Yorkshire Wolds Tourist Information
The Yorkshire Wolds is a popular tourist attraction in Yorkshire,not least because of the majestic countryside that makes up the 79-mile Yorkshire Wolds Way Walk. The walk attracts thousands of people every year due to the sheer natural beauty of the setting, passing through several picturesque villages along the way.
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As well as the beautiful scenery on the Yorkshire Wolds walks, the area also boasts attractive surroundings such as Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve and Danes Dyke Beach, as well as day activities such as the Kiplingcotes Derby, the oldest flat race in England which dates back to 1519. The race is run every spring, with the unusual stipulation that the rider in second place takes the sum of the prize money, often more than the winner who is traditionally guaranteed a pot of 50.00 pounds. Other Yorkshire Wolds attractions include the Yorkshire Wolds half marathon, an annual event that attracts runners from all across the country for a gruelling but scenic run.
The Yorkshire Wolds Way
The Yorkshire Wolds Way walk is famous for its 79-mile stretch of stunning countryside, with some of Britain's most beautiful views providing the attractive backdrop to a fantastic trip. Starting at the Humber Foreshore at Hessle, the Wolds Way is broken up by various points of interest along the way and culminates at Filey Brigg outcrop, taking around five days to complete.
Along the way intrepid travellers can stop to admire the Humber Bridge, and the magnificent parkland at Londesborough Estate, while picturesque villages lie dotted along the route in between awe-inspiring valleys and rolling hills.
Wolds Way Lavender farm sells the finest lavender taken from the course of the walk, while poppies and other natural decorations illuminate the path along the Yorkshire Wolds Way.
Yorkshire Wolds Attractions
Tourist attractions in the Yorkshire Wolds range from areas of great natural beauty to traditional events that lend great heritage to the area. Bempton Cliffs nature reserve is said to be the best place in England to observe sea birds, and as such is a major hotspot for birdwatchers. Dozens of species of birds nest in Bempton Cliff, making it a magical experience for those witnessing a brave chick taking its first flight.
Alternatively, Danes Dyke beach has been a local nature reserve since 2002 and as well as the sandy beach, an abundance of natural activity takes place in the area's attractive woodlands.
For race fans, the Kiplingcotes Derby is the oldest flat race in England and is steeped in unusual tradition and superstition. To this day the clerk of the race is paid only five shillings to maintain the track, meaning that riders usually find themselves racing on rough farm terrain stretching over four miles. The winner takes home fifty pounds, although it is customary for the rider in second place to take home the sum of the entry fees, which often means taking home a bigger pot than the winner!
The rules of the race state that should the race not take place one year, the race must never take place again, a regulation that led to the race twice taking place with only one horse and rider, firstly during the big freeze of 1947 and again during the 2001 foot and mouth crisis.
Yorkshire Wolds Villages
The Yorkshire Wolds is made up of a group of charming villages with a real old-style atmosphere, all of which are welcoming to visitors. Millington is home to just over 200 people and is well-known for Millington Springs, a natural water source, and is popular with walkers and cyclists.
Nearby Pocklington, known locally as Pock, is characterised by a magnificent 15th Century church tower and acts as a commuter town for the larger cities in Yorkshire. Other villages include Rillington, Knapton and Kilham, all of which share the area's natural splendour and traditional ambience.
St Michael & All Angels Church, Garton on the Wolds An imposing Norman church dating from around 1120. It was restored by J.L. Pearson for Tatton Sykes I in 1856-7, when he reconstructed the Norman south doorway and the chancel. The interior comes as a great surprise. In 1872 Tatton Sykes II employed G.E. Street to furnish the church and he was responsible for the extraordinary paintings which cover the walls of the nave and chancel and the jewel-like stained glass. The paintings and glass are by Clayton & Bell and show related Old and New Testament scenes.
