Overview
Beverley is a market town of idyllic country life that retains its unspoilt history while keeping its modernity. Famed for its gothic architectural masterpiece, Beverley Minster, its twice-weekly market tradition has carried on from the 12th century. Hull is a 15-minute train ride from Beverley Train Station, and the A1035 takes you to Hornsea Beach within 20 minutes. Beverley has all amenities contained within this charming town, with a golf club, cinema, shopping centre and The East Riding Theatre. All generations are catered for here with activities for children and outstanding primary schools. Beverley racecourse attracts many visitors with its stunning views over Westwood Park, and you will find a wide range of restaurants and pubs. When it comes to incorporating contemporary modern living within a preserved historical town, Beverley is unique.
History of Beverley
Beverley’s name derives from the old English words for beaver and stream, as the beaver was a common animal at the time. When the Bishop of York, John of Beverley, died in 721 AD, he was buried in the land which is now Beverley Minster. Myths started to circulate that miracles were taking place around his tomb and soon pilgrims came from far and wide in the hope of a cure for their ailments.
In the 15th century, Beverley was known for its tile and brick making but became most famous for its cloth industry. By the 1800s, Beverley remained a small market rather than a town known for manufacturing but still had many craftspeople. A railway to Hull was built in 1846, and by 1901, the population had reached about 13,000.
Beverley’s Surrounding Villages
Woodmansey
South east of Beverley lies Woodmansey Village, located on the A1174 road with Thorndyke Farm and the River Hull to the east. The Woodmansey Church of England teaches just under 100 pupils, and opposite the school is the village Church of St Peter’s. The Warton Arms pub is complete with a period thatched roof and a stunning beer garden surrounded by greenery. Paradise Drive has some modern, stylish 3 bedroomed semi-detached homes, and there are some spacious 3 and 4 bedroomed bungalows on Ferry Lane and Hull Road.
Walkington
Three miles southwest of Beverley is Walkington, a village of ancient history containing ‘The Walkington Wold burials’, which consists of Anglo-Saxon skeletal remains. There is All Hallows Church, Walkington Primary School and The Dog & Duck, which uses ingredients sourced from local fishmongers and butchers, and serves traditional hand-pulled ales. The village pond is at the heart of the village and has a waterfall donated by the Sherwood Trust.
Hull Bridge
Hull Bridge Village, one and a half miles north east of Beverley on the A1035, is situated on the left side of the River Hull and is a seven minute drive from Beverley Train Station. Hull Bridge Road is the location of Cherry Lane, a garden centre and shop that sells food, clothing and home furnishings, and For Trees Nursery School, which was voted as an outstanding provider for early years education by Ofsted. The Crown & Anchor bar and restaurant dates back to 1823 in an idyllic location along the riverbank with a secluded garden and front terrace. In the area, Little Storkhill Meadow is a new housing development of modern homes with traditional characteristics.
Cherry Burton
Three miles north west of Beverley is Cherry Burton Village. Here you’ll find The Bay Horse Pub and Cherry Burton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School. On Main Street, there is St Michael & All Angels Church and The Open Door Community Café, a pleasant spot for locals with lots of space for young children to play. The Cherry Burton Sports Field has three football pitches, three tennis courts, a cricket square and an outdoor gym, but it also doubles up as an excellent place for a walk and picnic. There are terraced cottages here ideal for first-time buyers and fantastic detached period homes in this sought after location.
Bishop Burton
Three miles west of Beverley and situated on York Road is Bishop Burton Village. The All Saints Bishop Burton Church is a Grade II listed building from the 13th century, and The Altisidora is a whitewashed country pub set in 15th-century surroundings. The Bishop Burton College offers further education from Equine to Agriculture and 13 free bus routes for students. There is a beautiful duck pond nature reserve, and Garth Ends Road has some of the finest properties in the area.
Property Types in Beverley and Surrounding Villages
Recent data has shown the average age of Beverley residents to be 42, and most properties sold in the last year were detached. Molescroft and the western part close to the respected Westwood has the most expensive properties. There are older and newer sections to Molescoft, the older being more expensive and closer to the pavilion, whereas the new part has a mixture of small and large affordable homes. The Flemingate and Beckside areas are near the town centre with stunning views and 3-storey townhouses, with Flemingate Court having 3 bedroom apartments near the train station, ideal for young professionals.
Victoria Road is great for commuters with easy access to the A1079 down to Hull or York. Beverley Parklands in the quiet southern part of Beverley is popular with younger families and older couples. Model Farm has 70s and 80s style properties along shop-lined streets with 2 and 3 bedroom semi-detached houses and bungalows. St Mary’s View and South Minster Pastures are two of the newest housing developments in the area, with South Minster pastures having family living in mind with its 2, 3, and 4 bedroom detached homes and Minster Way having classic townhouses with farmhouse style kitchens.
Schools and Colleges in Beverley and Surrounding Villages
Beverley has three local primary schools, all voted ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and two local colleges with a range of options for further education. At Beverley High School, reports show that progress by the end of Key Stage 4 was significantly above the national average, and the school shares a joint sixth form with Beverley Grammar School.
Nursery and Pre-Schools
- Beverley Manor Nursery School - Outstanding
- Busy Bees Day Nursery at Beverley - Outstanding
- Fir Trees Nursery School - Outstanding
- Tickton Pre-school and Play Pals - Outstanding
- South Dalton Playgroup - Outstanding
Primary Schools
- Swinemoor Primary School - Outstanding
- Molescroft Primary School - Outstanding
- Keldmarsh Primary School - Outstanding
- Beverley St Nicholas Community Primary School - Good
- St John of Beverley Catholic Primary School - Good
Secondary Schools
- Beverley High School - Good
- Longcroft School and Sixth Form College - Requires Improvement
Independent Schools
- Cambian Beverley School
- Horton School Beverley
Grammar Schools
- Beverley Grammar School - Good
Local Colleges and Universities
- East Riding College
- Bishop Burton College
- University of Hull
Things to Do in Beverley and Surrounding Villages
Beverley Minster
In the 8th century, Bishop John of York founded a monastery known as ‘Inderawuda’ in Anglo Saxon, and this is where the site exists today. This magnificent church has an adjacent ‘Quiet Garden’ - an oasis of peace of meditation and prayer. Highlights of Beverley Minster include its restored stained glass windows and its medieval stone carvings of musicians.
Beverley Racecourse
Beverley Racecourse first opened in 1690 and makes for an iconic, unforgettable day out. There are special events throughout the year, including May Day with a petting zoo and funfair rides for the kids to enjoy and Ladies Day for a women-only affair. If you want to make the day extra special, there are private rooms to hire with your own balcony, bar and service staff.
Beverley Westwood
At the western edge of Beverley is a vast open space, Beverley Westwood, a place to come for a walk in stunning surroundings. Friendly cattle and sheep wander freely, grazing the grass, and there are many walking paths to follow. The view of Beverley Minster is spectacular. Black Mill is a local landmark here.
Beverley Market
Beverley wouldn’t be renowned for being a market town without its traditional markets every Saturday and Wednesday. Hosted in the town centre, the markets attract thousands of shoppers each week, and there is a medley of stalls within a hospitable environment. From food to clothing, accessories and crafts, there are around 120 stalls to visit.
Treasure House Museum and Beverley Art Gallery
Both are situated under one roof and are home to national exhibitions and local history. There are four gallery spaces to discover, two of which are temporary exhibitions and the other two demonstrating the highlights of the collections. Next door is Beverley library, which recently hosted the LEGO Worlds of Wonder exhibition.
Let Loose! Yorkshire
Let Loose is a chance for children to discover their adventurous side with two ultra-modern, high and low rope courses made from recycled materials. The high ropes course is for older children. For the younger participants, there are six obstacles at a lower height.
Mega Fun & Jack in the Box Club
Mega Fun offers precisely what its name suggests, with a little something for all age groups to have fun in a clean, safe environment. There are three floors of fun, including a pirate cave, an interactive game floor, wavy and drop slides, and a large ball pool.
Jump Inc Beverley
Jump Inc Beverley promises to be the most fun day out imaginable, with an epic 20,000 square feet of an inflatable playground! It’s a back-to-back endless inflatable bouncy wonderland to explore, with activities to suit all age groups.
Local Beaches to Beverley and Surrounding Villages
Hornsea Beach
The A1035, straight out of Beverley, takes you directly to Hornsea and Hornsea Beach within 20 minutes. The beach, although quite stony, makes for excellent walking conditions, and if tides permit it, allow you to walk as far as Bridlington! The erosion of the land presents an ideal opportunity for rock collecting and fossil spotting, all the while building up an appetite for fish and chips at the seafront.
Mappleton Beach
Just south of Hornsea is a three-mile beach called Mappleton, a flat sandy beach to explore and swim. The beach is less commercial than further down the coast and is excellent for a quiet day out, away from the amusement arcades and crowds. The old post office is now a lovely café nearby which serves a variety of goodies.
Shopping & Leisure in Beverley and Surrounding Villages
Shopping
Large supermarkets include Morrisons on Victoria Road, an ALDI and Lidl, Asda and a Tesco Superstore near the town centre. Smaller supermarkets are taken care of with M&S Simply Food, Sainsbury’s Local, and Co-op. The Flemingate Shopping Centre has many big-name shops like H&M and Peacocks, and Saturday Market Street has Fatface clothing for casual wear and accessories and a New Look. Pilgrim and Aura on Ladygate Street are independent boutiques with unique items for women, and The Modern Draper has all clothing occasions covered for men. Rileys, next to St Mary’s Church is the region’s leading retailer for over 35 years and caters to both men and women’s designer clothing, not forgetting your twice-weekly Beverley town markets for one of a kind items.
Restaurants
Look no further than Beverley town when it comes to the best quality restaurants for miles around, including award-winning chefs and carvery dinners at The Marne Restaurant, with views of the Westwood plains. Or how about Fleur De Lis, for French food served by French chefs. Expect three courses of quality fine-dining at the Wild Sage and Cerutti 2, and Tastemongers is a fast food restaurant with the most divine sandwiches. The Westwood Restaurant set in a Georgian courthouse has the most exquisite delicate menu, and Central 42 has a range of Tapas developed by Spanish chefs. There is food to sample from around the world from Thai, Japanese, Italian, Indian, and an Istanbul Restaurant for Turkish cuisine. Chamas Rodizio Bar and Grill serves skewers, meats and vegan options in Brazilian style.
Pubs and Bars
Beverley town centre is bursting with friendly pubs and bars with The Beaver Bar situated in the Georgian Quarter and a popular venue for its nightlife. The Cross Keys - JD Wetherspoon is a tavern from the 18th century, complete with a beer garden, and The Grapes Pub is known for its excellent breakfasts and a great selection of beers. If you’re looking for an old-fashioned pub with open mic nights and live music, The Monks Walk is where it's at! Mirage Cocktail Bar and Bistro also has live music and outdoor tables with top-quality nosh. The Angel Pub’s fish and chips will exceed your expectations, and on Grand Way, Hayride is a family pub serving classic comfort food.
Cinema and Theatre
The Parkway Cinema opened in 2015 and has six screens with a 980 seat capacity. The cinema doubles up as a large auditorium equipped for live shows and pantomimes every holiday season. There is a big multi-storey car park just five minutes away from the venue, and all cinemas have Dolby Digital 7.1 surround sound and top quality digital projection. By the A1079, you will find Cineworld Hull that has a Hollywood Bowl next door. The East Riding Theatre is a professional theatre in a converted Baptist chapel that has lasted for over 100 years.
Gym and Health
The Gym Group Beverley fitness centre meets all your gym requirements with its bright and spacious gyms, cardio and weight machines, and training areas. The East Riding Leisure Beverley is a facility with outdoor sports fields, a skate park, an impressive gym and an 8-lane pool. Anytime Fitness Beverley is open 24/7, and Gymophobics is a ladies-only fitness franchise that helps women achieve their fitness goals. Base Fitness is a hidden gem of a gym with an entire room of cardio machines alone. Not forgetting the Meridian Gymnastic Ltd Academy and Martial Arts and Leadership Academy Beverley, where strengths are supported, and weaknesses developed, ensuring achievement.
Golf Clubs
The Beverley & East Riding Golf Club was founded in 1889 and is the oldest inland golf club in Yorkshire. The course has spectacular views over Beverley town with its minster and natural pasture over Westwood, and its 18-holes make use of its natural landscape. A 12-minute drive to Cottingham is the Skidby Lakes Golf Club and Cottingham Parks Golf, with the former situated amongst 3,000 trees. Cottingham Parks is a par 72 golf course, first opened in 1994 and is popular among visitors with its 12th signature hole, well-protected by water and an excellent challenge for players.
Other Entertainment
The fun and laughter never stop in Beverley with the Escape Room that offers three unique rooms to puzzle your way out of, including Mystery on the Yorkshire Express - a murder mystery that will push your detective skills to the limit. The Beverley and District Art Club is for art enthusiasts of all abilities and ages to develop their skills and techniques and showcase their artistic creations. The East Yorkshire Clay Shooting Ground caters from beginners to the advanced. It offers practice sessions, competitions, and the ‘Have a Go’ package teaches you the basics and lets you try your shot at multiple clays.
Travel Connections
Beverley has all modes of transport covered whether you’re commuting to the city or fancy a trip to the seaside. Beverley has a train station with trains to Hull in 15 minutes, and there are local Beverley buses, plus those to Hull, York, and Hornsea. The nearest airport is under an hour away, and within 20 minutes, you can enter the M62 for transport into major northern cities.
Train Beverley Train Station is at the heart of Beverley town centre and has a Hull Trains Service and Northern Train Service. The train to Hull takes 15 minutes, and Driffield town takes less than that. The York train goes there directly and takes just over 1hr 30 minutes, and the Sheffield is also a direct service with no changes.
Road Two A-roads are instantly accessible. The A1035 goes directly to Hornsea and the east coast, and the A1079 goes directly to York. In just over 20 minutes, you can get onto the M62 via the A1174 and the M62 links you to Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool.
Air Doncaster Sheffield International Airport takes under an hour via the M62. Leeds Bradford Airport takes less than an hour and a half, and Manchester Airport takes under two hours.
Ferry By the A1035, you can get to P&O Ferries Hull in just over 30 minutes for trips over to Rotterdam.
Bus At Beverley Bus Stop in the town centre, 121 and 23 buses go down to the Hull Interchange in the city’s centre. The X46 EastRider stops at Hull, Pocklington and onto York. The 25 Hornsea bus takes a little over 30 minutes to arrive at Hornsea Market Place, where you have Hornsea Museum and beach. The Beverley Locals B1 takes you all around Beverley from its train station to Hull Road and the local supermarkets and pubs.
5 quirky facts!
- Beverley Grammar School was founded in AD 700 and is the oldest grammar school in Britain.
- Great John is the name of the bell at Beverley Minster that chimes on the hour and weighs over 7 tons, which is more than a full-sized elephant.
- The artistic director of East Riding Theatre is Adrian Rawlins, who played Harry Potter’s father in the film franchise.
- Beverley Minster was portrayed as Westminster Abbey when shown in the ITV drama ‘Victoria.’
- The Sunday Times voted Beverley in its top 10 list of places to live in the north of the UK.
Images of Beverley and Surrounding Villages
