The Postgate Inn & Restaurant

One of the glorious things about holidaying in Rosedale Abbey is the village's central position within the North York Moors; and with five lanes heading off to all corners of the Moors, it is easy to find yourself in a lovely traditional Country Inn within a short drive or cycle ride.

One of my favourite drives or bike rides (and a good walk when I have the time) is the 10-mile journey from Rosedale across Hamer Moor towards Egton bridge.

And at the end of the trip is the wonderful Postgate Country Inn and Restaurant for a drink or a lovely meal.

The Postgate Inn in Egton Bridge is a Traditional North York Moors Country Inn.

The Postgate

The Postgate is another "local institution" on the Moors that reflects the local distinctiveness of the area and with a unique name (more on this later).

Inside is a traditional bar with comfortable seating for drinkers.

There's also a traditional cast-iron range - somewhat obscured by menu-boards these days - but still giving a nice cosy open fire.

The bar room is also jam-packed with local memorabilia - mostly associated with field sports and angling.

The Cosy Bar is Crammed with Hunting and Angling Memorabilia.

So if you're not into your fox hunting, hare coursing and fishing, I'd suggest you stay away from the Postgate!  You might take offence!!

But if you've got an open mind about country pursuits, then you'll love all the pictures of hounds, hunting scenes, and what-not!

Off to the left of the bar room is the restaurant area with tables nicely arraged for dining.

The Postgate does seriously good food and I'd recommend a visit to any guest staying at Rosella Cottage.

It's been classified as a "top 10" country Inn for food by the Times newspaper and the top pub restaurant for North Eastern England by Punch Taverns.

The Postgate also offers three rooms for people wishing to stay the night on a B+B basis.

There's also picnic-style bench tables outside for summer eating and drinking.

History of the Postgate Inn

Built around 1860, the Postgate Inn is named after the famous Father Nicholas Postgate - a Catholic Priest of Egton - who became the last Martyr to die in England during the Elizabethan period.

Father Postgate was persecuted for his Catholocism and hung, drawn, and quartered in York in August 1679.

If you visit the pub, you can also visit a shrine erected to his memory in the near-by St Heddas Church - which is just around the corner.

The North York Moors Around Rosedale & Egton Offer Some Spendid Walks.

Getting to Egton Bridge

From Rosella Cottage in Rosedale, take the Heygate Lane which set's off uphill from the crossroads in the centre of the village.

The narrow single-width road goes directly over Hamer Moor and drops down into Egton Bridge - just under 10-miles away.

You'll arrive at an offset T-junction; go straight on, and cross the stone bridge over the River Esk.

You'll pass St Hedda's Church on the left and then pass under the railway bridge.

The Postgate Inn (postcode = YO21 1UX) sits by the roadside on the left just after the bridge.

This really is a spendid drive, cycle or longer walk in spring and summer when the Moors are at their best - but take care in winter as it can be icey or snowy; and the road downhill into Egton bridge is extremely steep, and with a ford at the bottom in wet weather.

For other visitors to the Moors, access Egton Bridge off the A171 between Guisborough and Whitby.

The Postgate can also be accessed via the Esk Valley Train line running between Middlesbrough and Whitby.  Get off at the Egton Bridge station which is right next door to the Inn.

Telephone 01947 895241 for bookings and information on local winter road conditions.