport 1 hr 40 Car · 3 hr 36 Transit
  • Liverpool John Lennon Airport 1 hr 50 Car · 4 hr 12 Transit
  • Leeds Bradford Airport 59 min Car · 2 hr 10 Transit
Things to do nearby

Worth the walk or a quick ride

Curated spots travelers usually pair with a stay in Skipton. Distances are rough real-world times, not straight-line.

Malham Cove 6,452 reviews

Malham Cove

Malham, Skipton BD23 4DJ, United Kingdom

4.9 · Tourist Attraction
Janet's Foss waterfall 3,037 reviews

Janet's Foss waterfall

Malham, Skipton BD23 4DL, United Kingdom

4.8 · Tourist Attraction
Gordale Scar 2,338 reviews

Gordale Scar

Malham, Skipton BD23 4DL, United Kingdom

4.9 · Tourist Attraction
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