Market Weighton was granted its market charter in 1251, The town was originally called Wicstun, which probably means a farmstead on the way (weg), although it is possible that it might have meant a dairy farmstead. The town, which has a population of about 5,000, is roughly half-way between York and Beverley, and makes a good base for touring the Yorkshire Wolds. At one time Market Weighton was a significant railway town, but all that ended in the 60s. And in earlier days it was served by the Market Weighton Canal that opened in 1770. After long neglect and decline, however, only a few miles of the canal are navigable now. Visitors will then have to use the road system to access the town, but that is easy as it lies just a few miles North of junctions 37 and 38 of the M62, or those coming from the north can use the A1079 that thanks to the £5m bypass scheme finished in 1991 takes traffic around the place, leaving the centre a safer and more peaceful place. As well as the more normal tourist agenda, there are two wonderfully quirky reasons to visit Market Weighton. The first is to follow in the footsteps of Giant William Bradley who was born in the town in 1787, returning there at the end of his life to retire. Bradley stood 7’ 9” tall. There is an annual celebration of this Yorkshire Giant in Market Weighton. The second eccentricity to attract the curious is the Kiplingcotes Derby, held every third Thursday in March. This is possibly the oldest flat race in Britain, started in 1519, and endowed in 1669. The horses and riders – who only have to declare on the morning of the event- race around a four-mile rural course of tracks and lanes, the winner receiving £50 in prize money.
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Places to Stay near Market Weighton
Londesborough Arms Hotel (0.13 miles)
Built in 1700 in the bustling town of Market Weighton, the Londesborough Arms Hotel nestles on the edge of the Yorkshire Wolds. Whether your visit is for business or pleasure ... More
Robeanne House (1.22 miles)
A friendly, informal and comfortable guest house, conveniently located for York, the Wolds and the East Coast. The accommodation we offer includes either spacious comfortable suites in the main guest house or luxury log cabins situated ... More | visit website
Red House Farm Cottages (4.88 miles)
Six beautifully furnished two bedroom red brick cottages, set within approximately fourteen acres of countryside. Open plan lounge with wood burning stove, oak floor, beamed ceiling, double bed settee, plasma ... More
Rudstone Walk Country Accommodation (5.42 miles)
Holme Wold Farm (5.47 miles)
The Wolds Retreat (6.04 miles)
If you are looking for hotel or guest house accommodation near York then look no further; a warm welcome awaits you at The Wolds Retreat Bed and Breakfast. North Yorkshire’s most tranquil B & ... More | visit website
Mallard Lodge at The Old Gravel Pit Lodges (6.69 miles)
Click here to book this cottage with Hoseasons
Enjoying splendid views over the lakes and a magnificent setting in a 30 acre private wooded nature reserve on the fringes of the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds, these ... More
Travelodge Hull South Cave (6.77 miles)
There are loads of reasons our customers choose to stay at Travelodge. Our great value clean and comfortable rooms with en-suite provide everything needed for a good night's sleep and are close to where people ... More | visit website
Fox and Coney Inn (7.16 miles)
The Fox and Coney, originally a coaching inn, built in 1759, is set in the idyllic village of South Cave. With 12 bedrooms all with en-suite facilities, it is the ideal place to relax after ... More | visit website
The Ferguson Fawsitt Arms & Country Lodge (8.13 miles)
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