Blue Boar

Blue Boar is an 18th-century pub at 5 Castlegate in York, with a setting shaped by historic character and local legend. The venue is associated with the story of Dick Turpin, the notorious highwayman whose tale has become part of the pub’s identity.

According to the legend connected with the building, Turpin’s body was brought to the pub after his hanging so that it could be displayed to the public. The story also gives Blue Boar a ghostly association, making its history part of the experience alongside its role as a pub.

The venue includes the Turpin rooms downstairs, providing a dedicated space linked to the highwayman’s story. These rooms add a historical focus to the setting and give the pub a point of interest beyond food and drink. The atmosphere is suited to visitors who enjoy traditional pub surroundings with a strong connection to York’s past.

Blue Boar serves food and drinks, making it suitable for a casual meal, a drink, or a stop centred on the building’s character and stories. The pub also promotes events and deals, so the experience can extend beyond a standard visit to the bar or dining area. Its format suits those looking for a historic public house rather than a narrowly specialised restaurant.

The pub’s appeal comes from the combination of an old setting, a recognisable local legend and dedicated rooms connected with that story. The downstairs Turpin rooms provide the clearest link to the venue’s historical theme, while the main pub setting supports a relaxed visit for food, drinks and scheduled events. Blue Boar offers a straightforward choice for visitors interested in historic York, traditional pub surroundings and the folklore attached to one of the city’s best-known highwaymen.