Beverley

By far one of the most popular towns in this part of Yorkshire is Beverley, a medieval town which is surrounded on three sides by ancient common lands, known as Beverley Pastures.

The main landmark of the town is the Minster. It was founded early in the 8th century, although damage caused during the Viking invasions and the Norman Conquest means that the present building only dates back to 1220. Today, it’s one of the finest examples of a Gothic church of cathedral size in Europe.

Also founded in this era is St. Mary’s Church, which was initially a chapel of ease for the town’s residents. Inside the church is a carving of the ‘Jolly rabbit’, which is said to have been the inspiration for the white rabbit in Lewis Carol’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Like York, Beverley saw the building of Medieval Bars to protect the town. North Bar is the sole survivor of four or possibly five gateways constructed in the 15th century. With shops famed for its merchandise and fine Medieval and Georgian architecture, Beverley is perhaps one of the most beautiful towns in Britain.