We pay a visit to the scenic and historic Wetherby, Spofforth, and Boston Spa, which together make one of West Yorkshire’s most inviting corners for a day out this summer.
The beautiful market town of Wetherby and the surrounding areas have long welcomed travellers passing through. These days, they’re much more than just a stopping-off point – drawing visitors for their history, riverside walks, and a growing number of independent shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Wetherby’s story begins on the Old Great North Road, where it became the halfway staging post for travellers journeying between London and Edinburgh and its ancient coaching inns still carry a tradition of centuries of hospitality. The town was granted its Royal Charter in 1240 and has been a crossing point on the River Wharfe since Roman times, with the riverside today offering some of the area’s most popular walks and picnic spots. The view from the riverside was even striking enough to catch the eye of JMW Turner, who sketched the bridge in 1816, with the drawing now hanging in the Tate gallery in London. The artist returned to Wetherby many times during his long association with Yorkshire.
At the heart of the town is The Shambles, originally built by the Duke of Devonshire as a row of butcher shops before becoming a covered market where farmers traded their produce. It now houses specialist craft shops, quaint tearooms, and restaurants, making it a natural spot to while away an afternoon. Wetherby Racecourse is a perennially popular destination hosting regular steeplechases alongside exhibitions and arts, crafts, and antiques fairs throughout the year. For those wanting to explore the town’s past in more depth, the Blue Plaque Trail offers a self-guided tour of Wetherby’s historical sites. Meanwhile, Doctor Who fans can seek out the Wetherby Tardis, a much-loved blue police box that continues to delight visitors and locals alike.
Boston Spa offers a distinctive but complementary character. The village’s earliest building dates back to 1753, and it expanded steadily through the 18th and 19th centuries into the fine Georgian village it remains today, its architecture offering a glimpse into its heritage along the Wharfe. The village has a busy and vibrant high street lined with shops, restaurants, cafés, and pubs, along with a library, post office, and free car parking. The well-equipped village hall is the hub for much of local life, hosting a variety of activities that keep the community connected.
The spa town also has an unexpected claim to fame as home to a site of the British Library, sitting alongside popular local attractions such as Kanyu Escape for anyone after an afternoon of puzzle-solving. A short drive away lies the picturesque village of Spofforth, best-known for its 13th-century castle – the ruined medieval residence of William de Percy dating back to 1067. The terms of the Magna Carta were drawn up at Spofforth Castle in 1215 before they were presented to King John at Runnymede.
This hidden gem along the banks of the tranquil River Crimple is renowned not only for its stunning natural beauty but also for its vibrant sense of community.
Some of Yorkshire’s best days out can be found just a few miles down the road from LS17. And with the Yorkshire Dales, North Yorkshire Moors, and the east coast all within easy reach, they make a natural base for exploring further afield too.
