Set in the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, halfway between York and Hull, Market Weighton boasts a friendly, village-like feel and a rich and interesting history. First inhabited by the Romans, this traditional market town has some interesting claims to fame: it was once home to Britain’s largest sheep market and was the birthplace of one of the county’s tallest men, William Bradley. The famous diarist Anne Lister also spent much of her childhood here.
Nowadays, visitors to Market Weighton can browse quirky gift shops, enjoy a pint in a quiet country pub or follow the Hudson Way – a ten-mile walking and cycling route that links the town with Beverley. While Market Weighton doesn’t have a train station it’s easy to reach by bus. Simply hop aboard East Yorkshire Buses’ X46 or X47 service to explore this hidden gem. If you do visit, here’s our suggested itinerary.
Shop around at Ellie Lane, Bright Ideas and The Flower Merchant
You can alight the bus in the town’s Market Place, at the stop next to or opposite the grassy picnic area and life-sized oak statue of William Bradley. Many of Market Weighton’s best independent businesses are on this same road, starting with Ellie Lane. This cheerful gift and homeware shop specialises in nature-inspired gifts, including eco-friendly wooden utensils, garden decorations and fairtrade accessories that can be purchased with wrapping paper for the perfect present. A few doors down you’ll find Bright Ideas: a design-led interiors shop with a boutique feel that stocks everything you need to style your home. You can also pick up treasures to delight all ages here, from JOMA silver-plated jewellery and Pump Street chocolate to cuddly Jellycat toys and St. Eval scented candles. If the first signs of spring have got you excited for the imminent arrival of its blooms, The Flower Merchant is the place to head. This local florist sells gorgeous seasonal bouquets to take home and enjoy, along with plants for your house and garden and treats like spirits and chocolate.
Get coffee at Gelato Lounge
When it comes to refreshments, Market Weighton’s Gelato Lounge has it all – fresh coffee, smoothies, gins, wines and lots of ice cream. With its modern rustic interior, this lively café on Southgate has built its own community through regular events such as musical performances and pizza and prosecco nights. If you’re just calling in for coffee, you can order this in a style of your choice accompanied by waffles, cake or ice cream. This comes in a regularly-changing range of flavours that includes options like coconut and hazelnut crunch, Jaffa Cake, tutti frutti or salted caramel.
Dine at The Bay Horse
Why not extend your time in Market Weighton by staying for lunch or dinner too? Located in the town’s Market Place, close to the stop for buses back to York or Hull, The Bay Horse is an independent, family-run pub that serves delicious homemade food, cask ales and wines from around the globe. Sitting indoors by a real log fire, or on its patio in the warmer weather, you can tuck into light bites such as sandwiches or deep fried salmon cakes here. Alternatively, you can choose something more substantial from the pub’s main menu, which features starters like sticky beef short rib or baked stuffed fig. These can then be followed by mains including duck breast in a five-spice peach sauce or a sweet potato, roasted beetroot and soft garlic cheese tart.
Images – @ellie_lane_homeware_gift_shop, @brightideasltd, @flowermerchant
