Destination of the month

Beverley is almost one of those places that you don't need an itinerary due to beauty you see just walking around this beautiful market town - however, there are a few highlights that you've got to find time for, including:

Beverley Racecourse - has been a part of Beverley for over 300 years. Set in the stunning surroundings of The Westwood, the racecourse hosts right-handed flat racing over one mile and three furlongs. Beverley Racecourse is home to some of the most anticipated races in the UK. The Hilary Needler Trophy, Rapid Lad Handicap and Beverley Bullet are all set here. Along with Ladies' Day, these popular events have helped the racecourse win national recognition.Beverley Westwood, with its landmark Black Mill, is home to the ancient Beverley and East Riding Golf Club and is one of Yorkshire's finest and most natural golf courses. Founded in 1889, the Westwood course is arguably the oldest in Yorkshire. It boasts an enviable mix of golfing landscape - parkland, heathland and links - taking advantage of the ups and downs of the rolling fairways and magnificent views of the market town and its spectacular Minster.

Beverley Polo Club - The club was established in 2002 and is set in 110 acres of beautiful Yorkshire countryside. Boasting three outdoor polo grounds, a floodlit indoor arena with viewing area, four club houses and also the host of the spectacular Yorkshire Nations Cup, a prestigious event not to be missed! The international tournament is held over three days with teams coming from as far as India and Argentina! The weekend offers endless entertainment, fantastic polo with teams battling for the cup, ladies day and the famous Beverley Polo Club Ball. Beverley Polo Club always offers a warm welcome to visitors, players or spectators so bring your picnic and come to watch the polo!

Beverley Art Gallery - Beverley Art Gallery is located in the heart of the town. It is a fine example of a purpose built Edwardian Art Gallery and the only arts heritage facility of its kind in East Yorkshire. Holding the largest collection of works by celebrated local artist, Frederick Elwell and running a temporary exhibition and education programme, along with themed exhibitions from the permanent collection.

Beverley provides quite an upmarket shopping experience in a beautiful and historic setting. It is lined with cobbled streets and charming courtyards, all contributing to a sense of charm and affluence. The hustle and bustle of this market town strikes a perfect harmony between past and present, offering an array of things to do. The town centre has many high street names including Monsoon, Jaeger, Burtons, Lakeland, Laura Ashley and M&S.

Away from the household brands though, Beverley is famous for its market. The Saturday market provides a vibrant and friendly atmosphere, each week proving to be as lively and colourful as the one before. As well as the market there are also many smaller, independent shops. Antique shops and craft arcades are tucked away down the narrow streets, amongst a pub on every corner brimming over with history and atmosphere.

One of Beverley's historic shopping streets has been transformed into a beautiful Georgian shopping Quarter and now Beverley's Georgian Quarter is bustling with some of the most exclusive shops and independent boutiques in the area.

Due to open in 2014, is the new and exciting ‘Flemingate' retail and leisure complex in the busy market town of Beverley. As well as masses of large retailers, visitors can enjoy a 5 screen digital cinema, restaurants and bars and much more.

From Michelin star dining through to cosy, pub food - there's something for everyone's taste (and budget) in Beverley, including:

The Pipe & Glass - East Yorkshire's first and only Michelin Star, The Pipe & Glass is committed to sourcing as much local and seasonal produce as possible - but first and foremost it's quality that counts. Dating back to the 15th century, The Pipe & Glass Inn stands on the site of the original gatehouse to Dalton Park, still the residence of Lord Hotham.

Lempicka cafe - Cosy cafe in the town centre offering exciting and delicious food made from scratch every day. The cakes are to die for and the coffee is just as good.

The Westwood Bar & Grill - Simple, yet stylish food, locally sourced, served with informal yet polished service in a contemporary and stylish 70-seater restaurant.

Ferguson Fawsitt Arms - Set in the picturesque village of Walkington, just three miles from Beverley, The Ferguson Fawsitt was named after two important local families. The original license at the Ferguson Fawsitt was granted in 1866 when J.D. Ferguson brother of the rector, married wealthy heiress Miss. Eliza Fawsitt. The Ferguson Fawsitt Arms offers a superb carvery serving a variety of hot and cold food freshly prepared and cooked on the premises. A bar food menu is also available.

Farthing's Steak Emporium - Where bold, flavoursome food, is served in a welcoming & relaxed atmosphere.

Light Dragoon in Etton - A family run pub has the traditional ambiance and welcome feel that is expected. The pub can boast some of the finest food, wines and beers in the area.

Staal smokehouse - An exclusive, award winning, family run business dedicated to delivering the finest smoked products to your door.

As an ideal place to set up base, Beverley is blessed with its fair share of quality accommodation providers with bed and breakfasts, hotels and self-catering options all available here. Highlights include:

Newbiggin B&B - This "five star" B&B is determined to provide the best place to stay in Beverley. Newbiggin House is a Georgian mansion with 38 rooms, situated in a quiet one way street only 105 yards from the town centre.

Broadgate Farm Cottages - A warm & friendly welcome awaits you at Broadgate Farm holiday cottages. Their five self catering holiday cottages have been skilfully converted from period farm buildings and they have 2,3,4 & 6 bedroom units. Each cottage has its own private garden/patio area and the farmstead is set in 19 acres of grass & woodland.

Best Western Lairgate Hotel - The hotel itself offers comfortable accommodation and stylish interiors throughout, with antique furnishings adding to the ambience. They are particularly proud that the hotel has one of the finest Georgian entrance halls in Yorkshire. Their warm Yorkshire hospitality is also worth shouting about, but not loud enough to disturb the peace and quiet of course!

Crowberry Cottage, Bishop Burton - Enjoy a warm Yorkshire welcome with a break in Bishop Burton, one of the most picturesque villages in Yorkshire. A short walk from the renowned Bishop Burton College and surrounded by a rich tapestry of natural beauty, bustling market towns and historic sites. The lovely market town of Beverley is less than 3 miles away. Their beautiful and spacious detached barn conversion sleeps 6 together with ensuite facilities, off road parking and private east facing terrace.

Beverley Arms Hotel - This former Georgian coaching inn features 56 modern en suite bedrooms, but still retains much of the character of its 18th century past. The fine Georgian exterior of the building remains virtually untouched, and inside, traditional furnishings and an original stone flagged floor give the hotel an individual, period character.

If you love live music, you may want to make a date with the Beverley Folk Festival or the Early Music Festival and catch some of Britain's best live performers. These two festivals are the stand out events in the annual Beverley calendar and are not to be missed:

Beverley Folk Festival - For 30 years, the festival has helped to put Beverley on the music map. It's 3 nights & 2 days of: Concerts, Dance, Comedy, Film, Literature, Poetry, Family & Youth Events, Workshops, Craft Fair, Food Outlets, Real Ale Bars, Camping and lots more!

Beverley & East Riding Early Music Festival - The 2013 Festival will run from Wednesday 22 to Sunday 26 May. Guest artists include the Renaissance vocal ensemble Gallicantus the acclaimed harpsichordist Trevor Pinnock and the ever-entertaining Carnival Band with Vivien Ellis.

There are all sorts of treats just outside of Beverley that are worth a visit when you are in this neck of the woods, such as:

Rowley Manor - This fine Georgian grade II listed building was the rectory to St Peters Church, Rowley. In 1969, Rowley Manor was then converted into a Hotel, offering a country house welcome, combined with fine food and excellent service.

Burton Mount Country House - Located at the very heart of picturesque East Yorkshire and hugging the Yorkshire Wolds, Burton Mount Country House offers luxury accommodation for both the leisure and business traveller looking for a perfect Bed and Breakfast and all within easy reach of Beverley, Hull and Bishop Burton.

Nordham Cottages, North Cave - Full of character and charm, Nordham Cottages offers good access to a variety of hotspots around Yorkshire, perfect for countryside, coast, market towns or cities.

Drewton's, South Cave - Winner of 'Taste of Yorkshire' award at the White Rose Awards 2012. At Drewton's get top-notch produce, which is locally sourced and delivered daily. They work closely with over 140 local farmers and suppliers to ensure that customers have access to the highest-quality produce, whilst upholding high standards of freshness, flavour and traceability. They're committed to supporting the surrounding farming community, reducing the need for excessive 'food miles' and championing livestock wellbeing.

The Star at Sancton - Everything that's great about East Yorkshire under one roof. Here they are devoted to sourcing and using local produce from East Yorkshire. This establishment was winner of Most Remarkable pub 2011 in the REYTA awards as well as finalists for Best Restaurant in the 2011 and 2012 White Rose Awards.