We visited Kirkham Abbey at the weekend, and decided to eat at the nearby country pub – The Stone Trough Inn. When we entered the pub, we went to the bar area where we received a warm welcome from the lady behind the bar, who showed us to our table. We bagged a great seat with beautiful, picturesque views of the countryside and Kirkham Abbey.
About Kirkham Abbey
If you’ve searched for Kirkham Abbey and ended up here, let me fill you in before we get to the pub — because the abbey is absolutely worth knowing about in its own right.
Kirkham Priory (that’s its proper name — Kirkham Abbey is what everyone actually calls it) is an Augustinian priory that dates back to the 1120s. It sits right in the Derwent valley, tucked between York and Malton, and it’s one of those places that manages to be genuinely atmospheric without trying too hard. The ruins of the cloister, chapter house, and refectory are still standing, and the gatehouse is covered in medieval heraldry — St George and the Dragon, David and Goliath, the coats of arms of the lords of Helmsley Castle. All a bit impressive for what’s essentially a field in North Yorkshire.
There’s also a rather brilliant bit of Second World War history attached to it. The priory ruins were used during the build-up to D-Day — tanks bound for Normandy were waterproofed in a pool between the ruins and the river, and soldiers practised on scrambling nets hung from the priory walls. Winston Churchill and King George VI visited in secret to watch the exercises. So yes, this is more than just a nice backdrop for your Sunday roast.
It’s managed by English Heritage. Members get in free; non-members pay a small admission fee [verify current price at english-heritage.org.uk before publishing]. There’s free parking on site, a picnic area, and good wheelchair access throughout. Dogs are welcome on leads.
After you’ve had a wander, the Stone Trough Inn is about a three-minute walk away. Which brings us to why most people actually come here.
The Stone Trough Inn
The inside of the pub was very traditional, with cosy open fireplaces, stone walls, and a look that evoked a classic British pub. The restaurant was situated on the terrace, featuring glass windows all around, allowing you to enjoy scenic views of the River Derwent and the surrounding Yorkshire countryside. There’s also a beer garden so you can enjoy a drink or food outside in the fresh air – the wooden bench tables give plenty of space for families or a four-legged friend to relax after exploring Kirkham Priory. Although some of these tables are on the country lane, you might be mindful if you plan to take young children who may wander.
The Stone Trough Inn Menu
The menu at the Stone Trough Inn is proper British pub food done well — locally sourced where possible, freshly cooked, and leaning heavily into the kind of thing you actually want after a cold walk. Think steak with hand-cut chips, fish and chips, cheese boards, seasonal specials. It’s not a huge menu, but everything on it feels considered rather than padded out.
Sunday lunch is a big deal here. The roasts draw people from a fair way out, and booking ahead on Sundays is genuinely essential — I’d phone rather than just showing up and hoping. If you’re coming specifically for a Sunday roast, plan accordingly.
There are always vegetarian options on the menu, and the kitchen is good about adapting dishes where they can. Dietary requirements are worth mentioning when you book rather than on the day.
The drinks side of things leans into Yorkshire ales and a solid wine list. Non-drinkers are well catered for too.
Dogs and kids: both are welcome, which is part of why this place works so well as a post-walk stop. The covered sun terrace has views over towards the abbey ruins, and in good weather it’s a lovely spot to eat outside.
Prices: it’s a proper country pub rather than a gastro pub trying too hard, so the prices feel fair for what you get [verify current menu prices at thestonetroughinn.com before publishing].
Our Order
The Stone Trough Inn menu focuses on freshly cooked, locally sourced food alongside a strong range of Yorkshire ales and beers. The main menu covers classic British pub dishes done well — expect things like lamb shank, onglet steak, beer-battered cod and triple-cooked chips as regulars. There are meat, vegetarian and gluten-free options throughout, and a separate kids’ menu. On Sundays, a traditional roast with Yorkshire pudding is available. The menu changes seasonally, so check the website for the current version before visiting. There are also specials boards for starters and lighter dishes — on our visit, my mother-in-law had a focaccia sandwich from the specials which she enjoyed.
The order didn’t take long to come; it was about average time, I’d guess. My steak was excellent, and the chips were outstanding. It’s not often chips impress me, but I want to go back mostly for the chips. It was good British pub food, and we would love to visit again. The prices were reasonable, too. It cost about £100 for our meals plus a couple of drinks.
The staff were all really friendly. They were enthusiastic and pleasant to chat to; they were all helpful and seemed happy to be there, which is a plus.
My only gripe was that there were no signs to the toilets, so I went on an expedition towards the end of the pub before someone saw me looking lost and directed me to the toilets.
Visitor Information
There’s a car park that offers free parking. The pub is also dog-friendly.
Address: The Stone Trough Inn,Kirkham Abbey,
Whitwell on the Hill,
York,
YO60 7JS
Phone: 01653 618 713
Email: eat@thestonetroughinn.com
Website: thestonetroughinn.com
What to Do Near Kirkham Abbey
The Stone Trough Inn and Kirkham Priory sit in the Derwent Valley, which puts you in good driving distance of quite a few other North Yorkshire highlights.
The most obvious next step is the Kirkham Priory walk, which takes you along the river and around the priory ruins properly. If you’ve come for a day out rather than just a pub lunch, this is the natural pairing.
From here you’re also not far from Helmsley — about 25 minutes by car — which has its own castle, walled garden, and loads of good places to eat The Howardian Hills are right on your doorstep too if you’re up for more walking.
For a longer North Yorkshire day out, it has everything I’d recommend in the area in one place.
Nearby Attractions
- Kirkham Abbey
- Castle Howard
- Malton Museum
- Free things to do in York
Frequently Asked Questions: The Stone Trough Inn
What is the Stone Trough Inn menu like?
The Stone Trough Inn menu is classic British pub food made with locally sourced ingredients. Expect mains like lamb shank, steaks, beer-battered fish and chips, and seasonal specials. There is a kids’ menu, vegetarian options, and gluten-free choices. Sunday lunches with roast beef and Yorkshire pudding are also served. The menu changes seasonally — check thestonetroughinn.com for the current version.
Do I need to book the Stone Trough Inn?
It’s worth booking ahead, especially for Sunday lunch and weekend evenings. The pub gets busy, particularly in summer when visitors to Kirkham Abbey also stop by. You can book via the website or by calling 01653 618 713.
Is the Stone Trough Inn dog friendly?
Yes — the pub and beer garden are dog friendly. There is outside seating on the terrace and benches in the garden area where dogs are welcome.
Where is the Stone Trough Inn?
The Stone Trough Inn is at Kirkham Abbey, Whitwell on the Hill, York YO60 7JS — just up the road from Kirkham Priory. There is a free car park on site.
Is the Stone Trough Inn good value?
We thought so. Our meal for four adults and a child (including drinks) came to around £100, which felt fair for the quality. The steak and the chips were particularly good. The setting alone — with views over the countryside and Kirkham Abbey — adds to the experience.
What are the views like at the Stone Trough Inn?
The terrace restaurant has glass windows all around and looks out over the River Derwent and the Yorkshire countryside. You can also see Kirkham Abbey from some tables. It’s a lovely setting whatever the season.
The slough trough inn looks to be the perfect eating place/ pub. Really traditional with lovely food. I like the way it’s beautifully arranged not just thrown on the plate!
Looks like this place have a lovely ambiance. Glad you had a good experience.
This place looks great, and I love how neatly the food is presented on the plate! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
Wow those views are absolutely stunning and the menu choices are great, this place ticks every one of my boxes!
Rosie
I love places like this! You can’t beat a country pub. The food looks great too. Sounds like a fab place to tie in with the abbey.