Take a trip to Wetherby and the surrounds for a day out the family will love.
Easy to reach from North Leeds, Wetherby and the surrounding villages offer delicious eateries, eclectic shops and boutiques, exciting events, and panoramic country views.
Wetherby itself is a picturesque market town with plenty of attractions, from its famous collection of pubs to iconic historic sites – the town proudly showcases 21 blue plaques, each a testament to its rich tapestry of history.
Get lost down Church Street, which was home to a church school (now used as a parish centre) originally for the labouring, manufacturing, and poorer classes between 1859 and 1967. The southern half of the street was always a bustling place of work for various tradesmen and today is home to a vibrant array of independent traders including the new And Salt, a unique cookware and ingredients shop run by ex-chef Emma Parr.
Or consider a visit to the independent cinema to unwind, where you can catch the latest releases as well as smaller independent films that rarely make it outside of the big cities – think small British films, foreign language films, documentaries, and contemporary indie films.
Not only is Wetherby home to must-visit attractions, but there are also plenty of events coming up that are well worth taking the trip for. Once a month, the Little Bird Artisan Market comes to town where you’ll find a showcase of quality goods crafted by independent producers and artisans. Enjoy browsing unique creations, chatting with talented artists, and rediscovering the joy of socialising among creative displays. The next one is 8th June.
On 21st & 22nd and 28th & 29th June, the public can meet artists and see them at work in their studios at Artists Around Wetherby Open Studios. There’ll be six artists around the town – and four in Boston Spa – giving a sneak peek behind the curtain into the workshops of painters, potters, ceramic artists, and more.
Drovers Day is the town’s cultural gala and brass band marching contest and will be held on 29th June. The day remembers the time when, for over 200 years, thousands of cattle were walked from Scotland to markets in the south of England via Wetherby. At times, music would accompany the animals on their long trek as it soothed and calmed them. Twenty brass bands from across the north will march and play through the town for four hours as an homage to the tradition. An artisan market will also be in the Market Place and a craft fayre at the Town Hall, so there’s plenty to do and see!
Just down the road sits Boston Spa, known for its characteristic Georgian architecture. The picturesque riverside of the River Wharfe provides a delightful walking route along the Ebor Way. Along the high street, you’ll find a variety of inviting bars, cafés, and restaurants that are perfect for relaxing outdoors and watching the world go by.
The village’s annual Gala will take place on 7th June on the field at St John’s School, where there’ll be a fun fair, stalls, and performances by local entertainers to keep the whole family entertained.
The annual Weekend Festival will take place on 12th and 13th July, and on the 13th, Party in the Park at Stables Lane Park will include a classic car gathering, big screen showing of the men’s Wimbledon final, outdoor bar, inflatables, and giant outdoor board games.
From film buffs and foodies to art lovers and families, there’s something for everyone around Wetherby. We’re sure you’ll find plenty of reasons to return time and time again.
