Why go there?
It is easy to see why Beverley featured in the Sunday Times’ top ten places to live in northern England. With the Yorkshire Dales, the North York Moors and the east coast all within a reasonable drive of the town there is plenty to get out and experience, including some of the country’s top walks and views.
However there is plenty to see in the town itself. Beverley boasts a stunning minster, one of the largest parish churches in Britain, which dates back to around 1220. Often regarded as one of the most beautiful churches in Europe, its twin towers on the west of the building were the inspiration for the current design of Westminster Abbey. The likeness is quite striking. A tour of the minster and its impressive architecture is a must. The very informative guides inside are more than happy to show visitors around. Equally enchanting, if much smaller, is the medieval St Mary’s Church, featuring some lovely stained glass windows.
As well as the religious buildings to explore there is the market square, busy with traders and customers on a Saturday and filled with traditional goods. After taking in the sights, sounds and smells of the market, enjoy a walk on the expansive Beverley Westwood, where visitors can stroll around woodland and green, open spaces. It is a pleasant escape from the morning’s hustle and bustle.
On returning to the town from walking the Westwood, visit Beverley’s ornate North Bar, a 15th century gate designated as a Grade I listed structure by English Heritage.
Other highlights include Beverley Racecourse for those that like a flutter or simply dressing to impress. There’s also the annual folk festival that takes place in June showcasing great music, comedy, dance, literature, poetry, crafts food and drink.
Where to eat and drink
Amongst the attractive buildings of Beverley’s centre are many pubs, ranging in age and appearance from the medieval period to modern day. The cosy White Horse Inn, colloquially known as Nellies, offers a warming environment to enjoy a winter drink by the fire. One of the oldest pubs in the town, The Sun Inn regularly hosts live music, while Chequers Micropub exhibits some for the region’s finest real ales and ciders and is a real hidden gem. A short 6-mile drive north of the town centre is the Pipe and Glass Inn in South Dalton, a popular, Michelin-starred restaurant. The high street is brimming with quality eateries, both chains and independently owned, serving food from all corners of the globe. Visitors to Beverley are, frankly, spoilt for choice.
Where to stay
The Kings Head is centrally located and offers modern, well-presented rooms as well as food and drink, as does the Beverley Arms Hotel. For a more rustic retreat, the Tudor Rose hotel and restaurant will provide a characterful place to stay in the Grade II listed building while the Minster Garth Guest House is situated right next to the minster and features several beautifully decorated rooms for single people, couples and families.
Tell us a secret
Beverley Minster contains one of the few remaining Frith Stools in England. Dating from the Saxon period, these chairs were sat in by anybody wishing to seek sanctuary from the law.