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Selby

Barlow

Attractions and Places To See around Barlow - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Barlow offer a diverse range of historical and natural points of interest. The region features significant historical sites, including remnants of former airfields and notable religious buildings. Its landscape is characterized by waterways like canals, providing routes for exploration. This area presents opportunities to discover local heritage and scenic routes, making it a destination for top rated attractions Barlow area.

Best attractions and places to see around Barlow

  • The most popular attractions is…

Last updated: July 2, 2026

Birkin Tea Room

Highlight • Cafe

Popular with cyclists - fast service, very reasonable prices, and always a smile and a warm welcome.

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Selby Abbey

Highlight • Historical Site

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. …

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RAF Burn Airfield

Highlight • Trail

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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Selby Canal

Highlight • Cycleway

The 6-mile long Selby Canal was opened in 1778 as the Industrial Revolution began to make way in the UK. The canal was used to transport goods, especially to York …

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Cawood Castle Gatehouse

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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.

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Tips from the Community

RichD
August 31, 2024, Selby Abbey

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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Targi
May 16, 2024, Selby Abbey

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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Scotty C
February 25, 2024, RAF Burn Airfield

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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Gerhard Wilhelm
October 20, 2023, Selby Canal

Nice cycle path along the Selby Canal.

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51m
November 13, 2022, Selby Abbey

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

Are there family-friendly attractions around Barlow?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. You can explore the historical Howden Minster Ruins, which are free to enter and offer a glimpse into 14th-century architecture. Additionally, the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common provides an interesting historical site within a natural setting, with remnants of an old airbase to discover.

What historical sites can I visit near Barlow?

Barlow is rich in history. You can visit the Howden Minster Ruins, a beautifully decorated 14th-century chancel and chapel house. Another significant site is RAF Burn Airfield, a former Royal Air Force satellite station where you can still see the runways and learn about its wartime history. The RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common also offers insights into the region's aviation past.

Where can I find a local cafe popular with cyclists near Barlow?

The Birkin Tea Room is a highly recommended local cafe, especially popular with cyclists. Visitors praise its fast service, reasonable prices, and warm welcome, making it an ideal stop during a walk or ride.

What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Barlow's attractions?

The area around Barlow offers various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling along the Selby Canal, which is a 6-mile cycle way. For more extensive options, there are numerous cycling routes available, such as the 'Selby Canal – Selby Canal Towpath loop'. You can find more cycling routes in the Cycling around Barlow guide.

Are there hiking trails near the attractions in Barlow?

Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. The Trans Pennine Trail passes through the former RAF Burn Airfield, offering a chance to explore history while walking. For dedicated hiking, you can find various trails, including easy and moderate options like the 'Selby Canal Towpath – Selby Canal loop'. Discover more hiking routes in the Hiking around Barlow guide.

What is the best time of year to visit Barlow for walking?

While specific data on the best time for walking isn't provided, the region's waterways and historical sites are generally enjoyable year-round. However, for comfortable walking conditions, spring and autumn typically offer milder weather. Some paths, like those along the Selby Canal, can get muddy when wet, so consider this during wetter seasons.

Can I find easy walks near Barlow?

Yes, there are easy walking options available. The Selby Canal offers a relatively flat path suitable for leisurely strolls. For more structured easy walks, you can explore routes like the 'Selby Canal Towpath – Selby Canal loop from Brayton' which is around 4.7 km. More easy routes can be found in the Hiking around Barlow guide.

Are there any natural features or waterways to explore?

Absolutely. The Selby Canal is a prominent waterway, offering scenic views and opportunities for cycling and walking. It was historically used for transporting goods and is now popular with pleasure boaters. The area also features natural settings like Skipwith Common, where the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial is located.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Barlow?

Visitors appreciate the diverse range of historical and natural points of interest. The historical sites, such as the Howden Minster Ruins and former RAF airfields, offer fascinating insights into the past. The scenic waterways like the Selby Canal are popular for outdoor activities, and local spots like Birkin Tea Room are valued for their warm welcome and good service.

Are there opportunities for running near Barlow's attractions?

Yes, the area provides several running trails. You can find routes that incorporate local landmarks, such as the 'Selby Canal – Selby Abbey loop' or the 'Picnic Table – RAF Burn Airfield loop'. These routes vary in distance and difficulty, offering options for different fitness levels. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Running Trails around Barlow guide.

Can I visit the former RAF airfields in the area?

Yes, you can visit the sites of former RAF airfields. RAF Burn Airfield, which operated during WWII, still has its original runways used by a gliding club, and the Trans Pennine Trail passes through it. Additionally, the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common marks another former base, with visible remnants of its past infrastructure.

Are there any circular routes starting near Barlow?

While specific starting points from Barlow itself aren't detailed, many of the nearby routes for hiking, cycling, and running are designed as loops. For instance, the 'Selby Canal – Selby Abbey loop' for running or the 'Selby Canal – Selby Canal Towpath loop' for cycling are circular options that can be accessed from various points in the wider Barlow area. Check the respective hiking, cycling, and running guides for detailed loop routes.

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