Pocklington & Market Weighton: Yorkshire Wolds Towns

Two small market towns on the western escarpment of the Wolds, each with its own character and a good base for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Pocklington and Market Weighton sit where the chalk hills of the Yorkshire Wolds meet the flat farmland of the Vale of York. Neither is a tourist town in the conventional sense; there are no gift shops or cream tea rooms aimed at visitors. Instead, both are genuine working towns with independent shops, weekly markets, and a sense of local life that makes them pleasant places to spend a morning or afternoon.

Pocklington

Pocklington is the larger of the two towns and the one with more to see. The Market Place at its centre is a pleasant square surrounded by Georgian and Victorian buildings, with independent shops, cafes, and the parish church of All Saints set back from the road. The town has a Tuesday market that fills the square with stalls selling fruit, vegetables, baked goods, and household items. It has the feel of a place that serves its own community rather than passing trade.

The town's main attraction is Burnby Hall Gardens, a short walk from the centre. The gardens were created by Major Percy Stewart in the early 20th century and are now home to the largest collection of hardy water lilies in Europe. The two lakes are spectacular from June through September when the lilies are in flower, with over 80 varieties creating a spread of colour across the water. The gardens also include a rock garden, a Victorian garden, and a small museum of Major Stewart's travel memorabilia. Entry charges are reasonable, and the gardens are well maintained.

The Penny Arcade museum, also in Pocklington, is a quirky collection of vintage amusement machines from the Victorian era to the 1960s. Many of the machines still work, and admission includes tokens to play them. It's a favourite with children and with anyone who remembers seaside arcades from decades past.

Pocklington Arts Centre

The arts centre on the Market Place hosts a programme of live music, comedy, theatre, and film throughout the year. It punches well above its weight for a small town venue, attracting touring acts and local performers alike. Check their listings if you are staying in the area, as evening shows combine well with a meal in one of the town's restaurants.

Market Weighton

Market Weighton is smaller and quieter than Pocklington, with a long high street lined with independent shops and a handful of pubs. The town's most famous resident was William Bradley (1787 to 1820), known as the Yorkshire Giant, who grew to 7 feet 9 inches tall and weighed over 27 stone. A plaque marks his birthplace on the high street, and the town celebrates his memory each spring with the Giant Cherry Pie event, a community festival centred around the baking and eating of an enormous cherry pie.

The town sits right on the edge of the Wolds, and walks onto the chalk hills start almost from the main street. The Kiplingcotes Racecourse, a few miles north, claims to be the oldest horse race in England, first run in 1519. The course follows a stretch of the old Roman road along the Wolds ridge, and the race still takes place each March.

Food and Drink

Pocklington has the wider selection of places to eat, with several cafes, a fish and chip shop, and restaurants offering pub food and more. The Feathers Hotel on the Market Place serves traditional meals. For something more local, the Yorkshire food and drink guide covers the broader area's pubs and producers. Market Weighton has fewer options but the Londesborough Arms and the Bay Horse both serve solid pub meals.

Both towns have small supermarkets for self-catering supplies, useful if you are stocking up for a stay at Holme on the Wolds or elsewhere in the central Wolds.

Walking from the Towns

The western escarpment of the Wolds rises sharply behind both towns, and the views from the top are among the best in the area. From Pocklington, a walk up onto Kilnwick Percy and along the ridge gives panoramic views west across the Vale of York to the Pennines. From Market Weighton, the Wolds Way national trail passes through, and the stretch north towards Goodmanham is a fine walk through classic Wolds scenery.

Millington Dale, one of the finest dry valleys in the Wolds, is within easy reach of Pocklington and makes an excellent half-day walk. The dale is a deep, grassy valley with steep sides, rich in wildflowers in spring and early summer.

Practical Information

Pocklington is roughly 20 minutes' drive from the cottage, and Market Weighton about 15 minutes. Both have free parking in the town centre, though spaces can be tight on market days. Bus services connect both towns to York, Hull, and Beverley, though services are not frequent. The seasonal events calendar for the area includes festivals and markets in both towns throughout the year.

Frequently Asked Questions

What day is Pocklington market?

Pocklington holds its market on Tuesdays in the Market Place. The market has been running for centuries and sells a mix of local produce, household goods, and seasonal items. It is busiest in the morning and usually winds down by early afternoon.

What is there to see in Market Weighton?

Market Weighton is a small, quiet town best known as the home of William Bradley, the Yorkshire Giant, who stood 7 feet 9 inches tall. The town has independent shops, a heritage trail, and serves as a gateway to walks on the western edge of the Wolds. The annual Giant Cherry Pie event in spring celebrates Bradley's legacy.