Fat Badgers Guide to Quality Inns. The original Guide Listing the very best inns serving good food, wine, beer, ales and hospitality

News

The East Riding of Yorkshire is a county in the northern part of England, located in the region of Yorkshire and the Humber. It encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, from coastal areas to rolling countryside and market towns. Friesian cows (also known as Holstein-Friesians) are a breed of dairy cattle known for their distinctive black and white markings and their high milk production. They are one of the most recognizable and widely distributed dairy breeds in the world and were first seen in the East Riding when they were introduced from the Netherlands.

Towns and cities

Beverley:

Beverley Minster (13th century) is an outstanding example of Gothic church architecture. The town is an agricultural centre with a flourishing cattle market and bakery, and the Beverley race course. Leather tanning, shipbuilding, manufacture of car accessories, aircraft assembly, industrial plastics, and metal plating are the chief industries. St Mary's parish church in Beverley dates from the 13th century. There is an ancient grammar school in the town. The Minster contains the tomb of the Percy family (about 1350), with fine sculptures.

Driffield:

Often referred to as the "Capital of the Wolds," Driffield is a market town with a rich agricultural heritage and a bustling market.

Kingston upon Hull:

City located in East Yorkshire. Hull has a rich maritime and trading history, dating back over 700 years, and has evolved into a cultural and economic hub for the region. It's best known for its seafaring past, industrial heritage, and more recently, for its recognition as the UK City of Culture in 2017, which revitalized the city's image and brought new attention to its artistic and historical significance. Hull was originally founded in the 12th century as a port for the Cistercian monks of the nearby Meaux Abbey, who needed a place to export wool to Europe. The town, then called Wyke upon Hull, was located on the north bank of the River Hull, close to its confluence with the Humber Estuary. In 1299, King Edward I acquired the town and renamed it Kingston upon Hull. He recognized its strategic importance due to its position on the Humber, granting it a royal charter and developing it as a port to serve the royal interests in trade and defence. Hull is also famous as the birthplace of William Wilberforce, the prominent 18th-century politician, philanthropist, and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade in Britain. Born in 1759, Wilberforce is perhaps Hull's most famous historical figure.

Area

2,475 sq. km / 956 sq. miles

Population

615,000 (2022)

Topography

Coastal Areas:

The East Riding has a varied coastline along the North Sea, featuring sandy beaches, cliffs, and seaside towns. Notable coastal towns include Hornsea, Withernsea, and Bridlington. The coast is also home to Spurn Point, a unique nature reserve and spit of land offering birdwatching and walking opportunities.

Commerce

Agriculture and food production:

The East Riding is one of Yorkshire's major agricultural areas, producing cereals, oilseed rape, potatoes and other crops. Farming supports a wider network of grain merchants, agricultural machinery dealers, food processors, farm shops and rural businesses.

Ports, shipping and logistics:

The region benefits from its proximity to the Port of Hull and the Humber estuary's wider network of ports. Trade, freight handling, warehousing, transport and distribution are important to the regional economy.

Renewable energy:

The Humber region is a major centre for offshore wind development and associated engineering, maintenance and port services. Businesses across the East Riding can benefit from supply-chain opportunities in renewable energy and related technologies.

Manufacturing and engineering:

Commercial activity includes food manufacturing, plastics, engineering, metal fabrication, agricultural equipment, construction products and specialist industrial services. Many firms operate from business parks and industrial estates around the larger towns.

Retail and market towns:

Beverley, Driffield, Market Weighton, Pocklington and Howden serve their surrounding rural communities with independent shops, supermarkets, professional services, hospitality and other everyday businesses.

Tourism and hospitality:

Bridlington, Hornsea, Withernsea and the surrounding countryside attract holidaymakers and day visitors. Accommodation, pubs, restaurants, caravan parks, holiday cottages, attractions and leisure businesses are significant parts of the visitor economy.

Famous people

Sir Tom Courtenay, Maureen Lipman

Attractions

Sledmere House:

Stately home located near Driffield. It is one of the finest examples of Georgian architecture in Yorkshire, surrounded by beautiful parkland, gardens, and historic buildings. The house has been the home of the Sykes family for more than 200 years and is renowned for its elegant design, extensive art collections, and historical significance. Sledmere House has been the seat of the Sykes family since the mid-18th century. The family, especially Sir Christopher Sykes, was instrumental in transforming the estate into the grand house it is today. Sir Christopher, who acquired the estate in 1748, began the initial construction and design of Sledmere House.

Natural Landscapes:

The region features picturesque countryside, including the Yorkshire Wolds—an area of rolling hills and farmland known for its natural beauty and hiking trails. The Howardian Hills, located to the west of the East Riding, are an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) offering scenic landscapes and historic sites.

Skerne Wetlands:

These wetlands near Driffield are characterized by their marshlands, reed beds, and seasonal ponds, which provide a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife, especially wetland bird species and aquatic organisms. The wetlands are also part of efforts to protect the River Hull Headwaters, which flows through the area. Ensuring the health of this river system is critical for maintaining the biodiversity of the wetlands and surrounding areas.

Outdoor Activities:

The East Riding offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. The region's coastal paths and countryside trails are popular among outdoor enthusiasts.

Cultural Attractions:

The region hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including music festivals, agricultural shows, and historical re-enactments.

Local Food and Drink:

The East Riding is known for its local produce, including Yorkshire cheese, traditional pies, and locally brewed beers. The East Riding of Yorkshire combines historical charm with natural beauty, making it a great destination for those interested in exploring both cultural heritage and outdoor landscapes.

html5 menu by Css3Menu.com