Driffield is known as ‘The Capital of the Wolds’ - an East Yorkshire town with plenty to offer. Tom Watson tells us some of the reasons to visit
AM
Naturally I would recommend getting the day off to a good start with a cup of coffee and saying hi to us at Kinship. We set up the specialist coffee and bakes shop in 2021. The goal was to open a speciality coffee shop and a space where people from all walks of life could convene and connect. That’s why we named it Kinship, a name that conveys family, friendship, connections and community. People often say they not only come for coffee but also to socialise, they feel comfortable speaking to strangers here, which they wouldn't in other settings. People have made real friendships here. Hopefully we will get an alcohol licence this year so we can open some evenings for after-work drinks.
PM
Head to the canal – it’s focal point for Driffield. The Riverhead, with its converted warehouses and newly restored town lock, is a very popular and photogenic spot – there are plans to reopen the canal to narrowboats. There are information points with walks at Driffield`s canal and its three becks (streams) form the basis of some lovely walks (see visiteastyorkshire.co.uk). Perfect with a picnic.
A thriving weekly market is held every Thursday. Explore the town’s interesting shops in Victorian buildings and side streets. A few miles away, there's peace and quiet at Top Hill Low nature reserve, or if you want a serious walk with Driffield as your base, Wolds Rangers Way is a history-packed walking trail over the Yorkshire Wolds through amazing chalk landscapes with dry valleys and stunning wildlife. It captures the unique history of the Wold Rangers and ensures that their names and stories live on forever. woldrangersway.org/history.php
For lunch, Highfield House is a good bet - in the summer there is outdoor seating on the terrace overlooking nice gardens. This is a good shout for Sunday lunch too. It is a good base for stay in Driffield with regular events.
EVENING
A pre-dinner stroll on thr Mortimer Trail lets you explore the town's historical landmarks, including the 12th century All Saints Church whose tower can be seen for miles around, the imposing Bell Hotel, the former market site at Cross Hill where hundreds of farm workers used to gather for the annual hirings. The Masonic Hall was built in 1878 by renowned archaeologist John Mortimer, whose life in Driffield is celebrated in the trail - download the map of the Mortimer Trail driffieldtowncouncil.gov.uk
For food and drink, beer lovers will enjoy Pumphouse Brewing Co with its brewery and tap room - different street food vendors are there every Friday and Saturday evening. They also have live music on regularly. Nice pubs include the Butchers Dog and Crooked Tap. Close by some good village pubs include The Star Inn, Kilham, Wolds Village, Bainton and Wellington Inn, Lund.
Sense of place
There’s a ‘something for everyone’ feel to this part of East Yorkshire. You can embrace nature and the unique Wolds landscape then step into some Georgian glamour at Sledmere House in the picturesque village of the same name. Built in 1790 by the Sykes family, its 100ft long library, exquisite Turkish room, and gardens by Capability Brown are well worth a visit. Sledmere’s gorgeous gardens have been featured on BBC Gardener’s World. Visit The Angel Garden inspired by the sad and beautiful song ‘Angel’ by Sarah McLachlan translated into a garden with curves and a soft colour palette. And Lark Ascending, inspired by the music of Vaughan Williams, using the same palette in a contemporary way to create a garden with a long season of interest.
Sledmere has a series of events throughout the year – from a Primrose Ramble in April to Tribfest in August, a lineup of tribute bands, with comedy marquee, silent disco and kidzone. There’s also a great farm shop and gift shop and cfe on the estate.
Gourmets will also love a foodie mooch at Cranswick Farm Shop. It’s a family affair with Manor Farm going since 1939 and the shop since 1989. Quality, taste and provenance of products is at the heart of the venture using local producers and suppliers where possible to ensure fresh and sustainably sourced produce. Check out homemade pies and pastries as well as cheese and cooked meats on the deli counter. Meat is sourced from local butchers and producers.
Burton Agnes Hall is worth a stop-off in march with and Orchid Festival running from March 23-April 7. The ground floor of the house will be a plant paradise with several beautiful orchids through the Great Hall and the adjoining rooms. Stunning, often vibrantly-coloured and highly-scented, a hit of flamboyant floral beauty.
Famous people from Driffield:
John Robert Mortimer - archaeologist and geologist.
Benjamin Fawcett - invented the printing press
The Happy Mondays recorded an album in Driffield at Slaughterhouse Studios.
Don’t miss in 2024
Wolds Rangers Way Walking Festival
Walking guides and organised rambles run by a charity to encourage people to get out and enjoy the Wolds. On June 19, grab a challenge and join the intrepid, ‘The Wolds Rangers in a Day’ walk of 44 miles which starts from Driffield Market Place.
June 16-22 woldrangersway.org
Saddle up
Driffield Show has earned its place as a ‘must do’ event on the calendars of both the farming community and families looking for a good day out. East Riding’s own Atkinson Action Horses will be the main ring attraction this year. Atkinson Action Horses have spent the past twenty years training horses and riders for both film and TV. With credits from Poldark, Victoria, Peaky Blinders, Emmerdale and All Creatures Great and Small – it is an elite force. Visitors are promised an astounding display of tricks and stunts normally reserved for the big screen.
July 17
Driffieldshowground.co.uk
Fancy a move to Driffield?
Properties in Driffield had an overall average price of £206,620 over the last year.The majority of sales in Driffield during the last year were semi-detached properties, selling for an average price of £191,813. Detached properties sold for an average of £298,609, with terraced properties fetching £148,043. Overall, sold prices in Driffield over the last year were 3% down on the previous year and 1% up on the 2021 peak of £203,849.
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