The arts trail in Beverley, East Yorkshire is based on the theme of the ancient trade guilds which existed in the town.
It starts at the Tourist Information Centre on Toll Gavel (where you can get a free map) and takes in the main town centre areas as well as lesser-travelled streets, and goes all the way through the old industrial areas to the beck, and back again. The route is split in to four parts, so it’s easy to do it in bits. It takes a couple of hours to do the whole lot.
There are cafes aplenty in the town centre, and a few public toilets, though not so many further out. There are some nice places to sit and eat a picnic en route, especially the Beckside, or near the minster.
The route is fairly easy to navigate though some parts of Flemingate are treacherous for larger pushchairs and wheelchairs. A fair amount of the route is along busy roads, so you need to take care with younger children.
Beverley itself is a pleasant market town with lots of history. There is a market on a Saturday in the main square, and parking can sometimes be difficult. We usually park up on a side-street and walk to the town centre.
The town trail takes in places like the ancient and very beautiful minster and the cobbled streets of the town.
The art to watch out for (all explained on the map) includes……
A rope in the pavement…..
A snake up a lamppost….
…and a giant pig cut out of metal (something to do with the butchers’ guild, I think!)
As well as a jesters’ hat, a glove sat on a bench and a set of thimbles to hunt (hint: at least two of them are actual sized!). There are 39 different pieces in total along the trail.
If you live in and around Beverley and you haven’t done the trail yet, then you should. My children love hunting for the next item and I’ve seen parts of Beverley I didn’t know existed.
Free of charge. Takes about 2 to 3 hours.
Written by Joanne Brady