Local Information North Ferriby
North Ferriby is a vibrant, semi-rural East Yorkshire village on the scenic Humber Estuary. The village is of historical international importance as the place where three of the oldest sewn plank boats in Europe dating from the Bronze Age, were discovered (now in the care of Hull Museums). The site where they were found on the foreshore is only a few minutes’ walk from the cottage where you are staying.
The village was a Danish settlement from 900 AD, known as Ferja bi (place by a ferry) because of the ferry that linked it to South Ferriby across the River Humber. It was the site of Ferriby Priory, c1160, of the order of Knights Templar, dissolved in 1536. Later, the village became popular with rich Hull merchants who build large, elegant houses with cottages for workers.
Today, local shops include a chemist, newsagents, hairdressers (opposite the church) and a well-stocked Co-op (on Ferriby High Road). For entertainment, food and drinks there’s an excellent pub – the Duke of Cumberland where David Bowie’s band The Spiders from Mars, featuring Hull guitarist Mick Ronson used to play (as your ancient hosts remember). There’s also a Squash Club, three Tennis courts, playing fields that are home to the cricket ground, tennis club and the brilliant North Ferriby FC (with its own bar) with a great playground and Skate Park nearby.
For dining, the fabulous Indian restaurant Ruthvika Spices and Kitchen is recommended for an upmarket experience and The Duke of Cumberland on Ferriby High Road serves good bar meals. If you want to order a takeaway, Low Street Pizza serves burgers along with Italian fare, BBQ Grills, Wraps, Salads and cheesy chips etc. The Riverside Walkway Café next to Riding for the Disabled is just around the corner for takeaway or dine-in snacks including sausage and bacon baps and toasties, whilst Ferriby’s Coffee House serves breakfasts and afternoon teas.
North Ferriby is a great start off point for walks along the foreshore with stunning views over the Humber estuary and towards the Humber Bridge. Around the corner from the cottage, you can combine a coffee at the café with a wander through an Enchanted Wood, follow the Pond Loop, or stroll along the riverside. Fron here you can also take a bike ride or hike to the Humber Bridge.
The Yorkshire Wolds Way, a gentle meander through wooded slopes and chalk valleys can be picked up from Old Pond Place nearby. This National Trail ends at Filey 79 miles away so you may not want to do all of it! For circular walks there’s the Humber Bridge Loop, St Helens to Welton Water loop from Ferriby or The Queens Green Canopy – Old Railway Bridge loop.
For a fascinating walk to discover the history of North Ferriby we recommend the Village Trail by Miss K. Laister, modernised by Mr S J Hudson. A link to the site is below:
https://ferribyvillagetrail.wordpress.com/
Further Afield
The village train station is just two minutes’ walk with excellent links to the cities of Hull and Doncaster and the beautiful town of Beverley is just a short drive away.
Journey times: Hull 15 minutes. Melton 5 minutes. Beverley 20 minutes. A63 / M62 5 minutes. Railway station 2 minutes’ walk.