When you think of 'The Wolds', it's usually The Cotswolds that springs to mind. However, you may be surprised to discover that Yorkshire has its very own 'Wolds' - and they're just as peaceful, charming and full of character. With glorious, gently undulating hills, perfect for picnics, and picture postcard villages with landscaped gardens and ponds aplenty, this pretty stretch of Yorkshire countryside is not to be missed.
Introducing the Yorkshire Wolds
The Yorkshire Wolds is a stretch of pretty rolling hills and valleys, south of the North York Moors and stretching from the charming market town of Beverley to the town of Hessle on the banks of the Humber. The magnificent, unspoiled scenery, beautiful market towns, outstanding country houses and sweeping coastline ensure that many visitors return year after year.
Market towns and magnificent houses
From the Yorkshire Wolds to the Holderness Plain, the scenery is just breathtaking. Open roads lead to ancient market towns such as Howden, Hedon, Pocklington, Driffield and the historic town of Beverley, with its breathtaking Gothic Minster and lovingly preserved old streets and stone buildings.
The Wolds also boasts plenty of characterful inns, fine churches and magnificent country houses. Take a step back in time and experience the grand lifestyles of wealthy landowners with a visit to Burton Agnes and Burton Constable - two outstanding Elizabethan country houses, and the outstanding Sledmere House and Sewerby Hall.
David Hockney
Bradford-born David Hockney, the godfather of British art, is synonymous with America and a vivid world of swimming pools, sunshine, palm trees and luxurious living. However, all that is about to change as his latest body of landscape work reclaims Hockney for the county of his birth.
The undoubted show stealer of his Royal Academy exhibition, David Hockney RA: A Bigger Picture is the Yorkshire landscape and in particular the Yorkshire Wolds an area Hockney knew as a child.
Why not download our David Hockney Trail?
Discover more of artistic Yorkshire
Walk the Wolds
The 79-mile Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail attracts thousands of visitors every year, due to the sheer natural beauty of the scenery, the picturesque villages and the opportunity to explore some lesser-known parts of Yorkshire. As well as the Wolds Way, the area also boasts some awe inspiring natural wonders including the Bempton Cliffs Nature Reserve with its white cliffs and charming puffins, and the wildlife paradise of Danes Dyke Beach. Other Yorkshire Wolds attractions include the Yorkshire Wolds half marathon, an annual event that attracts runners from all across the country for a gruelling but undeniably scenic run. Not for the fainthearted!
Treat Yourself to a Yorkshire Picnic Hamper!
What better way to enjoy the scenery of the Wolds on a sunny day than to pack up a feast and take off for a day of exploring, and find yourself a beautiful spot to sit back, relax and indulge in some delicious Yorkshire produce! Pack up your own from one of the fab Foodie Shops across Yorkshire, or if you feel like a treat, collect a perfectly indulgent picnic from a Wolds Picnic Hamper Provider.