Attractions and Places To See around Thorpe Willoughby - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Thorpe Willoughby include a mix of historical sites, natural features, and community hubs. Located in the Selby district of North Yorkshire, England, the area features notable landmarks such as Grade II listed buildings and remnants of historical airfields. Natural landscapes include woodland areas and canals, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. The region provides a variety of points of interest for visitors.
Best attractions and places to see around Thorpe Willoughby
- The most popular attractions is Selby Canal, a cycle way that was opened in 1778 and historically used for transporting goods. Today, it is popular with pleasure boaters and offers a path for cycling.
- Another must-see spot is Birkin Tea Room, a cafe popular with cyclists. Visitors can expect fast service, reasonable prices, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Visitors also love Carlton Towers, a Grade I listed Victorian Gothic building. This historic house stands in 250 acres of farmland and is used for events and offers accommodation.
- Thorpe Willoughby is known for historical sites, natural features, and local community spots. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from listed buildings to former airfields and canals.
- The attractions around Thorpe Willoughby are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 70 upvotes and 6 photos shared by visitors.
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 natural features can I explore around Thorpe Willoughby?
You can explore Brayton Barff, a prominent woodland area popular for walks, and the Selby Canal, which offers a scenic path for cycling and walking. Other natural spots include Oakhill Nature Reserve and Selby Wildlife Pond for serene walks and wildlife spotting.
Are there any historical sites or landmarks to visit near Thorpe Willoughby?
Yes, the area has several historical sites. Within Thorpe Willoughby, you can find Barff Farmhouse and a historic milestone, both Grade II listed buildings. Nearby, explore the ruins of Wressle Castle, the historic Market Cross in Selby, and the Selby Mining Memorial. The former RAF Burn Airfield and the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common also offer insights into the region's past.
What are some family-friendly attractions in the area?
Families can enjoy leisurely walks at Brayton Barff or along the Selby Canal. The RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common is also suitable for families. For a broader cultural experience, Murton Park, a 16-acre site dedicated to local agricultural history with livestock, is a great option.
Where can I find a good cafe or pub in Thorpe Willoughby?
The village has its own public house, The Fox, which serves as a local gathering spot. For a popular cafe, Birkin Tea Room is highly recommended, especially by cyclists, for its fast service, reasonable prices, and welcoming atmosphere.
Are there cycling routes available near Thorpe Willoughby?
Absolutely. The Selby Canal offers a popular cycle path. You can find various cycling routes, including easy and moderate options, around the area. For more detailed routes, check out the Cycling around Thorpe Willoughby guide.
What kind of hiking trails are there around Thorpe Willoughby?
There are several hiking trails, ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. Many paths explore woodland areas and follow the Selby Canal. You can discover specific routes like the 'Bluebell Meadow – Woodland Clearing loop from Selby' or the 'Selby Canal – Lesser Celandine loop from Thorpe Willoughby' in the Hiking around Thorpe Willoughby guide.
Can I find mountain biking trails near Thorpe Willoughby?
Yes, there are mountain biking trails available. Routes such as the 'Longhorn Cattle – Riccall Water Tower loop from Selby' and 'Cross Keys Pub – Birkin Tea Room loop from Hambleton' offer easy mountain biking experiences. Explore more options in the MTB Trails around Thorpe Willoughby guide.
What is <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/738661" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carlton Towers</a> and what does it offer?
Carlton Towers is a magnificent Grade I listed Victorian Gothic building set within 250 acres of farmland. While it belongs to the 18th Duke of Norfolk, it is primarily used for weddings and events. It also offers accommodation and features a 'Walled Garden Vineyard' where visitors can enjoy wine.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions around Thorpe Willoughby?
Visitors appreciate the mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. The Selby Canal is popular for its scenic beauty and cycling opportunities, while Birkin Tea Room is loved for its friendly service and welcoming atmosphere, especially among cyclists. The historical significance of sites like RAF Burn Airfield also draws interest.
Are there any unique local spots or 'hidden gems' in Thorpe Willoughby?
Beyond the main attractions, Thorpe Willoughby has a strong community feel with its village hall, local shops, village green, and a sports field with an associated bar. These spots offer a glimpse into local life and community activities.
Is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/737758" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Selby Canal</a> suitable for road bikes?
While the Selby Canal path is popular for cycling, some sections can be a bit bumpy and muddy, especially after rain. It's generally more suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes, but road bikes with slightly wider tires might manage, though it may be less comfortable.
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