Beverley Town Guide

Exploring one of England's most attractive small towns, just 8 miles from the cottage.

Beverley is the nearest market town to Yorkshire Wolds Cottage and one of the finest in the country. A magnificent medieval minster, a thriving Saturday market, independent shops, excellent restaurants, and a busy cultural calendar make it worth visiting more than once during a week's stay. The town sits at the southern edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, roughly 15 minutes' drive from the cottage.

Beverley Minster

The Minster dominates the eastern end of the town. Begun in the 13th century and largely completed by the 15th, it's one of the largest parish churches in England — rivalling many cathedrals in scale, craftsmanship, and atmosphere. The Percy Tomb, dating from around 1340, is widely considered one of the finest pieces of medieval stone carving in Europe.

The Minster is free to enter. Donations towards its ongoing restoration are welcomed, and there's a small shop selling guidebooks and postcards. The building is open daily; check service times if you want to look around without interrupting worship.

Climb the tower (for a small fee) on one of the advertised open days and you'll get remarkable views across the town to the Wolds in one direction and the Humber in the other. It's steep and narrow, so not suitable for everyone, but the panorama is worth the effort if you're able.

St Mary's Church

At the opposite end of the town centre, St Mary's is often overshadowed by the Minster but deserves attention in its own right. The ceiling paintings in the chancel are particularly notable — a series of English kings that includes a carving said to have inspired Lewis Carroll's White Rabbit. The churchyard is pleasant for a quiet moment.

The Saturday Market

Beverley's open-air market fills the Market Place every Saturday. Stalls sell local produce, fresh fish, baked goods, cheese, flowers, clothing, and household items. The atmosphere is lively without being frantic, and it's one of the best opportunities to buy food produced in the East Riding.

A smaller Wednesday market also runs, though it's a more modest affair. For the full experience, time your visit for Saturday morning.

Shopping

Beverley's strength is its independent shops. The streets between the Minster and St Mary's are lined with small, owner-run businesses — bookshops, galleries, delicatessens, clothing boutiques, antique dealers, and specialist food shops. It's the kind of high street that most English towns have lost and Beverley has somehow kept.

For practical shopping, the town has branches of Tesco, Morrisons, Aldi, and Lidl on its outskirts. The Flemingate Centre, a modern development near the railway station, adds chain stores and a cinema.

Eating and Drinking

For a town of around 30,000 people, Beverley punches well above its weight on food. The range runs from proper fish and chips to contemporary dining, with plenty of good pubs in between.

The Pipe and Glass at South Dalton, a short drive from Beverley on the way back to the cottage, holds a Michelin star and serves exceptional food in a relaxed pub setting. Booking is essential. In town, Whites on North Bar Within and Ceruttis near the Minster offer good modern British cooking. For something less formal, the Tiger Inn and Nellie's (a quirky, multi-room pub) are reliable choices.

Cafes are plentiful. The town's independent coffee shops are generally better than the chains, and several serve excellent cake.

Beverley Westwood

The Westwood is 600 acres of common pasture immediately west of the town. Cattle graze freely across the open grassland — an unusual sight at the edge of a town and a survival of ancient grazing rights. The Westwood is crossed by paths and offers easy, flat walking with views towards the Minster. The racecourse occupies part of the area, hosting regular meetings through the summer months.

For a short walk after shopping or a meal in town, the Westwood is difficult to beat. Dogs are welcome but should be kept under control around the livestock.

The Treasure House

Beverley's Treasure House brings together a museum, art gallery, library, and the East Riding Archives under one roof. The museum covers local history from prehistoric times onwards. The art gallery hosts changing exhibitions alongside a permanent collection that includes works by Frederick Elwell, who painted Beverley life in the early 20th century. Entry is free.

Events and Festivals

Beverley hosts a busy calendar of events. The Beverley Folk Festival in June is the largest, drawing performers and audiences from across the country. The Early Music Festival in May uses the Minster and St Mary's as concert venues to outstanding effect. The Christmas Festival of Food and Drink fills the Market Place in December.

Race meetings on the Westwood run from April to September. The atmosphere is friendly and informal compared to larger courses. For more seasonal events, see our seasonal events guide.

Getting There

From the cottage, take the B1248 south towards Beverley. The drive takes about 15-20 minutes. Parking in the town centre can be busy on Saturdays; the Flemingate car park near the station is a reliable option.

Beverley also has a railway station on the Hull to Scarborough line, useful if you're arriving by train or want to visit Hull or Scarborough without driving.

For more day trip ideas, see our East Yorkshire attractions guide or our food and drink guide.