Local Area Information
Local Attractions
Barrow-upon-Humber is a quiet and historic village. It provides the perfect base for exploring North Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and travelling into the beautiful Lincolnshire Wolds. It is close to the bank of the Humber Estuary which is a short walk away and the skyline is dominated by the impressive Humber Bridge.
You might be lucky enough to be here for some of the annual events in the village. Perhaps the most notable is Barrow’s Barrows – held on the first weekend in June. Colourful wheelbarrows of varying designs are displayed in a trail around the village and gardens are opened up to the public. The recently launched BarrowFest is a music festival held on the village playing fields, normally at the start of July. This is a family friendly event and includes a variety of bands playing pop and rock covers, as well as food and drink stalls.
The village of Barrow contains many fine examples of Georgian and early Victorian architecture – particularly around the High Street and Holy Trinity Church. The best way to appreciate this is to take a stroll around the streets.
The Lincolnshire coastline is a short drive away and is incredibly varied - from the traditional seaside resorts such as Cleethorpes, Mablethorpe and Skegness, to the golden beaches and big skies of the Nature coast with its wildlife reserves. There are many options for walking and cycling in the area. Please see later in this file for routes.
Barton-upon-Humber
The closest town is Barton-upon-Humber which is 2 miles away. There is a foot and cycle path that runs along the road from Barrow to Barton. Alternatively, there is a longer but more scenic walk along the Humber Bank (see ‘Walks’ section for further details). Car parking is easily accessible and free in Barton. There is also a train that runs between Barrow Haven Station and Barton.
Barton-upon-Humber dates from the Roman times and it was the largest town in North Lincolnshire as recorded in the Domesday Book of 1066. Its location on the banks of the Humber made it a perfect market town and it was known for its various manufacturing industries such as rope, brick and tile making.
The Ropewalk is an acclaimed arts centre housing a gallery, exhibitions, a coffee shop and artists studios. The Grade II listed building is a quarter of a mile long and Ropery Hall hosts live music, comedy, theatre and cinema. It is worth checking out the events on here – some big names from the comedy world often visit with their work in progress shows, such as Romesh Ranganathan, Rosie Jones and Paul Sinha. It is perfectly located for a walk on the Humber bank or around the nearby Waters Edge Nature Reserve.
Waters’ Edge Visitor Centre: set in an 86-acre Country Park, it celebrates the wildlife and unique environment of the Humber Estuary. The Country Park has two sites of special scientific interest and is home to rare birds, plants and animals as well as two children’s play areas and a network of footpaths, through the meadow and woodland and across the reed beds and ponds.
Far Ings Nature Reserve: Based around flooded pits and reed beds - a legacy of the tile and cement industry, the reserve is now rich in wildlife and is a great place to see the elusive bittern. In spring and autumn it is possible to observe the migrating birds as they move along the estuary, including starling murmurations. The reserve is open all year with free parking and the Visitor Centre is open Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Wilderspin National School: Samuel Wilderspin (1791-1866) is one of the founding fathers of modern schooling. After many years spent travelling and promoting infant schooling, Wilderspin moved to Barton and created his own model Infant School at Queen Street. The schoolroom and playground have been restored and are open for visitors to learn more. It also includes a coffee shop and gift shop.
St Peter’s Church is a Saxon church built in 970AD, with subsequent alterations in the Norman and Medieval periods. St. Peter’s became redundant in 1972, passing into public guardianship. From 1978 until 1984, a major programme of excavation and survey was instituted, exploring the church and its churchyard, and meant that St. Peter’s is the most intensively studied and recorded parish church in the country. It is home to more than 2,800 burials dating from Anglo-Saxon to Victorian times. Remains from these burials (about a quarter of those estimated to lie here) have yielded important information on early medical practice, as well as the history of diseases such as arthritis. It is managed by English Heritage and is open Friday-Sunday and on Bank Holidays.
The Humber Bridge opened to traffic in June 1981, and it was the longest single span suspension bridge in the world at the time. It took eight years and over a thousand workers to build. The bridge revolutionised travel between the south and north banks of the Humber – previously only possible by ferry (dependent on the tide) or by a round trip of 55 miles by road. The view from the bridge across the Humber Estuary is impressive and it is an easy walk or cycle. It is possible to access the footpath from Far Ings Road in Barton-upon-Humber. Crossing the bridge by vehicle involves a toll (currently £1.50 for cars) and it is card payment only.
Thornton Abbey
Founded in 1140, Thornton Abbey rose to become one of the wealthiest English Augustinian monasteries of its day. It was suppressed during the Dissolution of the monasteries in December 1539 although King Henry VIII stayed at the Abbey in 1541 as part of his Northern Progress and subsequently granted it the status as a college for training priests in the newly established Church of England. It passed through the hands of several noble families, until being purchased by Sir Vincent Skinner, a staunch Puritan who demolished most of the Abbey buildings.
Its ornate and impressive gatehouse is all that still stands and is the largest in Britain. It is managed by English Heritage and entry fees apply, although the gatehouse can be seen from the road and there is a picnic area directly in front of the entrance.
Normanby Hall and Country Park
A 300 acre estate surrounding a Regency hall built in 1825 by the Sheffield family, former Dukes of Buckingham, for use during winter and the shooting season. The house is open to the public and has been furnished in the Regency style with various art exhibitions and displays concerning the history of the house and family.
The surrounding parkland includes a walled garden, fishing lake, deer park, woodland area and a Go Ape course.
Elsham Hall Gardens and Country Park
Gardens and a country park with a giant carp lake, walled garden, adventure playground, tea room and plant nursery. They run a selection of dates in Spring where entry to the lambing sheds is permitted.
Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Grimsby Fishing Heritage Centre tells the story of Grimsby’s fishing past by transporting visitors back in time to its 1950s heyday; following in the footsteps of fishermen braving the dangers of the Artic fishing grounds. It is also possible to tour the Ross Tiger – the oldest restored diesel sided trawler in the UK – which is permanently moored outside the centre.
Cleethorpes is a traditional seaside resort with a big sandy beach, donkey rides and arcades. The Cleethorpes Coast Light Railway is one of the oldest miniature costal railways and runs a two mile journey along the coast. It is possible to catch a train from Barrow Haven station directly to Cleethorpes.
Just outside Grimsby in the village of Ludborough is the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway which run heritage steam engines on selected dates.
Hull
Hull is a maritime city with a long history, distinctive accent and unique cream telephone boxes. It was City of Culture 2017 bringing new investment to the city. Hull’s old town boasts cobbled streets, impressive buildings and old pubs. It is also home to the Museum Quarter – many of which are free to enter – Wilberforce House (birthplace of abolitionist William Wilberforce), Streetlife Museum of Transport and the Hull and East Riding Museum. Take a look at Hepworth’s Arcade and Trinity Market.
Hull’s Fish Trail is a walking trail of 41 marine sculptures leading visitors around the Old Town and Riverside areas – a good way to explore the city for the whole family. The Humber Street area has been recently re-developed and houses several independent shops, bars and restaurants.
A visit to Hull isn’t complete without a trip to award winning aquarium, The Deep, with its iconic glass front jutting out over the Humber.
There are currently major renovations underway to several sites which aim to showcase Hull’s Maritime History – due to open in 2024/5. These include the Hull Maritime Museum, Spurn Lightship and North End Shipyard.
Beverley
A beautiful and historic market town North West of Hull, with a majestic medieval Minster, a mix of independent shops and a regular market on a Saturday.
Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens
A magnificent Elizabethan manor house and gardens close to Driffield. The family still live in the house which is open to the public. The gardens consist of a walled garden, adventure playground, gift shop and tea room.
The adjacent old Manor House (the original Norman hall) is managed by English Heritage and is free to enter.
Lincoln
A beautiful and historic city, easily accessible by road – roughly a 50 minute drive, and a lovely day out. The city is centred around the majestic Lincoln Cathedral (between 1311 and 1548 it was the tallest building in the world) which is well worth a visit and a chance to see the famous Lincoln Imp. The surrounding Bailgate and Steep Hill houses many independent shops, pubs and restaurants in historic buildings.
Lincoln Castle provides the opportunity to walk the Medieval city walls with great views across the city and to explore the restored Victorian prison. There is the unique chance to see original copies of the 1215 Magna Carta and 1217 Charter of the Forest – the only place in the world to see original copies of both documents together.
A Farmers Market is held on the third Saturday of each month on Castle Hill. There are several museums and art galleries to enjoy in the centre of Lincoln and the International Bomber Command Centre is located just outside the city – celebrating and remembering the sacrifices made by the World War II aircrew, ground crew and support staff of Bomber Command.
York
The Roman city of York is accessible by car or by train from Hull. If driving then it is recommended to use the Park and Ride services (closest is Grimston Bar). York’s charming cobbled and crooked streets host some great shopping, restaurants and bars. There are many interesting places to visit such as York Minster, the National Railway Museum, Jorvik Viking Centre, Clifford’s Tower and the York Dungeon.
Epworth
The birthplace of John and Charles Wesley, founders of Methodism. The Old Rectory which was home to the family, is open to visitors from March to October. There is a walking route called the Wesley Trail which guides you around key sights in the town that were significant to the Wesley family and the history of the Methodist movement.
Eating and Drinking
In the village
The Royal Oak pub in the marketplace is the only surviving pub in Barrow. It is open daily and serves food. The Golden Dragon is a Chinese takeaway also located in the marketplace. Barrow Pizza serves fish and chips, pizzas and kebabs to takeaway and is on the High Street, a stone’s throw from Papist Hall.
Barton-upon-Humber
There are several pubs in Barton serving good food including The George Inn, The Sloop Inn and The Wheatsheaf. Chao Baan on the High Street serves excellent Thai food – it is only small so booking is essential. The Imaginarium in the Marketplace is known for its modern British cuisine.
There are several good Indian Restaurants. Our favourite is Bengal Village (they do good takeaway also) but The Surma is a Barton institution. Barton has multiple fish and chip shops which serve good takeaway fare.
There are cafes throughout Barton. The several located down by the River Humber (at the Ropewalk, Waters Edge or the Old Tile Works) are particularly convenient to combine with a walk along the Humber Bank.
Further Afield
There are other good options for eating which are a short drive from Barrow-upon-Humber. The Hope and Anchor is a gastropub based in South Ferriby which is Michelin recommended. If you are looking for an extra special meal then Winteringham Fields is Lincolnshire’s only Michelin starred restaurant and is based a 20 minute drive away in the village of Winteringham. The Marrowbone and Cleaver in Kirmington is owned by the sister of motorbike racer Guy Martin and serves traditional pub food.
Hull has a myriad of great places to eat, particularly around the Marina and on Humber Street. Options range from fancy dining to casual eats. We like the Brain Jar in the Old Town for relaxed pizza and great cocktails. The Hispanist is a favourite of ours if you looking for modern tapas for a special occasion – booking necessary.
Fish and chips are a big deal in this part of the country – as you would expect being so close to Grimsby and Hull. Cleethorpes offers some good options for traditional fish and chips close to the sea. Papas restaurant perhaps boasts the best location being on the pier itself and it has won several awards for its food.
If you find anywhere locally that you particularly enjoy then please let us know – we love discovering new places to eat and drink in our local area!