The Yorkshire Wolds

Yorkshire Wolds - a guide to this lovely area


For self catering holiday accommodation in the Yorkshire Wolds look no further than Broadgate Farm Holiday Cottages - we are located at the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds with easy access of to the many scenic drives, cycle routes and walks across the Yorkshire Wolds. See the landscapes that have inspired David Hockney, 80% of the works on display in his 2012 Royal Academy exhibition were of the Yorkshire Wolds.

The Yorkshire Wolds are a series of gently undulating hills and valleys which stretch in a broad arc from the west of Hull and Beverley up to the north of Bridlington. The hills meet the sea in the north at Flamborough Head which is designated as a Heritage Coast. The whole crescent of the Yorkshire Wolds is 79 miles in length so don't settle for a day trip, stay in the area and explore!

The Yorkshire Wolds were formed in the ice age and this creates unexpected, deep, steep sided and flat bottom valleys which cut through the gently rolling hills. The Northern Wolds have the spectacular sea cliffs and many picturesque villages, this area has a rich history of prehistoric, norse and norman settlements.

The area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and rich cultural heritage. The Wolds are characterized by their gently rolling hills and lush green valleys, which provide a beautiful backdrop for many outdoor activities, including walking, cycling, and horse riding.

Visitors to the Yorkshire Wolds can explore a range of historical sites, including the iconic Beverley Minster, which dates back to the 13th century. The area is also home to many charming market towns, such as Pocklington and Driffield, where visitors can enjoy local produce, traditional crafts, and boutique shopping.

In this central area of the Yorkshire Wolds you will find some fine stately homes, Burton Agnes said to be one of the top 20 stately homes in the country is a fine Elizabethan House with the ruins of the much earlier Norman manor house. Sledmere House is also worth a visit, Millington Dale is very scenic and there are many fine houses Garrowby Hall, Kilnwick Percy, Warter Priory and Londesborough Hall.

Kiplingcoates is the location for the annual Kiplingcoates Derby horse race - the oldest horse race in the country reputed to have begun in 1519. It takes place on the third Thursday in March across farm tracks and fields, the rules state that if the race is not run in any year it must never be run again. The race nearly ended in 1947 when the weather was so bad that no one dared take part, also in the 2001 foot and mouth outbreak and the 2020 pandemic but on each occasion the race was saved by a single rider completing the course.

The Yorkshire Wolds has a rich artistic history, and visitors can explore a range of galleries and exhibitions that showcase the work of local artists. The area is also home to many music festivals, including the annual Beverley Folk Festival, which attracts musicians and music lovers from across the country.

walking yorkshire wolds

Broadgate Farm Holiday Cottages are set in the southern wolds with many attractive villages Walkington, Bishop Burton and Cherry Burton close by. There is also a working windmill at Skidby dating from 1821, it is a wonderful site to see the sails turning as the mill grinds the flour which it sells in the mill shop.

The Yorkshire Wolds Way, a long-distance footpath that stretches for 79 miles, offers visitors the opportunity to explore the area's stunning landscapes and discover its hidden treasures. The path takes in some of the region's most beautiful landmarks, including the Humber Bridge, the Flamborough Headland, and the ruins of the medieval Wharram Percy village.

Look out for a quarry of geological significance, an ancient woodland site, the deserted medieval village, a stunning dry valley and a local brewery along the way! There are also cycle routes along the Yorkshire Wolds. Our local tourist board have been very active in developing some new cycle routes around the area taking in the beauty of the Yorkshire Wolds and East Yorkshire.

David Hockney has spent the last few years painting the Yorkshire Wolds, if you have seen his work why not come and check it out for yourself. Broadgate Farm self catering holiday cottages are on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds between Beverley and Walkington, ideal for exploring this stunning area. Don't wait too long to discover this hidden gem. There is an excellent website with information about the Hockney Trail - check it out.

Enjoy the Yorkshire Wolds

Image credits: Moors Istock/Daniel Bhim-Rao, York Istock/C Wong, Deep Istock/Paul Hutchings, Westwood Istock/Daniel J Rao, Yorkshire Wolds VEY

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