The building was completed between 1553 and 1558 (dates vary), and has been used as an inn for four centuries, sitting adjacent to a road across the moors between Castleton and Hutton-le-Hole.

[5][6] The pub lies on the watershed between several valleys (Eskdale, Farndale, Rosedale, Westerdale), and was located at the site of what is believed to be an ancient hostelry.

[1] In the 1970s and 1980s, the pub hosted various musical acts such as Chris Rea, Slade, Sandie Shaw, Gene Pitney, Neil Sedaka, Helen Shapiro and Sting.

[8] The jazz trio Back Door, formed and played a residency at the pub in the 1970s, with the landlord at the time (Brian Jones), even financing one of their albums.

[17][18] The rock band, Mostly Autumn have also used the Lion Inn as a residency, inserting a small proviso in a 2001 recording contract that allowed them to play live there.