Brayton, Thorpe Willoughby, Hambleton and Burn
On the outskirts of Selby town you'll find a selection of villages, each with their own stories to tell and a number of businesses that are excited to welcome you.
Between them they're home to friendly and welcoming accommodation, churches, walks, welcoming pubs with locally brewed ale, traditional food, homemade pies and pastries, ancient woodlands, an historic airfield and so much more,
Brayton
The lovely village of Brayton may be small, but it has a long and varied history. It can be found in Saxon documents, as far back as 1030, referred to as ‘Breide-tun’, and then in the Domesday Book, as ‘Bretone’.
William the Conqueror is thought to have granted land in Brayton to Selby Abbey soon after the Conquest, and the affairs of Brayton Church were closely linked with the Abbey up to its dissolution in 1539. The Grade 1 listed St Wilfrid’s Church was built between the 12th and 15th centuries, with the oldest parts of the church possibly built by the Abbot of Selby around 1100.
In the heart is the beautiful ancient woodland of Brayton Barff. Standing 150 feet above sea level, it is popular with both bird watchers and walkers and known for its springtime blanket of bluebells. Spend a couple of hours connecting with nature, follow the footpath to the summit, the highest point for miles, and be rewarded with fabulous views of the surrounding area.
Another way to experience the villages of Brayton and Thorpe Willoughby are with a number of local walks along well trodden paths, including the Selby Horseshoe and the Selby Trails: The Oak Trail. Both are moderate walks that pass through Brayton Barff and take in a myriad of wildlife.
Stock up on picnic goodies at Brayton Farm Shop and homemade pies and pasties at C Dawson & Sons Butchers, and enjoy a lovely day out discovering local history and wildlife, before rewarding yourself with a well deserved drink and dinner at one of the local village pubs, including The Grey Horse, Swan Inn.
Thorpe Willoughby
In the Brayton parish register of the 18th century, this quaint village is referred to as Thorp. The Willeby family were the original residents of the manor in the 13th century and being on the primary road to Selby it grew as the locations around it developed.
Today the village is home to the local, award winning The Fox pub, which serves both ‘Tex Mex’ and traditional food. You can also find traditional Fish & Chips, with the Thorpe Fryer.
Hambleton
Hambleton is a lovely little village to the west of Selby that benefits from being on one of the main routes into the region. It is home to Hambleton Hough, which is a great location for birdwatching and a quick trek up to the top of the hill offers unparalleled views of Hambleton village and across some of the stunning surrounding landscape.
Hambleton has two pubs: The Red Lion and converted manor house, The Owl Hotel, which serves legendary pub classics and Sunday lunches, as well as having 22 en-suite bedrooms, for those wishing to stay a while longer.
Burn
Burn is a small village, just south of Selby, that boasts an impressive history as it’s home to the historic Burn Airfield. The Airfield was made famous by the presence of 578 Squadron during WW2. If you call in to the local pub, the Wheatsheaf Inn and look across the main road, you will see a small commemorative stone that’s dedicated to ‘All who served in 578 Squadron, Royal Air Force, Burn 1944 -1945’. The names of the 219 airmen who flew out of Burn, never to return, are permanently displayed inside the village’s Methodist Church, together with other Squadron mementos.
Do you fancy seeing the region from above? Flying in the heart of Yorkshire, with unique thermaling, is an experience to remember. Burn Gliding Club fly all year and offer trial lessons and air experiences for you and your family to enjoy.
