How to spend a day in Pocklington
Pocklington is an attractive market town situated on the western edge of the Wolds, but often overlooked by visitors in the past. In recent years, Pocklington has had a bit of a resurgence with the addition of popular yearly markets and events and the many independent breweries, restaurants and shops dotted around town. Visitors are now escaping the hustle and bustle of the city to explore the new markets and shops Pocklington has to offer and rediscover the charming architecture, rural walks, cycle routes and stunning gardens that locals have been enjoying for decades.
We’ve put together a perfect, relaxing itinerary for your visit in Pocklington, starting, of course, with a morning waking up at Clayfield Farm. Whether you’re spending a romantic getaway in one of our Shepherd’s Huts, visiting with friends in Martin Cottage or having a big family get-together while staying at the Farmhouse, your morning is set to be filled with countryside views, steaming kettles and birdsong. Enjoy a slow breakfast with eggs from our hens and take in the views, before getting ready to head out for the day.
MORNING
Explore the Burnby Hall Gardens in town. These award-winning Gardens are the pride and joy of Pocklington, with lakes housing over 100 varieties of Hardy Waterlily which you can see in bloom in the summer. They also host an annual Tulip Festival in May when 18,000 bulbs are on display throughout the Gardens. Other events are held throughout the spring and summer, such as regular Sunday brass band concerts and outdoor theatre events.
In the town centre, you can also visit the weekly market every Tuesday which features a wide range of stalls selling everything from fresh fruit to handcrafted furniture.
If you’re feeling energised, a walk or cycle could be a perfect start to the day.
Enjoy a walk along the Pocklington Canal, a beautiful rural canal divided into the upper reaches and lower reaches. The upper reaches are perfect for families, with plenty of wildlife to spot and views to enjoy amongst the tree-lined towpaths and classic humpbacked bridges. The lower reaches lie in open meadows dotted with distinctive swing bridges. In the summer, head to Melbourne to enjoy a short cruise aboard the New Horizons Trip Boat.
If you fancy a short bike ride, you can hire a bike from Clayfield Farm on a first come first serve basis. Cycle over to Millington Wood where you can stop and explore the nature. In spring and summer, the wood is filled with bluebells and wild garlic. In autumn and winter, you can expect orange and yellow tinted trees as the wood becomes a quiet refuge for wildlife.
AFTERNOON
It’s time for lunch and there’s no better place than The Hide. You can expect local, seasonal ingredients prepared and cooked skilfully and with a modern twist to create delicious sandwiches and light bites. The café also houses a deli which offers a brilliant selection of homemade cakes, artisan bread and local produce - perfect for purchasing little treats to bring back home. If you fancy an afternoon tea, make sure you visit the Wolds Café or pop into Laveracks butcher’s and deli for lunch on the go.
After lunch, you might enjoy a stroll around the shops in town. If you’re after some more foodie bits, you can pop in to Peppercorn Health Food Store, where you can purchase loose herbs and spices, or Browns of Pocklington for some fresh, local produce. Don’t miss out on Dilly Dally, a shop filled with treasures from French and English markets, handmade home accessories and antiques. Celebrations is another independent, family-run shop selling gifts, cards, small homewares and accessories. Make sure you also pay a visit to Allsorts where you can peruse a charming selection of antique furniture, vintage books, art and more.
After a full day exploring the town, it’s time to head back to Clayfield Farm where you can unwind with a glass of wine in the bath. In the winter, you can start a log fire to sit by and read or enjoy the hot tub as the sun sets, if you’re staying at the Farmhouse. In the summer, you can spend time in the garden or private patio and enjoy the views of the surrounding fields.
EVENING
A day out in Pocklington wouldn’t be complete without some evening food and drinks. Head back into town for dinner from Yuzu Street Food at The Market Tap. If you’re visiting on a Thursday, you can also take part in their weekly pub quiz. Otherwise, simply enjoy the wide variety of Brew York cask and keg lines and indulge in some Asian-inspired street food in a buzzy atmosphere. For a more family-friendly or cosy affair, you might choose to head over to Judson’s for their bistro pub food and tasteful wine selection.
Finally, after a full day exploring the best that Pocklington has to offer, you can return to your cosy accommodation and slide into your plush bed for a good night’s sleep.
Bonus Tips:
Make sure you check out Pocklington Arts Centre for workshops, exhibitions and events taking place while you’re visiting. Don’t miss out on the annual Food and Drink Festival if you’re visiting in spring and the Christmas market if you’re staying in December.
