The Half Moon Free House
📍 1 Abbey Rd, Knaresborough HG5 8HY, UK
About The Half Moon Free House
The Half Moon Free House is a highly-rated pub situated in a stunning riverside location in picturesque Knaresborough, Yorkshire. Boasting an impressive Google rating of 4.7/5 stars from hundreds of reviews, it's known for its inviting atmosphere and reputation as a "foodie" pub, without making patrons feel pressured to dine. It serves as a perfect stop for those enjoying a scenic walk from the town centre or along the beautiful river.
Visitors can expect a fantastic selection of drinks, including four real ales on tap, a large wine selection, and hot beverages. The food menu, highly praised by guests, features delicious options like their popular cheese board. The pub also boasts a beautiful, dog-friendly beer garden, making it an ideal spot for visitors and their canine companions to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Good service and a welcoming environment are consistent themes in customer feedback.
Visiting Information
The Half Moon Free House is open Tuesday to Sunday, welcoming guests from 5:00 PM on weekdays (4:00 PM on Friday) and from 12:00 PM on weekends. It closes at 11:00 PM most evenings, with a slightly earlier closing time of 10:30 PM on Sundays. While the venue features wheelchair-accessible seating, visitors should note there is no wheelchair-accessible parking, entrance, or restroom. For convenience, a variety of payment options are accepted, including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC payments.
Location
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📍 1 Abbey Rd, Knaresborough HG5 8HY, UK
from 618 reviews
Google Reviews
Reviews from Google Maps.
Showing 5 of 618 reviews from Google Maps.Last updated 6 February 2026.
Visited this January, freezing cold outside but a welcoming real fire, perfect barman, so sociable, knowledgeable and poured a great pint. The wife and I had a great few hours on a cold, wet afternoon. Will definitely revisit in the summer to experience the riverside garden. Thanks.
Great pub. Superb atmosphere, suitable for all ages, cheese boards never disappoint and beer impeccable.
When I was here, I got the impression that this is most definitely a "foodie" pub. Yet, although I only came for a pint or two, I wasn't made to feel pressured into food, nor shamed for taking up a table. (the food looked great by the way). Speaking of the pint, they had four Real Ales on, one of which was Goose Eye Over & Stout, which was truly excellent. The staff were so friendly and the atmosphere so relaxed, I could have stayed there all night. Strongly recommended. If you are in Knaresborough, put The Half Moon on your "must do" list.
Sat in a beautiful little beer garden with a fantastic cheese board! Lovely selection of drinks, good service and atmosphere! Dog friendly too.
Well worth the walk from town to this pub set in a stunning location by the river and only a 12 minute river walk to the 🚂 station although there are 80-odd steps to climb along the way. 4 cask ales available along with a large wine selection plus hot beverages.