Summary of Attractions in Beverley
During the Middle Ages, Beverley, situated in the East Riding of Yorkshire, ranked among England’s ten largest towns, experiencing growth due to a prosperous wool trade.
Beverley Minster is a testament to the affluence of that era, extending to 102 metres, thereby surpassing many English cathedrals in length.
The elegant shops and townhouses found in the town’s commercial heart primarily exhibit Georgian architecture, which coincided with the construction of the grand Guildhall, made possible when the Beck Canal enabled ocean-going ships to access Beverley for the first time.
Westward, at the edge of the expansive Westwood Common, lies Beverley Racecourse, which has been hosting flat races since the 17th century.
Now, let us delve into the top attractions in Beverley:
1. Beverley Minster
This parish church is more substantial than one-third of all English cathedrals.
Notable for its architectural grandeur, Beverley Minster was reconstructed following a fire in the 12th century, completed in phases from the early 13th to the early 15th century, seamlessly combining Early English, Decorated, and Perpendicular Gothic styles.
Upon arrival, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the magnificent Perpendicular west front, adorned by twin towers and the Highgate Door.
Inside the nave, visitors can admire exquisite carvings of musicians dating back to the 14th century.
The older eastern section, concluded up to the transept in the 13th century, showcases the Early English style with pointed lancet windows, dog-tooth moulding, and skillful stiff-leaf decorations.
Make sure to observe the Purbeck “marble” stonework found in the eastern area, along with the 68 16th-century misericords located in the choir and the stone frith stool from Anglo-Saxon times.
2. St Mary’s Church
Established in the 1100s as a subordinate church to Beverley Minster, St Mary’s Church was finalized in 1520 after comprehensive renovations that began in the 13th century.
The north aisle, dating to the 14th century, is perhaps the most revered section of the church, showcasing harmonious designs at the east end, where window mouldings, tracery, piers, and starred vault converge elegantly.
The late-14th-century west façade is remarkable and may have influenced the design of King’s College Chapel at Cambridge, constructed soon thereafter.
St Mary’s Church is also renowned for its stunning ceilings dating from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Ensure to view the Ceiling of Kings in the chancel, painted in 1446, which represents the Kings of England up to that time, as well as the Ceiling of Stars and Constellations.
3. Beverley Town Trail
The Beverley Town Trail features a north and south loop that meanders through the historical center of Beverley, from North Bar to Beverley Beck, revealing intriguing stories and significant sites.
Along the trail, there are 39 sculptures (some may require a keen eye to discover), each representing the guilds and trades that governed specific local areas.
These sculptures were created with the assistance of 700 schoolchildren from Beverley, depicting figures including armourers, carpenters, jerkin-makers, and glovers, among others.
By visiting online, you can download the trail pamphlet, which highlights historical details that might otherwise be overlooked and includes engaging activities for younger visitors.
4. Beverley Treasure House
In 2007, Beverley’s museum, library, and the East Riding archive were consolidated into a single venue when the Treasure House commenced operations.
A notable feature is its tower, which includes an observation platform offering 360-degree views of Beverley.
The facility also provides access to the Edwardian Beverley Art Gallery, which will be discussed in the subsequent section.
The exhibition located on the first floor introduces visitors to East Riding’s natural history, geology, landscape, and archaeology.
Don’t overlook the South Cave Weapons Cache, exhibiting Iron Age swords.
Young visitors can enjoy dressing in period costumes, engaging with interactive puzzles, and utilizing a drawing table to unleash their creativity.
The Treasure House routinely hosts an extensive array of temporary exhibitions, with a standout show in Autumn 2018 showcasing the Georgian wildlife artist Elizabeth Lambert.
5. Beverley Art Gallery
Currently an annex of the Treasure House, the Beverley Art Gallery (established in 1910) features an elegant Edwardian hall characterized by alternating bands of brick and stone.
It contains two primary galleries; the first is dedicated to Beverley’s art collection.
Among its prominent pieces is “A Panic,” created by the Victorian landscape artist Henry William Banks Davis, believed to be the largest cattle painting in the world.
Additionally, there exists a broad collection of works by the Realist painter Frederic William Elwell, who hailed from Beverley and was born in 1870. The second gallery hosts temporary exhibitions, showcasing local talent across photography, painting, sculpture, and printmaking.
6. Beverley Westwood
As its name suggests, the Westwood is located on the western side of Beverley, beyond which lies sprawling countryside.
This region constitutes one of the largest areas of common land in the UK, granted to local inhabitants by the lord of the manor in 1380. To this day, residents of Beverley retain the right to graze their livestock on the Westwood, should they choose to do so.
At the highest elevation, offering picturesque views back towards Beverley Minster, stands the embattled and sail-less Blackmill, one of five windmills that historically dotted the common.
This site serves as a prominent landmark for Beverley and the East Riding Golf Club, established in 1889. Spanning the northern section of the Westwood is Beverley Racecourse, discussed further below.
7. North Bar
A remnant of Beverley’s original town walls, the North Bar is a quintessential 15th-century brick gate that remains in use for road traffic on the A164. Due to its narrow width, traffic is regulated by stoplights, while pedestrians may traverse the adjacent arches.
This structure served as a toll gate during the Medieval period and would be secured at night during periods of unrest, such as the English Civil War in the 17th century.
The northern face features buttresses beside the portal, topped by a cartouche and coat of arms.
Atop, the crenellated parapet was utilized by town governors as a private viewing gallery for Beverley’s Corpus Christi festivals in the 15th and 16th centuries.
8. Beverley Racecourse
Although horse racing has been conducted on this vicinity of the Westwood since the 17th century, annual racing meetings only commenced in 1767. During this period, a grandstand was constructed, yet the course utilized sporadically continued until the close of the 19th century.
Presently, Beverley Racecourse is celebrated for its convivial atmosphere, featuring approximately 19 days of flat racing throughout the year, including two distinguished Listed events.
The premier events are the Hilary Needler Trophy for two-year-olds in May and the Beverley Bullet Spring Stakes in June for horses aged three and above.
In August 2018, the course revealed plans for a substantial redevelopment of the grandstand, projected to be completed by 2021.
9. Beverley Beck
As an early industrial waterway, Beverley Beck is a 3/4-mile canal that was finalized in 1731, facilitating the passage of larger vessels into the town from the River Hull.
This enduring waterway is still navigable; at Tickton, you can explore Beverley Boat Hire, which offers rowboats, canoes, or motorboats for a tranquil excursion along this serene channel.
Furthermore, you can stroll along the towpath, observing pike, eels, and bream in the waters, gradually departing from the town until arriving at the lock at Grovehill on the River Hull.
Along the way, you will encounter the MV Syntan (1949), the last of a fleet of industrial barges that transported coal, hides, flour, grain, paper, and nuts along the Beck.
10. The Guildhall
Beverley’s Grade I Georgian Guildhall welcomes visits on Wednesdays and Fridays.
This building underwent a Palladian redesign in the 18th century; however, its history dates back to 1501. If you happen to pass by when open, it is worthwhile to see the magnificent Neoclassical ceiling plasterwork in the Courtroom, crafted by the Italian Giuseppe Cortese.
The venue showcases a collection of civic regalia, gifts, photographs, and furniture for visitors to explore, with each room containing toy baskets to engage younger guests while they explore.
11. East Riding Theatre
In December 2014, this former Victorian Baptist church transformed into a dynamic performing arts venue following a project involving extensive volunteer efforts.
The East Riding Theatre (ERT) focuses on high-quality performances encompassing theatre, music, comedy, and other enriching entertainments.
To illustrate the breadth of its offerings, autumn 2018 included productions such as Yasmina Reza’s play “Art,” comedy by Phill Jupitus, award-winning sketch act Croft & Pearce, as well as musical workshops designed for young children and their parents.
12. Skidby Windmill
The last operational windmill in East Yorkshire is an intriguing day trip just four miles south of Beverley’s center.
Skidby Windmill originated in 1821 and was expanded to its current five stories in 1870. The mill’s four sails, measuring 11 meters in length, are combined with a white ogee cap weighing 15 tons.
Remarkably, all accompanying outbuildings are intact, some of which host the East Riding Museum of Rural Life.
Inside, visitors can explore two captivating collections of historical farming equipment, along with photographs and audio narratives highlighting daily village life in East Riding.
The mill and its museum are accessible daily, and flour milling typically occurs on Wednesdays and Sundays, although the mechanism was not operational during the time of this writing.
13. Beverley Parks Nature Reserve
For an additional dose of greenery, this 49-acre reserve is located on the town’s southern edge.
The site’s historical significance is documented in the Domesday Book of 1086 when it was held by the Archbishops of York.
This area features two expansive fields, showcasing evidence of Medieval ridge and furrow agriculture, now being developed into traditional parkland.
The reserve also includes a small woodland area and an enchanting orchard planted for the new millennium.
Within the orchard, you will find a set of hives maintained by the Beverley Beekeepers Association.
14. Hudson Way Rail Trail
For those seeking a longer walking experience, consider embarking on the Hudson Way Rail Trail, which follows the former trackbed of the old York to Beverley Line, operational from 1865 for a century.
This ten-mile trail is named after George Hudson, the mid-19th century entrepreneur often referred to as the “Railway King.”
Hudson established his empire through dubious business practices, ultimately fleeing to France for a decade in 1859 to escape imprisonment.
The route guides visitors through tranquil countryside, beneath historic railway bridges, and past former station stops.
Notably, the Kiplingcotes railway station has preserved its original building, platforms, signal box, and the stationmaster’s residence.
15. Shopping in Beverley
For an upscale shopping experience, consider visiting Beverley’s charming town center.
This area is adorned with historic buildings housing antique shops, premium brands such as Jo Malone, Joules, and Jack Wills, as well as a few beloved British high street names.
The Market Place features a branch of the esteemed Browns department store, located within the refined architecture of the former Corn Exchange, established in 1886. Beverley also boasts a plethora of historic pubs, with over 40 recorded establishments. The Sun Inn dates back to 1501, while the White Horse Inn is one of the rare remaining establishments still utilizing gas lighting.
If possible, visit on a Saturday when the Market Place comes alive with around 120 stalls offering everything from fresh produce to arts and crafts, cut flowers and street food from across the globe.
