Beverley

The medieval town of Beverley is famous for its 13th century Minster, its market and its music. Toll Gavel, Butcher Row, Ladygate, Hengate, Wednesday Market and Saturday Market, the street names alone conjure up images of life in medieval Beverley. Today, tucked away down these narrow streets are quirky shops, cafes and restaurants, and on every other corner is a pub full of history and atmosphere.

Market day is as lively and colourful as ever. At one end of the town stands the magnificent Minster, with Europe's largest collection of musician stone carvings and the 700-year old Percy Tomb, a masterpiece of European medieval art. Equally breathtaking is St Mary's Church, with its brightly painted Minstrel pillar, and the decorated ceiling depicting the Kings of England. Look carefully and you will even find a carving of a pilgrim hare, which was said to be the inspiration behind Lewis Caroll's White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland. The Dominican Friary, the historic Market Cross, the North Bar and the fine Georgian terraces all add to the historic importance and charm of Beverley.

The Art Gallery is renowned, especially for its permanent collection of Frederick Elwell paintings. On the edge of town is the lovely green pasture land of Beverley Westwood and the Racecourse where, as well as regular flat race meetings, a whole host of other events take place throughout the year. Beverley's annual festivals of early music, chamber music and folk music attract visitors from far and wide and celebrate the town's ancient tradition as a centre of musical excellence. A scenic drive from Beverley explores the villages and countryside of the surrounding Yorkshire Wolds.