Neighbourhood know-how, places and people
LOCATION, LOCATION
Beverley is a relaxing, charming and frequently beautiful market town at the heart of rural life in East Yorkshire, yet with the maritime city of Hull on its doorstep. But it's much more than a pretty face. Dominated by the gothic marvel that is Beverley Minster at one end of its town centre and the 15th century North Bar at the other, it has a distinctly upmarket feel, yet still offers a friendly welcome in its acclaimed restaurants, historic inns and quirky cafes.
It has not one, but two market places - Wednesday Market at the south end of its main street, and Saturday Market at the north. Both spring to life on Saturdays when market stalls and pavement cafes jostle for space among the elegant Georgian buildings, most of them listed. Beverley's role as a trading centre dates to Medieval times, when merchants bringing goods into town had to pay tolls at four stone 'bars', or gates: its North Bar was rebuilt in brick in 1409 and is the only one to survive today.
A popular commuter town close to Hull and the M62, and within an hour's drive of York, Beverley enjoys frequent trains taking less than 15 minutes to reach Hull, for connections to Leeds and Sheffield, and north to the coastal charms of Bridlington, Filey and Scarborough. Beverley also has two direct weekday rail services to London in just under three hours: new trains are on the way.
BAG A PROPERTY
Beverley's most desirable urban locations are on its fringes, close to the green expanse of the Westwood, or around Molescroft in the north of the town.
New building continues apace up to the northern by-pass, while lovers of characterful older property will be drawn to the narrow Georgian lanes close to the Minster.
Just out of town are several truly lovely villages offering country living at its finest: as befits this rich agricultural area, Cherry Burton has its own farm-based milk producer, drawn from its small herd of prizewinning Holstein and Jersey cows, and sold on tap straight from the gate - as fresh as it gets.
EXPLORE
The wide-open Westwood is a perennial picnic favourite, offering skyline views across the town and Minster. Cattle and sheep roam freely on its pastures in the summer, while keen golfers will relish the challenge of its course. Stroll by the canal, alongside the preserved barge MV Syntan, built 70 years ago to carry hides and tanning materials from Hull, one of three vessels lovingly preserved by local volunteers. Or head north to the beautiful and largely undiscovered Yorkshire Wolds, following a trail to the locations which inspired David Hockney to produce some of the 20th century's most influential artworks - find out more at yocc.co.uk.
Don't miss the East Riding Treasure House Museum and Art Gallery on Champney Road, featuring four gallery spaces blending the town's permanent collections with a changing exhibition programme. The Art Gallery celebrates local artists Fred and Mary Elwell, with their original artworks on display, while the imaginative 'Paint The Town Fred and Mary' initiative has placed 22 replicas of their finest on walls and street corners across the town centre.
Home to one of Yorkshire's finest racecourses, Beverley also traditionally hosted one of Britain's leading folk music festivals until last summer, when the event fell into liquidation - only to be revived as Beverley Fringe, named Outstanding Small Festival at Yorkshire's Gig Guide Awards.
CAFÉ & COCKTAILS
Vanessa Delicatessen and Café on Saturday Market is loved by locals and visitors for its food made from scratch daily or sourced from local producers, while its deli is packed with exceptional food and drink, from cheeses sourced around the world to locally produced cured and cooked meats.
Across the road, the Beverley Arms is a tastefully restored 17th century coaching inn retaining many original features, offering an award-winning champagne bar and restaurant, plus a sunny terrace for relaxing al fresco dining. At the other end of town, Chamas Rodizio Restaurant provides a highly rated and authentic taste of the Brazilian high plains, overlooking Beverley's Wednesday Market. The Westwood Restaurant offers fine-dining that makes the most of great local and seasonal produce from farms and of course east coast seafood.
Tour de Yorkshire followers will also love Café Velo close to the North Bar - its cycling theme, right down to table numbers marked in bicycle chains. Try the banana bread or a Velo Club sandwich with their excellent coffee and you'll be ready to take to the saddle and discover East Yorkshire on two wheels.
RETAIL THERAPY
Shoppers will discover an array of independently owned stores rubbing shoulders with high street names, including at Flemingate, a 16-acre retail and leisure destination opened in 2015 with shops, cafes, an excellent independent multi-screen cinema and an impressive new home for East Riding College, all just a short walk from the heart of town. St Mary's Court close to the North Bar is also well worth seeking out for fashion, hair and beauty, crafts and interiors in a stylish and welcoming indoor setting.
It's never too early to plan a trip to Beverley's Festival of Christmas! Each year, on the second Sunday in December, more than 120 stalls brimming with festive fare and locally made treats take over the town centre. There's live music, carol singing, dancing and a Christmas Parade.
