Hedon

Hedon is a town and civil parish in Holderness in the East Riding of Yorkshire. It is situated approximately 5 miles east of Hull city centre.

Heritage in Hedon

Hedon’s must-visit heritage attraction is the majestic Church of St. Augustine which dates back to 1190. It is awe-inspiringly cathedral-like in size and took 250 years to build, with its glorious tower finally completed in the mid-15^th century. Due to its staggering proportions, it is known as the King of Holderness. Find it overlooking Hedon’s cobbled marketplace which comes alive with bustling stalls every Wednesday.

Make sure to take time to visit the other historical buildings in the town, many of which have exhibitions showcasing the story behind Hedon. Call in at the Town Hall to view Hedon’s rare civic silver collection, which includes England’s oldest civic mace. Visit Hedon Museum to discover the origins of the town. Head slightly further afield to Fort Paull, initially constructed as part of Henry VIII’s coastal defence scheme in 1542 and rebuilt in 1808 in response to the possibility of invasion by Napoleon. Fort Paull is now a museum with exhibitions that capture its iconic moments in history and is an attraction that the whole family will love – the junior assault course and labyrinth of tunnels to explore are a particular favourite with children.  

Well-worth visiting is nearby Burton Constable, positioned just north of Hedon. This Elizabethan gem, first built in 1559, was dramatically renovated during the 18^th century by the notable names of the day including landscaped gardens designed by Capability Brown. Explore the beautiful interiors of the hall, adorned with old paintings, priceless stained glass, hand-painted wallpaper and Chippendale furniture.

Hedon on the map

Fact Pack – Hedon

1. Hedon is a small town located in Holderness in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England.
2. The town is situated approximately 5 miles east of Hull city centre.
3. Hedon was once an important port, but its harbour silted up in the Middle Ages.
4. The town’s name, Hedon, is derived from the Old English words ‘heah’ and ‘dun’, meaning ‘high hill’.
5. Hedon is home to the historic St. Augustine’s Church, often referred to as the ‘King of Holderness’ due to its large size.
6. The town was granted its first charter by Henry II in 1158, which gave Hedon the same legal status as York.
7. Hedon became a borough in 1170, and was represented in the English Parliament from the 13th century until 1832.
8. The Hedon Museum, located in the town centre, showcases the history of the town and the surrounding area.
9. Hedon is known for its annual Hedfest, a community festival featuring music, entertainment, and activities for all ages.
10. The town is also home to the Hedon Raceway, a popular venue for stock car racing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Hedon, East Yorkshire

Where Next?

After exploring the charming market town of Hedon in East Yorkshire, there are several nearby places worth visiting. The city of Kingston upon Hull, often referred to as Hull, is just a short drive away and offers a wealth of attractions including the Deep, one of the UK’s largest aquariums, and the Hull Maritime Museum. The historic town of Beverley, known for its stunning Minster and thriving market, is also within easy reach. Nature lovers should head to Spurn National Nature Reserve, a unique and dramatic landscape that stretches out to sea. For those interested in aviation history, the Yorkshire Air Museum in Elvington is a must-visit. Finally, the coastal towns of Bridlington and Scarborough offer beautiful beaches and traditional seaside fun.

See more cities, towns and villages in East Yorkshire.