4 August 2026
New owners backed to succeed at Heartbeat’s Aidensfield Arms – with TV barmaid part of the team as deal to buy The Goathland Hotel is agreed
Barry Crux & Company is delighted to have overseen a deal which has seen the iconic Goathland Hotel – known to many as the Aidensfield Arms on the long-running television show Heartbeat – come under new ownership.
A well-established family-run business which has been in same hands for 40 years, the hotel has been immediately reopened by its new owners – who have also confirmed that actress Tricia Penrose, who played barmaid Gina Ward in the ITV show for 18 years, is part of their team.
They now intend to invest to take the business to the next level and take full advantage of the pub’s rich heritage and popularity given its prominent role in the 1960’s period series, which saw Goathland depict the fictional village of Aidensfield and ran from 1992 to 2010, attracting millions of viewers.
The village is a popular destination for both day trippers and international visitors, with the nearby Yorkshire Moors Railway Station, featuring 19th-century steam trains, having also appeared as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone movie.
‘A honeypot location with huge potential’
Andrew Spencer, agency director at Barry Crux & Company, oversaw the leasehold sale from Keith and Jean Richardson, and their daughter Hannah, to two locally based businessmen, and says he expects it to prove a huge success.
“We’re delighted to have completed this deal as the Goathland Hotel is iconic given its history and role in Heartbeat, and we feel it will benefit from new owners and new investment,” he said.
“The previous owners had dedicated 40 years into running the hotel, including the periods when it was taken over by television crews for the series, and are now looking to enjoy a well-deserved retirement.
“The new owners were really keen to get their hands on this business as it is a true honeypot location. They are local to the area and they not only see this as a business opportunity, but a chance to really breathe new life into an important landmark hotel. Having Tricia on board is obviously a huge boost to them too.
“The bar has traded under limited hours for some time to suit the previous owners’ lifestyle, so these hours could be extended to take full advantage of the tourist trade, with potential also to expand the rooms lettings, which had been limited to three day weekends.
“I’m sure we’ll see significant investment into the hotel, whilst of course retaining the look and feel that television viewers will recognise.
“Goathland attracts high visitor numbers, particularly in the summer months, as it is in a beautiful part of the world, and this venue has perhaps not fulfilled its potential in recent years to make the most of the demand and visitor numbers.
“I’m sure it will prove a huge success for the new owners.”
Tricia Penrose initially broke the news of the sale on her social media accounts, saying: “I have some exciting news to announce. I am now the proud owner along with two local businessmen of The Goathland Hotel, well known as The Aidensfield Arms where I played Gina Ward for 18 years. Gina’s going home.”
The deal attracted widespread media attention, and speaking from behind the bar, she told ITV Calendar: “It feels great, it’s absolutely fantastic to be back. I keep having to pinch myself as it’s all a bit surreal to be honest and I can’t believe how many people have come to give us this amazing welcome.”
The Goathland Hotel has a public bar, lounge, family room lounge, an ice cream parlour/shop with seating and nine letting rooms, eight of which are en-suite and. Outside it has a grassed beer garden and a private garden.
