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These are some of the many attractions in and around the Parish. Click the names for information.
River Hull at Wilfholme Landing
Top Hill Low Nature Reserve
Beverley Racecourse
The Park, Kilnwick Birds of Prey Centre, Carnaby Sewerby Hall
Burton Agnes Hall
Skipsea Castle
The Deep, Hull
Humber Bridge Country Park
Burnby Hall, Pocklington
Sledmere House
Skidby Windmill
Treasure House, Beverley
Beverley Minster
St Mary's Church, Beverley
Streetlife Museum, Hull
Wilberforce House, Hull
Maritime Museum, Hull
Arctic Corsair, Hull
Spurn Lightship, Hull
Further details of these and many more attractions can be found at www.yorkshire.com
If you're interested in local landscape history click here
River Hull at Wilfholme Landing (National Grid Reference: TA062472)
Do you love solitude? Do you like the back-end-of-beyond? Are you a fisherman? Or are you a bird-watcher? If any of these are your sort of thing, Beswick Parish has the perfect spot at Wilfholme Landing on the River Hull.
To get there, turn eastwards off the A164 Beverley-Driffield road at Kilnwick Lodges and follow the sign to Wilfholme. This is a single-track road. Follow it for about three miles. You'll pass a couple of farms and three of four houses and might be very unlucky to come across another vehicle. The road ends at Three Jolly Tars farm (formerly a public house serving the barges that used to head upstream to Driffield, as well as the parishioners of Leven who used the rope ferry to cross the river). There is a small car park. From here, mount the river bank using the bridleway running northwards – the river here is tidal even though about 40 miles from the open sea, and it will, most times, be higher that the ground on which you have parked.
What you do now depends on your interests. You can gaze across the river towards the emptiness of Leven Carr – land that is below mean sea-level – and Holderness; sweep round to assess the synchrony of Routh wind farm turbines; sweep further round to take in the gradual rise towards the scarp of the Yorkshire Wolds; and marvel at just how far you are from the Madding Crowd. There will be wildlife: in summer, the insectivores will give an acrobatic display and waders will be floating back and forth; in winter, there are migrants from Scandinavia; and you may be lucky to see a water-vole or an otter and even catch a glimpse of a grey seal. Return to top
Top Hill Low Nature Reserve, Watton Carrs, Hutton Cranswick, Driffield, YO25 9RH
Tophill Low Nature Reserve is a haven for thousands of birds, butterflies, dragonflies, amphibians and even the occasional grass snake. There are 12 hides at the reserve all with unique vantage points over ponds, marshes and reservoirs. The two reservoirs have been declared as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and are nationally important for birds. There is an information centre on site where you can learn more about the wildlife in this area. Return to top
Racing at Beverley has taken place since 1690 on the beautiful rolling expanse of common land known locally as the Westwood, just a short walk from the market town of Beverley.
Beverley Racecourse combines a stunning location, great grass-roots racing, friendly staff, smart facilities, delicious food and a warm Yorkshire welcome to cement its reputation as one of the most charming and friendly courses in the North of England. The season starts in April and lasts until late September, with a whole range of themed meetings to suit all racegoers, from family days featuring petting zoos and Frozen singalongs, through to glamorous evening meetings. Entry starts from just £5 with under 18s going free. Return to top
The Park, Kilnwick
A fantastic local facility accessed from the footpath on Church Lane with 6.5 acres of land with areas set aside for a variety of activities for the whole community. Please see the Community Groups page for more information or access the website at www.theparkkilnwick.org.
Birds of Prey Centre Carnaby, Covert Lane, Bridlington YO15 3QF
A family run award winning business located near Bridlington, East Yorkshire. At the animal park we offer a fun filled family day out you will always remember. In our wonderful woodland setting we offer the chance for adults and children of all ages, to experience being close to nature and have lots of fun with our wonderful animals and birds of prey. Return to top
Sewerby Hall Church Lane, Sewerby, Bridlington YO15 1EA Phone: 01262 673769
The award winning attraction of Sewerby Hall and Gardens is the place to visit in 2016. Uniquely situated in a dramatic clifftop position with spectacular views over Bridlington and set in 50 acres of early 19th Century parkland, Sewerby Hall and Gardens offers something for everyone from the magnificent award winning gardens to the deep rooted heritage of the house. Take a trip back to the 1900s to see how Sewerby Hall would have looked. The house has been transformed using furniture from the Victoria and Albert Museum and other nationally important collections. The exciting exhibition programme includes a display about the lavish country house parties of the Edwardian period and features some of the costumes from an award winning period drama. Don't miss the new short film about the life of Amy Johnson in her popular exhibition. The zoo is the place to keep the children amused. Housing a fascinating collection of animals and birds, highlights are our four Ring-Tailed Lemurs (fed at 2pm daily) and the must-see Humboldt Penguins (fed at 3pm daily). Why not pre-book your very own animal encounter with the penguins? Sewerby Hall and Gardens has a varied events programme from craft fairs to car rallies, Wacky Walks to Magic Days which all adds up to make a great day out.
Our children's adventure playground has an exciting nautical theme which will appeal to children of all ages. If the children are feeling more energetic then why not purchase an orienteering pack with everything you need to map your way around the estate. For sport-lovers there is a nine-hole pitch and putt golf course, 18-hole putting green, a FootGolf course as well as Crown Green Bowling. What were once the gatehouses and lodge to the estate near the entrance of Sewerby Hall and Gardens have been converted into three luxury holiday cottages. Available throughout the year, they can be booked by visiting the Sewerby Hall and Gardens website. Return to top
Burton Agnes Hall English Heritage, Burton Agnes Manor House, Burton Agnes, YO25 4NB Phone: 0370 333 1181
Burton Agnes Hall...a much-loved family home that welcomes visitors with open arms. Burton Agnes Hall is unique: it is a truly magnificent stately house that is also a warm and wonderful home. Burton Agnes Hall is a glorious example of Elizabethan architecture; built between 1598 and 1610 by Sir Henry Griffith, it has stayed in his family for more than four centuries. The family's passion for collecting and commissioning art has created an impressive and unusual collection including many French Impressionist paintings, tapestries, contemporary furniture and striking modern pieces. This impressive stately home is now in the care of Simon Cunliffe-Lister, his wife Olivia and their three young children Islay, Joss and Otis, who welcome visitors with relish.
Burton Agnes Hall at once provides the setting for a busy, varied calendar of events including a celebrated Jazz and Blues Festival, and the rigours of family life. Simon Jenkins, author of 'England's Thousand Best Houses', described Burton Agnes Hall as 'the perfect English house' and as one of England's twenty finest houses alongside Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace and Chatsworth House. The many thousands of visitors who enjoy the Hall every year appear to agree with these sentiments.
Outside there is much to explore. The old Elizabethan walled garden is an award-winning wonderland (winner of the 2005 HHA Christies Garden of the Year award) containing over four thousand different plants, a potager filled with herbs, fruit and vegetables, herbaceous borders, giant board games, a maze, a jungle garden and a national collection of campanulas. To the north of the house is a serene woodland with wildlife sculptures to find whilst walking; in February the ground is carpeted with a breathtaking display of snowdrops and at Easter this is the site of a vigorous Easter Egg Hunt.
Whilst strolling in the gardens, visitors may also discover an artist seeking inspiration for a new creation. Throughout the year, diverse artists sit in residence at Burton Agnes. Visitors are invited to view their artwork in the Summer House and inside the Hall. Many treats await visitors in the courtyard. In the cafe, visitors can enjoy homemade meals using fresh produce from the gardens and indulgent treats. The Hall's 'Home and Garden' Shop and Gift Shop are brimming with fun and original gifts and dried flowers from the walled garden as well as seasonal and Yorkshire-made produce including fresh fruit and vegetables from the garden. Visitors will also find a broad range of home grown plants, all propagated from the gardens; indeed it is possible to recreate something of the award winning gardens at Burton Agnes Hall at home! The Courtyard Artist Gallery offers an array of exciting exhibitions by local artists and is open throughout the year for visitors to view and purchase art.
Burton Agnes Hall also hosts a full and wide-ranging calendar of events throughout the year. This includes a Snowdrop Spectacular, Orchid Festival, Classic Car Rally, Easter Egg Hunt, Gardeners' Fair, Jazz and Blues Festival, Summer Family Fete, Michaelmas Fair and a Christmas Opening where visitors will find an array of beautiful handcrafted decorations, both traditional and contemporary, around every corner. Return to top
Skipsea Castle English Heritage, Skipsea Castle, Skipsea, East Riding of Yorkshire YO15 3N Phone: 0370 333 1181
An impressive Norman motte and bailey castle, dating from before 1086 and among the first raised in Yorkshire, with the earthworks of an attended fortified 'borough'. Return to top
The Deep, Tower Street, Hull, HU1 4DP Phone: 01482 381000
The Deep is just a 5 minute walk from Hull Marina and is close to the City Centre and the Museums Quarter, offering a fun-filled family day out. Journey through the story of the world's oceans travelling through a unique blend of spectacular marine life from warm tropical waters to the cold Antarctic seas. Enjoy the fun and educational interactive and audio-visual presentations on your voyage of discovery.
Highlights include daily dive shows and animal presentations where you can see our divers hand feed the animals. Join in with our fantastic touch pool sessions at Discovery Corner at the Lagoon of Light and learn about some of the smaller native species to the UK shores. Visit The Deep's newest residents, a colony of Gentoo penguins in chilly The Kingdom of Ice and learn more about the threats to their habitat, issues surrounding climate change and ocean acidification as well as animal biology and food chains. Finally walk through the amazing glass tunnel and take in the stunning marine life swimming all around you, before taking a ride in the glass lift through the 10m Endless Oceans exhibit.
The Deep is an environmental and conservation charity dedicated to increasing the knowledge and understanding of the world's oceans. Return to top
Humber Bridge Country Park, Ferriby Rd, Hessle, HU13 0LN Phone: 01482 395207 Return to top
Burnby Hall, The Balk, Pocklington, YO42 2QF Phone: 01759 307125
Burnby Hall Gardens and Museum are situated in the charming town of Pocklington on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds. Originally the estate of Major Percy Stewart, adventurer and collector, the gardens were developed by him and left in trust on his death in 1962. The Gardens comprise Upper and Lower lakes set in nine acres of woodland and garden, and contain a National Collection of over a hundred varieties of Hardy water lily. Carp and Roach are in both lakes in large numbers and can be hand fed by visitors. There are walkways around both lakes, an ornamental bridge, a Victorian Garden, an Aviary, a Rockery and a Stumpery, the latter being the most recent addition to this popular visitor attraction. The constantly changing vistas offered provide a haven of tranquillity at all times of the year, particularly in the summer months when the water lilies are in full bloom. The Gardens are five times winners of the Yorkshire in Bloom Gold Award for Country Houses, Estates, Parks and Gardens (2010 to 2014).
The Stewart Museum houses a fascinating collection of artefacts collected by Major Stewart on eight world tours that undertaken between 1906 and 1926, many of which have been deemed by UNESCO as being of national and international importance. Five items from the museum were chosen for the 2012 Yorkshire "Precious Cargo" project. Events are held throughout the spring and summer, and include our annual Tulip Festival in May, Children's Events on Wednesdays during the Spring and Summer Holiday period, regular Sunday brass band concerts, and outdoor theatre events.
A café, gift shop and playground are situated on the site. All facilities are wheelchair and pushchair friendly. Please see our website for full details of opening times and prices. Return to top
Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield, YO25 3XG Phone: 01377 236637
There is something about the charm of Sledmere which has captivated visitors for over 200 years. Carefully designed by Sir Christopher Sykes, 2nd Baronet, and nurtured by successive generations, this very special place brings new devotees every year. Jealously guarded, but hard not to share, the atmosphere is informal, the landscape breathtaking and the welcome warm and friendly. Gardeners, antique and architecture lovers, walkers, bird watchers, military enthusiasts, photographers, painters and music buffs all seem instantly at home.
Our Terrace Cafe has a justifiable reputation for a delicious range of home cooked foods and our staff take great pride in maintaining the Sledmere tradition of fine hospitality. Local produce is used wherever possible and we are sure there will always be something to tempt you. No visit to Sledmere would be complete without a browse around our well stocked gift shop.
Sledmere has a history as a House filled with music. The famous pipe organ is played on Wednesday and Sunday 13:30 to 15:30. You are welcome to stay and listen for as long as you wish. The delightful park walk takes you around the perimeter of the park, where you can see the red deer bred on the estate. Sledmere is also an ideal base for exploring the Wolds. Entertaining and informative; our guided tours can be booked in advance (groups of 15 plus). Sledmere House provides a wonderful venue for weddings, conferences and many other special occasions. We take pride in offering a custom made package to meet your own special requirements. The House and Grounds are not normally open to visitors on Saturdays allowing weddings and other parties to enjoy private and exclusive use. Return to top
Skidby Windmill, Beverley Rd, Skidby, Cottingham HU16 5TF Phone: 01482 848405
Skidby Windmill is a Grade II* listed working windmill at Skidby near Beverley, in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England. Originally built in 1821, the mill was further extended to its current 5 stories in 1870. Return to top
Burton Constable Hall, Burton Constable, Sproatley, Hull, HU11 4LN Phone: 01964 562400 :
http://www.burtonconstable.com As East Yorkshire's best kept secret this truly hidden gem nestled in over 300 acres of Historic Grade II* listed parkland offers visitors unrivalled access to more than 30 rooms of faded splendour that are filled with fine furniture, paintings and sculpture. Discover the extraordinary 18th Century 'Cabinet of Curiosities' and uncover the fascinating characters from the Constable family whose home it has been for over 700 years.
There is so much for visitors to enjoy and discover. Explore the historic grounds designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown with their woodland and parkland walks; follow the sculpture and wildlife trails or relax and find your favourite spot to picnic in this glorious setting. Say hello to the Jacob Sheep and play giant outdoor games in front of the Orangery. For the more energetic, why not take advantage of our free to use Parkland Experience Pack (complete with bug collector, magnifying glass, binoculars and orienteering map) and look for the numerous birds, animals and creepy-crawly 'mini-beasts' that inhabit the park.
The Stable Block is now restored thanks to the support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and is fully open with new visitor facilities, interactive displays, exhibitions and events that tell the story of stable life in past times. Visit the stable lad's bedchamber, blacksmith's shop, tack rooms and the restored workings of the 18th Century stable clock.
Visitors will also discover the Burton Constable Whale a 60 foot skeleton of a Sperm whale that was stranded on the coast nearby in 1825 and is featured in the famous novel Moby Dick, now restored and lurking in the Great Barn! Take a welcome break in the Stables Tearoom for morning coffee and cake or refuel the family at lunchtime with our delicious selection of homemade food. For that ideal souvenir of your visit, take a look around our small but perfectly formed gift shop. Our four-legged friends are not forgotten at Burton Constable either, they are welcome on lead in the grounds and within our dedicated Doggy Dining Room. Whatever you decide, every day is a great day out at Burton Constable for all the family. Return to top
Treasure House and Beverley Art Gallery, Champney Road, Beverley, HU17 8HE
The East Riding Treasure House is a heritage centre providing museum, library and archive facilities under one roof, plus access to the adjoining Edwardian exhibition spaces of the Beverley Art Gallery. The Treasure House tower provides splendid views over the rooftops of Beverley. Return to top
One of Britain's finest examples of medieval gothic architecture, Beverley Minster features 68, 16th-century misericords, Saxon sanctuary chair, Percy tomb canopy and a large collection of medieval musician carvings in stone and wood. Beverley Minster is the Parish Church of St. John and St. Martin. John, bishop of York, founded a monastery on the site where Beverley Minster stands. John died in 721 and his body was buried in a chapel of the Saxon church. He was canonised in 1037. The present church was built around his tomb. Building work began in 1220 and was completed in 1425.
Throughout the Middle Ages miracles which took place at his tomb attracted pilgrims from far and wide. Today the church is still a place of pilgrimage for visitors. It also continues to be a place of prayer and worship at the heart of the community. Return to top
St Mary's Church, Beverley
The church is situated at the junction of Hengate and North Bar Within and is one of the two churches you will see as you traverse the Westwood when travelling from York as did the pilgrims in days of yore. The building of St Mary's began in 1120 and has been added to and beautified throughout the millennia since. It suffered a collapse of the tower in 1520 but the townsfolk rebuilt it by 1524 and it has been in its present state since then. Much restoration work was carried out during the Victorian era, but enhanced its beauty rather than causing it to be altered in many ways as happened with many ancient buildings in that time. Pugin was responsible for much of the last restoration as was Gilbert-Scott after Pugin died.
We have family services, both in the church and in the Parish Hall, a lively and vital part of our community as are the Church Lads and Church Girls Brigade who worship regularly in the church and help to raise funds for the church on open days. They are an invaluable link to the youth of the town which is where the future of St Mary's lies. Part of our team hold regular bible classes with the Brigade. We also have St Mary's School which is a Church School very important in our community, they hold their services in St Mary's at beginning, end and at various other parts of the terms, our team regularly visit the school and hold services in the school which the children enjoy as part of their Christian education. Various parts of the services are explained to them and the very enthusiastic staff join with the children in enjoying their commitment to educating the children and enhancing their worship.
A choral tradition is continued at our services thanks to our excellent choir of children, women and men under the direction of Alan Binnington and Berry Lewis who guide us through choral works great and small. See our service sheets for what is happening, when! Our choral tradition goes back many years and has enhanced worship in St Mary's and enabled us to visit less fortunate Parishes to assist them with their worship. Back to the mundane, you will be able to arrange visits to St Mary's in Beverley at any time there isn't a service going on, we will assist you in any way we can and only ask for a donation to suit your budget. Telephone numbers and e mail addresses are available throughout this site. Return to top
Streetlife Museum High Street Hull, HU1 1PS Phone: 01482 613902
Step back in time with 200 years of transport history and experience the sights, sounds and smells of the past. Walk down a 1940s high street, board a goods train and enjoy a carriage ride. It's just the ticket for a family day out! Return to top
Ferens Art Gallery, Queen Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3RA Phone: 01482 300 300 Website: www.hcandl.co.uk
Admission to the Ferens Art Gallery, including the Children's Gallery, is free. It has a magnificent collection of paintings and sculptures and you can enjoy refreshments in the popular café, Venue Hull. It's a great place for children to show their creativity, with our family resource packs which keep everyone entertained.
With a regular programme of events, guided tours and changing exhibitions, there's always something new to explore.
The gallery's permanent collection of paintings and sculpture spans artistic periods from medieval times to the present day. The collection includes European Old Masters, portraiture, marine paintings, and modern and contemporary British art. Highlights include masterpieces by Frans Hals, Antonio Canaletto, Stanley Spencer, David Hockney, Helen Chadwick and Gillian Wearing. Return to top
Wilberforce House, 23-25 High Street, Hull, HU11NQ Phone: 01482 613902
Wilberforce House is the birthplace of William Wilberforce, Hull MP and slavery abolishionist whose campaign made the establishment of Freetown (Sierra Leone) possible. Slavery exhibits, period rooms and furniture, Hull silver, costume, Wilberforce and abolition. Small specialist exhibitions, 'living history' events held annually, plus a Victorian Christmas event. Return to top
Maritime Museum Queen Victoria Square, Hull, HU1 3DX Phone: 01482 613902
Explore Hull's old Dock Offices and discover superb ship models and maritime art, the whaler's craft of Scrimshaw, Hull's famous Wilson shipping line and find out what made Hull the city it is today. Formerly the Town Docks offices, the impressive building of the Hull Maritime Museum now houses a fine collection of paintings, artifacts and models. Whaling, fishing and trawling exhibits. Local history - the evolution of trawling and Hull's docklands. Various temporary exhibitions including Wildlife Photographer of the Year. Return to top
Arctic Corsair, River Hull, Museum Quarter, Hull Phone: 01482 613902
Motor Trawler Arctic Corsair, moored in Hull, is the last remaining deep-sea side-fishing trawler of Hull's once proud distant-water fishing fleet. Experienced guides tell you of the perilous work of the fishermen who sailed on her in the inhospitable waters of the Icelandic fishing grounds. Relive the back breaking and dangerous work that took place thousands of miles from home just to put fresh fish on the nation's tables. Return to top
Spurn Lightship, Hull Marina, Castle Street, Hull, HU1 1TJ Phone: 01482 613902
Built in 1927, the 'Spurn' served for almost 50 years as a navigational aid in the treacherous River Humber. Now enjoying a leisurely mooring in Hull's attractive Marina, she and her knowledgeable 'crew' are prepared to receive and welcome boarders who wish to explore. See how the crew lived and worked and learn more about her valuable role and the work of the Humber Conservancy Board. Return to top
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