Attractions and Places To See around Sutton Upon Derwent - Top 20

The oldest surviving cast-iron railway bridge of its kind in Britain, dating back to 1847. - The last train crossed the viaduct on 27 November 1965, after which the line was closed and the structure fell into disuse. By 1991, its condition had deteriorated so badly that East Yorkshire Borough Council planned to demolish it, estimating costs at £60,000. Thanks to local protests and rail heritage campaigners, the demolition was halted. The viaduct was restored and now forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, preserving its legacy for public enjoyment.

The oldest surviving cast-iron railway bridge of its kind in Britain, dating back to 1847. - The last train crossed the viaduct on 27 November 1965, after which the line was closed and the structure fell into disuse. By 1991, its condition had deteriorated so badly that East Yorkshire Borough Council planned to demolish it, estimating costs at £60,000. Thanks to local protests and rail heritage campaigners, the demolition was halted. The viaduct was restored and now forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, preserving its legacy for public enjoyment.

Along with The Norman House near Stonegate, this is probably one of the oldest surviving buildings in York, and is the only Bar with its Barbican intact. Walmgate Bar consists of a passageway with arches at each end and a rectangular gatehouse of two storeys above. There are bartizans at the angles towards Lawrence Street, and at the rear is a timber-framed projection supported on two stone columns. The barbican, portcullis and wooden inner doors still remain. The Bar is built of magnesian limestone and was heavily restored in 1645–8. Its upper floors have been used by Gatehouse Coffee for a few years now, and were once a bookshop. Walmgate Bar is first mentioned in the mid 12th century. The earliest surviving masonry, the inner arch of the main gate, is of this date.

The Red Tower is located next to what used to be a fairly sizeable lake known as the ‘Kings Fishpond’. The lake was formed in 1068, when William the Conqueror dammed the river Foss at Fishergate, raising the water level by 2m (6ft). A map of 1610 by John Speed shows how the water provided a very effective defence as it spread over low ground to the east of the city and also some distance up Tang Hall Beck. It shows the medieval city walls surrounding Walmgate from Fishergate Tower to Red Tower, each ending next to the waters of the flooded river Foss. Lots of info on this landmark if you are interested: https://www.yorkwalls.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Red-Tower-History-rev-2.pdf (7-page pdf) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_Tower_(York) http://redtoweryork.org.uk/red-tower-history/ https://yorkcivictrust.co.uk/heritage/civic-trust-plaques/red-tower/

A beautiful rural canal of two halves, the upper reaches of the Pocklington Canal between Canal Head and Melbourne is characterised by un-restored locks, tree lined towpaths, and classic humpbacked bridges. Only the lower reaches of the canal is open to boats, lying in an open landscape of floodplains and meadows, rich in wildlife, and identifiable by its distinctive swing bridges. Once threatened, the canal was saved by the work of local volunteers and campaigners, and is now home to three Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Look out for Church Bridge and Swing Bridge No. 7 on the Pocklington Canal – both recently restored. Lots of history on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocklington_Canal Maps (and other useful pages) on the Pocklington Canal Amenity Society website: https://www.pocklingtoncanalsociety.org/maps

This is a beautiful rural canal that stretches 9.5 miles (15 km) between East Cottingwith and Canal Head. The canal path is lined with trees and passes by numerous original locks and elegant humpbacked bridges. It's a delightful stretch of walking – truly.

This impressive old railway viaduct that spans over the River Derwent is built from beautiful red brick and consists of 15 arches. Once a vital link for the railway connecting York and Market Weighton, this structure stands as the largest remaining remnant of that historic railway line. Today, it has transformed into a tranquil and traffic-free crossing, offering a picturesque vantage point to admire the waterway below.

The Walmgate Bar is one of York's medieval city gates. It still has an upstream kennel. Inside there is a beautiful café (Gatehouse Coffee) with seating on different floors and on various parts of the wall, really great and quaint. 👍