The Kings Arms Hotel, Reeth

07/09/2026

The hills around Swaledale have always been our sanctuary, but very soon, they are going to become our proving ground for a cause that means absolutely everything to our family.

​Me, a few of the brilliant team from the pub, and myself are incredibly proud to be joining June to take on the formidable Reeth 3 Peaks. We know the trails around Fremington Edge and Calver Hill well, but this time, the miles carry a much heavier weight. It is going to be a tough trek up and down those familiar climbs, but every single step we take, and every bit of breath we spend, will be to raise vital funds for Cancer Research.

​This is not just another charity walk for us; it is a deeply personal mission. This disease has cast a long, painful shadow over our lives recently. We are walking in loving memory of Lisa’s mam and dad, who we have so heartbreakingly lost. We carry their memory with us every single day, and they will absolutely be in our hearts and minds when our legs inevitably start to ache on that final ascent.

​We are also walking in celebration of resilience and survival. I know firsthand the grueling, terrifying reality of facing this illness, having fought and beaten cancer twice myself. I know the darkness of the diagnosis, but I also know the incredible, life-saving power of the research, the treatments, and the sheer hope that charities like this provide to families in their darkest hours.

​The pub has always been about community—about pulling together, sharing the load, and supporting one another through thick and thin. Now, we are asking our wonderful community to help us make a real difference. Whether you can spare a few pounds or a larger contribution, your donation to Cancer Research will go directly toward fighting this disease, finding cures, and giving more families the precious gift of time.

​We will be swapping our usual shifts and pulling pints for hiking boots, and we would be so entirely grateful for your backing. Keep an eye out for our updates as we get out training on the trails, and please follow the link below to donate to the cause.

​Let’s get out there and do this—for Lisa’s parents, for all the survivors, and for every single person who is still fighting.

https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/a-walk-in-tpark

06/09/2026

06/09/2026

There is a quiet, undeniable magic in the air right now, a subtle shift in the wind that whispers of fading summers and golden transitions. The canopy above is finally turning, painting the rolling landscapes in deep, rich strokes of amber, crimson, and burnt orange. You can feel it the moment you step outside, can’t you? That distinct, earthy scent of autumn settling into the damp soil, carrying the promise of cozy evenings. It is the absolute pinnacle of dog walking season—a flawless, fleeting window where the sun still offers a gentle kiss of warmth, yet the crisp, revitalizing breeze keeps you perfectly comfortable. It is neither too hot to exhaust your four-legged companion, nor too cold to rush you back indoors. Just endless, wandering trails of crunching leaves underfoot, misty valleys, and happy paws dancing ahead on the frost-touched grass.

​After hours spent exploring the breathtaking scenery and breathing in the wild autumnal air, there is only one way to truly honor the day. The Kings Arms at Reeth waits like a welcoming beacon at the end of the trail. Imagine stepping out of the fading light and into the warm, spirited embrace of a traditional pub, where the rich, savory aroma of a hearty Sunday roast promises to restore your weary soul. Picture towering, golden Yorkshire puddings, thick, comforting gravy, and an atmosphere overflowing with the quiet hum of a weekend well-spent.

​As the shadows lengthen outside, the hearth glows brighter, and the evening gently shifts gears. Let the rhythmic strumming of guitars and soulful local vocals wash over you, turning a simple autumn Sunday into a lingering memory. Whether you are resting tired boots or simply looking for the best seat in the house to watch the world go by, the atmosphere here is unmatched.

​Food is served every day from 12:00 until 8:45, ready to warm you up whenever you wander off the moors.

Live music brings the pub to life every Sunday from 7:30, providing the ultimate soundtrack to your weekend's end.

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05/09/2026

The sun is shining over Swaledale for today's Reeth Arts Festival! ☀️🎨

​The festival is running until 6:00 PM, so get yourself down and make the most of this fantastic weather. If you need a well-earned break from the festivities, drop into The King's Arms. Grab a refreshing pint of Theakston's, enjoy some proper local Yorkshire food, and soak up the atmosphere. Coco will be around to welcome you, too! 🐾🍻

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04/09/2026

I am absolutely thrilled to announce that I’ll be setting up at the Reeth Arts Festival this Saturday!

​As some of you local folks and regulars may know, my roots are deeply planted in the world of art, sculpting, and prop making. While I haven’t been at the workbench quite as much over this past year—since taking on The King's Arms and pouring my heart into bringing the pub back to life—the tools have been calling my name. Now that the dust has settled a bit on the renovations, I am finally back to making the things I truly love.

​For the past 16 years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work as a full-time artist, set dresser, and scenic painter, crafting worlds for film, television, and global events. It has been a wild, rewarding ride, but there is something truly special about creating personal pieces right here in Swaledale. I am currently channeling all of that theatrical background into new work inspired by classic luxury interior design.

​If you've seen the dark, moody, color-drenched aesthetics and antique mahogany in the hotel, you'll know exactly the vibe I'm drawn to. I've been busy in the workshop casting intricate resin frames, experimenting with rich heritage palettes, applying delicate gold leaf accents, and even sculpting a few Swaledale sheep reliefs to capture the spirit of our beautiful valley. Every piece carries a touch of that dramatic, Victorian-influenced elegance that I am so passionate about.

​Balancing life as a publican and an artist has been one of my favorite challenges yet, and I cannot wait to share this latest chapter of craftsmanship with you all. Come down to the festival this Saturday to see what I’ve been working on, say hello, and maybe we can catch up over a pint of Theakston's back at the pub afterward.

​See you this weekend,

​Billy Cessford

03/09/2026

Make your Sunday complete at The King’s Arms Hotel in Reeth! 🍂

​Introducing our weekly Sunday Session, a chilled acoustic evening perfect for winding down the weekend.

​Here’s what’s in store for you every Sunday:

​Sunday Roast: Served from 12:00 PM – 8:45 PM. A traditional, hearty roast to warm your soul.

​Live Acoustic Music: Starting from 7:30 PM. Check out our fantastic autumn artist line-up below!

​Gather your friends and family for a cozy autumn evening. Book your table now!

​Our Autumn Artist Line-up:

​September 2026

​Sept 6: Kyle Cullen New

​Sept 13: Weyborn Chester

​Sept 20: Simon Anderson

​Sept 27: Bradz

​October 2026

​Oct 4: Mike Pipe (Mountain Man)

​Oct 11: Van Ray

​Oct 18: The Rolling Drystones

​Oct 25: Ian Anderson (odd Shoes)

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03/09/2026

We are proud to share that we just had our visit from the Food Hygiene Inspector, and as always, we have been awarded the top 5-star rating! Maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and food safety is always our priority. A huge thank you to our hardworking team for their dedication every single day, and thank you to our wonderful guests for your continued support. We look forward to welcoming you in soon!

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01/09/2026

What a summer it’s been! ☀️ A massive thank you to everyone who joined us for pints in the sun and great food over the past few months.

​As September rolls in, we’re trading the sunshine for crisp air, roaring log fires, and proper hearty comfort food. 🍂🔥

​Our brand-new autumn menu is coming soon, and we want to know: what’s your ultimate heart-warming Yorkshire dish? Drop your favourites in the comments below! 👇✨

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30/08/2026

Kickstart your Bank Holiday Monday the right way with breakfast at The King’s Arms Hotel, Reeth! 🥓🍳

​We’re serving up fresh, hearty morning favourites from 7:00 AM until 12:00 PM.

​Pop in, grab a table, and enjoy a delicious start to your day in Swaledale. See you there! ☕✨

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29/08/2026

Kicking off the Bank Holiday weekend in style! 👑✨

​Get ready for the big day with our Reeth Show Eve Sunday Session at The King’s Arms Hotel in Reeth. Before heading into Show Monday, join us for a full day of great food, drinks, and incredible live music.

​🍳 Breakfast: 7:00 am – 12:00 pm

(The perfect start to your Sunday)

​🍴 Food Served: 12:00 pm – 7:45 pm

(Serving right through the afternoon and evening)

​🎤 Live Music with Lee Dali: From 6:00 pm

(Settle in with a drink and enjoy the brilliant Lee Dali live in the pub)

​Whether you're gearing up for the show or just looking for a fantastic Sunday session, we’ve got your table waiting. 🍻

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27/08/2026

There is nothing quite like watching the daylight fade over the dale and waiting for the night sky to do its thing.

​I usually catch the stars from lower ground, but heading up Fremington Edge just as the sun dipped behind the hills was something else entirely. Paired with Sam—our resident walking encyclopaedia who knows every fold, track, and tale of this landscape—the climb was worth every step.

​Once the twilight cleared, Swaledale put on an absolute masterclass. Pure, ink-black skies and a canopy of stars so bright and clear you could almost reach out and touch them. A proper reminder of just how special this corner of the world really is.

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26/08/2026

Timing couldn’t have been better on the Grinton loop this evening. Just as the sun dipped and cast that soft dusky pink across the sky, the moon broke straight through the clouds right over the drystone walls and old stone cottages. Absolutely magic out on the dales.

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26/08/2026

Serious food, zero pretension. ✨

​We’re redefining village dining in Swaledale with a menu driven by hyper-local produce, AA Rosette craft, and bold seasonal flavours—all served in the warm, moody glow of our 1734 coaching inn.

​No stiff white tablecloths or performative etiquette here. Just proper Yorkshire hospitality, fireside pints of cask ale, and dishes that let the quality of the Dales speak for itself.

​Whether you’ve just stepped off the fells or you’re settling in for an evening around the table, the fire’s lit.

​📍 The King’s Arms Hotel, Reeth

🍷 Tables & bookings: link in bio

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