Three hundred years old, and family owned by the Ibbotsons since 1999.

We pride ourselves on offering friendly and efficient service; showcasing the best of local produce in our menu, as well as stocking an extensive range of wines and cask ales.

An award winning traditional pub complete with flag stone floors, exposed beams, oak panelling and roaring fires in winter.  We offer Private Dining upstairs in the main pub as well as our Ox Barn that seats up to 80 for larger events. And on Friday and Saturday nights we open The Dog House for drinks and bar snacks.

For those wishing for over-night accommodation we offer the perfect 'escape to the country'.  There are five beautiful bedrooms in converted stone farm buildings that provide a peaceful and charming place to stay and the converted Studio Suite located above the pub. AND most recently our brand new Pool Villa with spa pool for either two or four guests.  We also have Ivy Cottage, a 3 bedroom self-catering cottage within walking distance in the village.

The pub is in the centre of the village of Crayke, a charming, picturesque hill-top village to the north of York, two miles north-east of the market town of Easingwold, in North Yorkshire. With a castle, a church and of course us, the village pub.  A beautiful historic village to be enjoyed throughout the seasons.  The award-winning pub is the quintessential English inn, offering somewhere to eat, sleep and drink.  We are in the beautiful Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Beauty, recognised by The Times as one of the most desirable places to live - and obviously we couldn't agree more.
There are extensive panoramic views, East, West and South. Crayke stands 379 ft (115.5 metres) above sea level.

We are dog friendly, with dogs being accepted in our Tap Room and some of the bedrooms. Please note that dog-friendly tables are limited so please advise us when booking if you are bringing your canine friend).


Informal or formal, low key or a special celebration; whether it's drinks, an overnight stay or dinner, we would love to welcome you to The Durham Ox.

  • WITH THE RESTRICTIONS PLACED ON ALL OF US - AND ESPECIALLY BUSINESSES - BY COVID-19 WE WEREN'T SURE WHAT THE OX WOULD BE LIKE, BUT THINGS WERE MANAGED PERFECTLY. THE SOCIAL DISTANCING ARRANGEMENTS WERE WELL DONE, THE ATMOSPHERE IN THE ROOM WHERE WE ATE DINNER (THE PANELLED FRONT DINING ROOM) WAS AS RELAXED AND COMFORTABLE AS EVER, AND THE STAFF, LED BY PAUL, WERE EXCELLENT.  (LW – JULY 2020)
  • "THE FUNCTION ROOM WAS IDEAL, THE FOOD DELICIOUS AND YOU ALL LOOKED AFTER US AND COPED WITH US VERY WELL!!"
  • "LUNCH HERE WAS FIRST CLASS. THE FOOD, SERVICE AND ATMOSPHERE SMACKED OF PROFESSIONALISM. WE'VE ALREADY BOOKED TO RETURN, AND TAKING OUR FRIENDS WITH US. CAN'T WAIT."

our accreditations


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