Selby
The Selby district lies right at the heart of Yorkshire. With never ending green fields, charming market towns and hidden historic gems, the district has much to offer.
The spotlight will shine once again on the beautiful market town of Selby during 2019 as the district celebrates the anniversary of the founding of the magnificent Abbey in 1069.
The Abbey is the jewel in the crown of the town and to celebrate its birthday there will be a series of high profile events to mark this milestone. The 'Selby 950' celebrations will last throughout 2019. A series of community events are planned as the town celebrates this significant milestone. We can’t promise Pink Floyd - who played Selby for the 900th celebrations. There will be art installations to highlight the social heritage of the town, a song-writing and singing project with a large scale performance by local school children in the Abbey plus a spectacular parade in July. The parade - due to take place on the Abbey’s patron saints day for St Germain on 31 July - will include music, dancing, puppets and banners to highlight the heroic journey to by monk Benedict to found the Abbey. Later in the year there are plans for a spectacular, and interactive, illumination and sound show that will see the Abbey dramatically light up by an acclaimed artist. The artwork will combine live performance, recorded footage (made during a period of residency in Selby) and interactive live video.
Annual food festivals in Selby and Sherburn support the range of independent cafes, farm shops and restaurants that thrive across the district with a host of new venues opening all the time. With independent breweries like the Jolly Sailor and Selby’s first craft beer café – the Doghouse, the craft beer scene is becoming ever popular too.
The district offers many places that are ideal for an escape from the city. Marvel at the wildlife as you wander round one of the last remaining areas of northern lowland Heath in England; the lovely Skipwith Common. Next door to this, for the more adventurous, is the Yorkshire Paintball and Outdoor Activity Centre. In spring, witness a carpet of colour throughout the ancient woodlands at Brayton Barff, which offers walks suitable for buggies and small children all year round and spot Herons and Kingfishers at Barlow Common Nature Reserve. For bird watching and pond dipping, RSPB Fairburn Ings is a must.
In Selby itself, Selby Park offers five acres of space to explore right in the heart of the town and you can play a quick round of mini golf, while away an afternoon in the pavilion and sample the local, legendary Doubtfire’s ice-cream. Or, if you’re looking for an active, fun filled family day out, the Summit Indoor Adventure in Selby is the perfect answer offering bowling, skate park, aerial trekking, adventure play and climbing all under one roof. Perfect for a rainy, or not so rainy, day out with the kids.
The market town of Tadcaster also has its own vibrant history as a brewery town producing beer made from the waters of the River Wharfe, which starts its journey in the Yorkshire Dales. The oldest of the three present breweries in the town is Samuel Smith’s, which dates from the 1750s. Beer deliveries to the town’s pubs, made by Shire horse and cart, can still be seen each week. Whilst in Tadcaster, visit the beautiful 15th century St Mary’s Church, nestled beside the River Wharfe. The magnificent stained glass window, designed by William Morris & Co is believed to hold two panels created by the designer himself.
With so much to discover, this lovely district has much to offer the discerning visitor, whether it’s just for a day, or a longer stay in the area. For more information visit: selby.gov.uk.
