Why you should move to Wetherby in North Yorkshire

You may well find yourself passing through Wetherby to get to somewhere else, but that doesn’t mean it’s a place to be overlooked. Quite the opposite in fact.

Stop off in this busy little market town just of the A1 and you’ll find there’s plenty to discover.

First mentioned in the 1066 Domesday Book as 'Wederbi' it’s believed it means settlement on the bend of a river due to its position on the River Wharfe.

Cobbled streets in the town. (Image: Newsquest)

When the Yorkshire weather gets a bit wild and there’s threat of heavy snow storms the town doesn’t seem to get them as much, because, as the locals say: ‘weather-goes-by.’

For decades the town was known as a half-way staging post for those travelling on the Great North Road between London and Edinburgh and sits exactly 198 miles from both cities. Many have passed over its grade II listed bridge since the 13th century and is a scheduled ancient monument. In 1240 the town was granted a Royal Charter to hold market on a Thursday which it still does to this day.

The Wetherby Whaler is legendary. (Image: Newsquest)

Priding itself on its long-held tradition of hospitality, Wetherby once boasted 17 pubs, even though you won’t find that many now, there’s still plenty of places to wet your whistle. Another tradition still upheld in the town is that of brass bands that play on the bandstand every Sunday afternoon from April to September.

In fact, it’s this time of year the town really comes to life when over 250 hanging baskets fill the town centre. Wetherby has won multiple awards for its floral displays both nationally and internationally. This little town also boasts its own racecourse, excellent arts festival, a indie cinema, multiple sports clubs, its own brewery, and a multitude of wonderful walks.

One of the independent stores in Wetherby. (Image: Newsquest)

Explore

Sitting pretty on the River Wharfe, Wetherby boasts a nice market square where quaint little shopping streets spin off in all directions. Brimming with independents, it’s the perfect place to seek out something that you wouldn’t find on usual high streets. In fact, as you explore the cobbled streets it’s clear to see it’s managed to retain its traditional aesthetic and what’s more, you won’t see an empty shop in sight.

Fashion boutiques sit next to lovely little stores reflecting a golden era such as Tarbett’s fishmongers, The Artisan Cheese Company, and Johnson & Sons greengrocers, and of course, there’s all of the larger supermarkets one could wish for surrounding the town.

Cut through the little snickets and ginnels that weave their way around the town to stumble across and array of boutiques from designer clothing at Practically Perfectly on the Shambles to luxurious interiors at Furnish and Fettle. Pick up a piece from the past at Stafford Hall Antiques near the Town Hall or find something fun at Treasures of Wetherby toy store.

Cool coffee stop, Kofi & Co. (Image: Newsquest)

Coffee culture is big here. Head to The Cottage Coffee Shop for their lovely riverside views or Kofi & Co for the kind of concoctions you’d find in London. For something a bit more substantial Mango on Bank Street is a fabulous little family-run Indian restaurant specialising in vegetarian food. Not forgetting that the town is famous for the Wetherby Whaler with queues often snaking down the high street on a weekend.

For those who like to get active, a riverside walk is a must, but with the Yorkshire countryside only a stone’s throw away, you’re truly spoilt for choice for stunning scenery. Kiddies will love the range of events put on at nearby Stockeld Park, while Braham Park holds some great sporting action throughout the year.

.John Fergusson (Image: Beth Windsor)

Town Life

John Fergusson is the director and co-founder of Wetherby Brew Co, a microbrewery located a few minutes from the town’s Market Place. ‘When we set up our microbrewery six years ago, we obviously wanted to choose the best location possible. We initially looked at several locations around West Yorkshire, and Wetherby ticked all our boxes. As well as being easily accessible from Leeds, Harrogate and York it also attracts plenty of visitors. Wetherby is also a place that is well-known both locally and further afield.

This may be due to its history as a key coaching stop on the Old Great North Road, but it also helps that the town is very well signposted on the A1. I

think it’s fair to say, we don’t meet many people who haven’t heard of Wetherby!’

Properties by the riverside. (Image: Getty)

Bag A Property

Expect to find lovely period and Victorian townhouses within the centre, modern developments and stylish apartments sit along the riverside, but the most enviable location is along Spofforth Hill where impressive houses sit with river views. These tend to sell for £500,000-£800,000, whereas smaller detached house can be picked up for an average of £496,000. Semi-detached houses sell for an average of

£329,700, terraces for £246,336, and apartments for 3265,705. Rental prices start from £650pcm and go all the way up to £3,500pcm and sit at an average of £1,433pcm.

Highly desirable villages sit on the outskirts such as Linton, Collingham, and Boston Spa where house prices are significantly higher regularly selling for over a million.

Wetherby sits right next to theA1(M) making it perfect for commuters. Sitting within the golden triangle of York, Leeds, and Harrogate it’s easily accessible to some of Yorkshire’s most desirable locations. There are no trains, but there’s a good bus service that connects the town to major nearby cities.