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Exterior of a large, brick-built manor house overlooking a spacious courtyard.

What to Do on Self-Catering Holidays in the Yorkshire Wolds

Unless you are choosing to enjoy a self-catering holiday in the Yorkshire Wolds for a very long time, it is unlikely visitors will run out of things to do and places to visit in the Wolds as there is just so much choice. So here is a summary of some things you can do when staying in Yorkshire Wolds Holiday Cottages.

1. Visit the historic town of Beverley

This charming market town boasts an impressive Minster, historic buildings, and a lively market. You can also explore the quaint streets and browse the independent shops and boutiques.

2. Discover the coastal town of Bridlington

This popular seaside resort offers sandy beaches, traditional seaside amusements, and a busy harbour. You can also visit the Sewerby Hall and Gardens or take a boat trip to explore the nearby cliffs and caves.

3. Visit the historic city of York

This beautiful city is famous for its stunning architecture, including the iconic York Minster, as well as its museums, galleries, attractions and independent shops. Two of our favourites are the York Chocolate Story and The York Dungeons. You can also walk along the city walls or explore the narrow medieval streets. Click here for our recommended list of places to visit in York.

4. Sample local cuisine

Yorkshire is famous for its delicious cuisine, including Yorkshire pudding, Wensleydale cheese, and fish and chips. You can also visit local farmers’ markets and sample fresh produce such as game, cheese, and vegetables. Here are some of the best places to eat in the Yorkshire Wolds:

  1. The Star Inn at Sancton: This charming pub is known for its traditional British fare and warm hospitality. The menu is extensive, with options for meat lovers and vegetarians alike, and the beer selection is excellent.
  2. The Pipe and Glass Inn: This Michelin-starred restaurant in South Dalton is a must-visit for foodies. The menu is focused on locally sourced ingredients, and the wine list is impressive.
  3. The Triton Inn: This cosy pub in Sledmere is known for its hearty, home-cooked meals and friendly atmosphere. The menu changes regularly depending on the season, but the Sunday roast is always a hit.
  4. The Goodmanham Arms: This traditional pub in Goodmanham serves up classic pub fare with a modern twist. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the staff are friendly, making it an excellent spot for a casual lunch or dinner.
  5. The White Horse Inn: This historic pub in Hutton Cranswick has been a local favourite for over 400 years. The menu is focused on fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and the beer selection is excellent.
  6. The Pheasant Hotel: This boutique hotel and restaurant is located in the village of Harome and offers a seasonal menu of modern British cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients.
  7. The Blue Bell Inn: This traditional country pub is located in the village of Weaverthorpe and offers a menu of classic British dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
  8. The Gait Inn: This traditional village pub is located in the village of Millington and offers a menu of hearty British classics made with locally sourced ingredients.

5. Enjoy outdoor activities

Yorkshire Wolds offers a range of outdoor activities, such as horse riding, fishing, and golf. You can also visit nature reserves and parks to spot wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, and rare butterflies. In addition to the walking and cycling activities already mentioned, here is a list of some memorable activities you can enjoy on Yorkshire Wolds holidays.

  1. Riding: Popular riding routes include the Wolds Way Bridleway and the Beverley 20.
  2. Fishing: Popular fishing locations include Warter Priory, Driffield West Beck, and the River Hull.
  3. Golf: Visitors are welcome at the KP Club, Driffield Golf Club, and Beverley and East Riding Golf Club.
  4. Nature Reserves:  explore the Spurn National Nature Reserve, Filey Dams Nature Reserve, and Hornsea Mere.

6. Walk: Yorkshire Wolds Way. This long-distance footpath runs for 79 miles through the beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds, offering stunning views and plenty of opportunities for hiking and walking.

Other smaller walks in the Yorkshire Wolds include:

  • Millington Woods. 2.5 miles / 1.5 hours
  • The Hockney Trail:6.5 miles. 3.5 hours
  • Towthorpe Circular Walk: 3 miles / 1.5 hours
  • Hessle Circular Walk: 5 miles / 2.5 hours
  • Thixendale Circular Walk: 6 miles / 3 hours

6. Drink: Wold Top Brewery

This brewery offers tours and tastings of its award-winning beers, outdoor events, and festivals throughout the year.

7. Explore: Tophill Low Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and reptiles, and offers opportunities for bird watching, nature walks, and photography.

8. Cook: Yorkshire Wolds Cookery School

This cookery school offers a range of outdoor cooking classes, including BBQs, wood-fired pizza, and foraging and wild food courses.

9. Bike: The Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route

This circular Sustrans route is part of the National Cycle Network. The entire route is 143 miles, but it can be explored in bit-sized chunks of around 20  miles each. Other popular cycling routes include the Beverley to Hornsea Rail Trail and the Minster Way.

10. Shoot: Clay Shooting Company at The Cottondale Sports Ground

This company offers clay pigeon shooting, archery lessons and events, and corporate and team-building activities in the beautiful countryside of the Yorkshire Wolds.

11. Relax and unwind

The Yorkshire Wolds offer a peaceful and relaxing environment where you can escape daily life’s hustle and bustle. You can sit back and enjoy the beautiful views, read, listen to music, or just breathe the fresh air.

Go beyond the front door of your holiday let, and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice when it comes to opportunities to indulge in some serious relaxation:

  1. Enjoy the countryside. The Yorkshire Wolds is known for its rolling hills, winding country roads, and picturesque villages. Take a walk or bike ride through the countryside and enjoy the stunning views.
  2. Visit a spa. There are a number of spas and wellness centres in the Yorkshire Wolds where you can indulge in a massage, facial, or other pampering treatment to help you relax and unwind. Options include:
  • The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa - This luxurious spa is located in the picturesque village of Bolton Abbey and offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps.
  • Mercure Hull Grange Park Hotel Located in Willerby, just a short drive from the Yorkshire Wolds, this spa offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. It also has a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
  • Cave Castle Hotel & Country Club This spa is located in South Cave, near the Yorkshire Wolds. It offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. The spa also has a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.
  • The Spa at Raithwaite Sandsend This spa is located in Whitby, on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds, and offers a range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body wraps. It also has a swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.

12. Try yoga or meditation. If the tranquil charms of the Wolds are not enough, many yoga and meditation centres in the Yorkshire Wolds offer classes and retreats designed to help you find peace and relaxation.

  • Yoga with Zoe - Zoe offers yoga classes in the local area, including Hatha and Yin yoga. She also offers private sessions and yoga retreats.
  • Wold Yoga—This yoga studio is located in Market Weighton and offers a range of classes, including Vinyasa, Yin, and Restorative Yoga. It also provides workshops and events.
  • The Yoga Space - This—ga studio is located in Leeds, about a half-hour drive from the Yorkshire Wolds. It offers a range of classes, including Hatha, Ashtanga, and Restorative Yoga, as well as workshops and retreats.
  • Yoga Moods - This—ga studio is located in Driffield, about a half-hour drive from the Yorkshire Wolds. It offers a range of classes, including Hatha, Yin, and Restorative yoga, meditation, and mindfulness classes.
  • The Mindful Space - This meditation and mindfulness studio is located in Hessle, about a half-hour drive from the Yorkshire Wolds. They offer a range of classes and workshops, including meditation, mindfulness, and yoga nidra. 
  1. Explore the local food scene. The Yorkshire Wolds is home to many excellent restaurants, pubs, and cafes serving delicious local cuisine. So take the time to enjoy a leisurely meal and savour the region’s flavours. Restaurants in the Yorkshire Wolds that have caught our eye include Berts Pizzeria in Driffield, and Whites Restaurant in Beverley.
  2. Take a leisurely drive. The winding country roads of the Yorkshire Wolds are perfect for a scenic drive. Take your time and enjoy the views, stopping at local landmarks and attractions along the way. For particularly scenic experiences, drive the B1248 from Beverley to Malton or the A165 from Bridlington to Scarborough for particularly scenic experiences.
  3. Visit a garden. The Yorkshire Wolds has several beautiful gardens and parks, including the beautiful must-visit Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens, which offers acres of manicured lawns and colourful flower beds.
  4. Stay in a cosy holiday cottage in the Yorkshire Wolds. The Wolds are dotted with charming holiday lets, providing a cosy and comfortable base from which to relax and explore the region. Most properties are available to rent in all seasons for short breaks and longer stays.

Banner photo credit: Hall Garth near Beverley in the Yorkshire Wolds.