The Yorkshire Wolds form the northernmost chalk hills in Britain, rolling across the East Riding of Yorkshire in a landscape of dry valleys, wide skies, and ancient market towns. Visit Hull & East Yorkshire, the official tourism body for the region, produced this brochure to inspire visitors to explore an area that moves at its own pace – offering golden beaches, wildlife-rich coastline, and countryside that has inspired artists including David Hockney. Whether arriving on foot, by bike, on horseback, or by car, the Wolds reward travellers with scenery and heritage that feel genuinely unspoilt.
The Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail stretches 79 miles (127 km) from Hessle to Filey, threading through chalk grasslands, hidden dry valleys, and hilltop viewpoints that have captivated walkers for over 40 years. Shorter circular routes and family-friendly treasure hunts make the network accessible to all abilities. Cyclists can follow quiet country lanes along the Yorkshire Wolds cycle route, while riders on horseback can explore bridleways through the open countryside. The coastline at Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs – a short drive from the Wolds – brings dramatic sea-stack scenery and one of England's finest seabird colonies.
The Wolds carry thousands of years of human history. The Rudston Monolith, standing 7.6 metres tall in the churchyard of All Saints' Church, is the tallest Lower Neolithic standing stone in the country. The deserted medieval village of Wharram Percy, managed by English Heritage, preserves the ruins of a 13th-century church and the earthwork outlines of a settlement abandoned around 1500. Burton Constable Hall in Skirlaugh offers 330 acres of parkland alongside a richly furnished historic house. The market town of Beverley is home to the magnificent Gothic Beverley Minster, one of England's finest medieval churches, while Sledmere House represents the grandeur of the Georgian era on the high Wolds.
Accommodation across the Wolds ranges from traditional bed and breakfasts and country hotels to self-catering cottages, holiday parks, and glamping huts. The food scene punches above its weight: the Michelin-starred Pipe and Glass Inn at South Dalton is among the best-known dining destinations in the East Riding, and farm shops, local produce markets, and cookery schools dot the region. Market towns including Driffield – often called the capital of the Wolds – and Pocklington provide everyday amenities alongside independent cafes and pubs.
The Yorkshire Wolds Way is a 79-mile (127 km) National Trail running from Hessle, near the Humber Bridge, to Filey on the North Yorkshire coast. Most walkers complete it in five to seven days, though individual sections can be enjoyed as day walks. The trail passes through chalk farmland, wooded valleys, and coastal cliffs.
The Yorkshire Wolds has been under consideration for AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) designation, recognising its distinctive chalk landscape as one of the most ecologically and scenically significant in northern England. The area is already celebrated as the northernmost chalk hills in Britain.
David Hockney, one of Britain's best-known artists, drew extensive inspiration from the Yorkshire Wolds, particularly around the village of Millington and the surrounding farmland. His large-scale landscape paintings depicting the Wolds through the seasons brought international attention to the area and are among the most celebrated works of his later career.
Families can enjoy a wide range of activities including graded walks suitable for children, countryside treasure hunts, visits to Burton Constable Hall and its parkland, birdwatching at Bempton Cliffs, and exploration of historic sites such as Wharram Percy. Many farms and rural businesses in the area welcome families throughout the year.
Bridlington, on the East Yorkshire coast, is the closest seaside resort to the Wolds and offers a traditional sandy beach, harbour, and seafront amenities. Flamborough Head and Bempton Cliffs lie further along the Heritage Coast, while Filey, at the northern end of the Yorkshire Wolds Way, provides a quieter beach setting.
Visit Hull & East Yorkshire operated as the destination management organisation for Hull and the East Riding. Tourism promotion for the region has since evolved, with Visit East Yorkshire and associated bodies continuing to represent the area. For the most current visitor information, the official regional tourism websites are the best point of contact.
This brochure is part of the Catalink archive and may no longer be available to order. The information above describes the Yorkshire Wolds & Surrounding Area guide produced by Visit Hull & East Yorkshire. For current details, visit the company's official website.
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