Driffield Tourist Information
Lying near the source of the River Hull, Driffield, East Yorkshire is a scenic Market town characterised by traditional Victorian buildings and a vibrant social calendar. There are always plenty of things to do in Driffield thanks to its picturesque countryside location, historic buildings and busy calendar of summer festivals. The natural beauty of the area is a real pull for tourism, with scenic areas such as the Riverhead, where the town lock was recently restored to its former glory. The three streams in Driffield travel through the town, with open areas of countryside proving popular with walkers, anglers and birdwatchers alike. Driffield Beck, also known as the Water Forlorns, joins the Driffield Canal having wound under several well-placed bridges dotted around Little Driffield and Great Driffield. Visitors to Cruckley Animal Farm have the chance to see rare animals on a working farm and learn about the strong agricultural identity of the town.
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Driffield is a town with strong traditions that the locals proudly uphold, including the New Year's Eve custom which involves gathering in the market place and waiting for the church bells to ring in the new year. The tradition of scrambling sees children walk through the town in the new year, reciting a historic rhyme which prompts local shopkeepers to greet them with sweets and, if they're feeling particularly generous, cash!
Driffield Historic Attractions
Anyone with experience of Driffield travel will be unable to resist talking about the many Victorian buildings that forge the enduring image of the town. As well as the grandeur of Elizabethan manor Burton Agnes, nearby Sledmere is home to Sledmere House, with its unique Turkish room and a library extending 100 feet through the building. Sledmere House is also a popular picnic area with beautiful gardens home to deer and wild birds.
Other Driffield property of interest include All Saints Church with its magnificent 500-year old tower, and the enchanting Spread Eagle pub on Church Street which was once home to Driffield's fabled witch, Susannah Goor.
Yorkshire Driffield Festivals
Summer in Driffield, East Yorkshire sees the town come alive with visitors from far-away lands flocking to Driffield hotels for one of the many summer festivals in Driffield. The Yorkshire Trucking Spectacular is held annually in May and is the UK's number one truck festival. The Yorkshire Motoring Festival takes place annually in Driffield, with the Driffield Agricultural show taking place each July and regularly attracting attendances upwards of 25,000.
Also taking place in July, the Festival Week sees a fantastic assortment of attractions in Driffield with a massive parade providing the grand finale. In August, the streets of Driffield come to a standstill again for the Annual Steam and Vintage Traction Rally which sees a magical procession of antiquated vehicles pass through the streets.
Driffield Farmers Market
From humble beginnings as a sleepy village Driffield grew into a bustling market town and after railways kick-started the industrial revolution, trade in the area was booming. Today there are two weekly markets in Driffield which take place every Thursday and Saturday, but the big attraction is the award-winning local farmers' market. Undoubtedly one of the best farmers' markets in the country, the event takes place on the first Saturday morning of each month.
The Driffield farmers market brings business from across the country to the town, with the aim of the event being to bring together the highest quality locally-produced goods and boost the local economy.
