Attractions and Places To See around Brayton - Top 20
Attractions and places to see around Brayton, a village in North Yorkshire, England, offer a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its flat terrain, making it suitable for easy walks near Brayton and cycling. Visitors can explore remnants of wartime history and enjoy tranquil waterways. Brayton provides opportunities for outdoor activities within a rural setting.
Best attractions and places to see around Brayton
- The most popular attractions is Selby Canal, a cycle_way that was opened in 1778 for transporting goods. It is popular for pleasure boaters and offers a path for cycling.
- Another must-see spot is Birkin Tea Room, a cafe popular with cyclists. It is known for its fast service and reasonable prices.
- Visitors also love RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common, a natural monument with visible remnants of a former heavy bomber operational conversion unit. The common contains patches of concrete and asphalt from old taxiways and flight pans.
- Brayton is known for historical sites, canals, and cafes. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including options for family friendly activities.
- The attractions around Brayton are appreciated by the komoot community, with 72 upvotes and 6 photos shared by users.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Birkin Tea Room
Highlight • Cafe
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Selby Abbey
Highlight • Historical Site
The abbey is open to public visiting daily from 10:00 - 16:00.
Entry is free but they ask for any donations as it's expensive to look after.
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RAF Burn Airfield
Highlight • Trail
Many of the buildings have now been dismantled, but the three runways remain intact and are used by the Burn Gliding Club.
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Selby Canal
Highlight • Cycleway
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Cawood Castle Gatehouse
Highlight • Other
The only remaining parts of the castle are the gatehouse and the banqueting hall. Stones from the destroyed castle were used in the construction of surrounding houses. The foundations of some other structures do remain as well as the castle's cellar, which was excavated in the 19th century.
The gatehouse served as a courthouse until the 1930s, before being used as an officers' mess and a building for the Home Guard during World War II.
The first fortifications on this site are believed to be those built by King Athelstan in the 10th Century.
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Tips from the Community
Spectacular abbey for such a small town. Interesting info board describing the 19th Century cholera epidemic and associated graveyard, much like the one just outside the walls opposite York Station.
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Grade I listed building. The surviving fifteenth-century structures formed part of a fortified medieval palace belonging to the Archbishops of York, which was dismantled in the aftermath of the English Civil War. The only remaining parts of the castle are the gatehouse and the banqueting hall. Stones from the destroyed castle were used in the construction of surrounding houses. The foundations of some other structures do remain as well as the castle's cellar, which was excavated in the 19th century. The gatehouse served as a courthouse until the 1930s, before being used as an officers' mess and a building for the Home Guard during World War II. The first fortifications on this site are believed to be those built by King Athelstan in the 10th Century.
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Royal Air Force Burn or more simply RAF Burn is a former Royal Air Force satellite station located 5 miles (8 km) south of Selby and 0.5 miles (0.8 km) east of Burn in North Yorkshire, England which opened in 1942 before closing in 1946. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Burn
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The Trans Pennine Trail passes through this former airfield. Many information points explain the history of this historic place.
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Open for all visitors (including sightseeing) from 10.00am to 4.00pm daily and the Gift and Coffee Shop is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm (1.30 to 3.00pm on Sundays). Visiting may be restricted during service times. https://www.selbyabbey.org.uk/
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A former Royal Air Force satellite station that opened in 1942, to close in 1946. Many of the buildings have now been dismantled, but the three runways remain intact and are used by the Burn Gliding Club.
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Nice cycle path along the Selby Canal.
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Selby Abbey has been an important place of worship for over 900 years. You can visit or attend services here. Look out for the world-famous stained-glass windows and medieval architecture. There is also a cafe and gift shop. The abbey is open to public visiting daily from 10:00 - 16:00. Entry is free but they ask for any donations as it's expensive to look after.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I visit around Brayton?
Brayton and its surroundings offer several historical sites. You can explore the remnants of a former heavy bomber operational conversion unit at RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common, where patches of concrete and asphalt from old taxiways are still visible. Another site with wartime history is RAF Burn Airfield, a former Royal Air Force satellite station where the Trans Pennine Trail now passes through. For a grander historical experience, visit Carlton Towers, a Grade I listed Victorian Gothic building set in 250 acres.
Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Brayton?
Yes, Brayton offers several family-friendly options. RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common is suitable for families interested in history and nature. Carlton Towers, with its extensive grounds and occasional events, can also be a great family outing. Additionally, the Birkin Tea Room is a welcoming spot for all ages, known for its fast service and reasonable prices.
What outdoor activities can I do near Brayton?
The flat terrain around Brayton is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling or walking along the Selby Canal, which offers a dedicated path. For more structured routes, explore the hiking trails around Brayton, or consider the cycling routes and MTB trails available in the area, which include easy to moderate options.
Are there easy walks near Brayton?
Yes, the flat landscape around Brayton is well-suited for easy walks. The path along the Selby Canal provides a pleasant and generally easy route. You can find several easy hiking routes, such as the 'Brayton Tunnel, Selby Canal – Burn Bridge on Selby Canal loop from Selby' or 'Bluebell Meadow – Woodland Clearing loop from Selby', by checking the hiking guide for Brayton.
Where can I find a good cafe or tea room near Brayton attractions?
The Birkin Tea Room is a highly recommended spot near Brayton. It's particularly popular with cyclists and is known for its fast service, reasonable prices, and a warm welcome. It's a great place to stop for refreshments during your exploration of the area.
What are the best places for cycling around Brayton?
The Selby Canal offers a popular cycle path, though it can be a bit bumpy in places for road bikes and muddy when wet. For more cycling options, including routes like 'Open Plains – Rest Stop by the Canal loop from Brayton' or 'RAF Burn Airfield – Picnic Table loop from Brayton', refer to the cycling guide for Brayton.
Can I learn about local history while visiting Brayton?
Absolutely. Brayton's history is evident in sites like RAF Burn Airfield, a former Royal Air Force station where information points explain its past. The RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common also provides insight into the region's role during WWII. Additionally, the historic Selby Canal, opened in 1778, played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Brayton?
Visitors particularly appreciate the mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. The tranquil waterways of the Selby Canal are popular for pleasure boaters and cyclists. The welcoming atmosphere and good value at places like Birkin Tea Room are also frequently praised. The historical significance of sites like RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial adds a unique dimension to the experience.
Are there any natural monuments or unique landscapes to see?
Yes, RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common is classified as a natural monument. While it features historical remnants, the common itself offers a natural landscape to explore. The Selby Canal also provides a tranquil waterway environment, popular for enjoying nature alongside its historical significance.
Can I find places for a longer bike ride or mountain biking near Brayton?
Yes, Brayton is a good starting point for longer rides. For mountain biking, routes like 'Solar System Cycleway – Millennium Bridge York loop from Riccall' or 'Cawood Bridge – Cawood Castle Gatehouse loop from Selby' offer more extensive options. You can find detailed information and more routes in the MTB Trails around Brayton guide.
What is the best time to visit Brayton attractions?
Brayton's attractions, which include canals, historical sites, and cafes, can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, for outdoor activities like cycling and walking along the Selby Canal or exploring Skipwith Common, the warmer and drier months from spring to early autumn (April to October) are generally more pleasant. Some paths can get muddy during wet weather.
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