Driffield to Burton Agnes

Taking advantage of the good weather, and in search of old historic houses we decided on the final destination to be Burton Agnes Hall. However, to get to the start required a train trip. Please ask Kym about transport costs, it will be a rewarding conversation.

Why Burton Agnes Hall?

• It’s an old Elizabethan stately home (constructed 1598-1610)
• filled with variety of tapestries, art and ceramics
• English garden and woodland (although end of season)
• Good pub stop on the route.

Driffield

Starting out at Driffield, had us going through the centre of the town. It was also market day – so we had a look around the stalls which comprised of bread, pork pies, tarts, olives, Turkish delight, cheap clothes, shoes, toys, concrete garden objects and plants.

Getting out of Driffield was pretty simple (oh … love small towns), and we were soon on the country roads. Surprisingly we did encounter traffic lights near roads works and building development on the edge of town.

Country Roads

The country roads are truely a pleasure to cycle. They may be one lane in both directions, but the drivers so far have been respectful. Once you get even further out from the little towns the roads are really only wide enough for one and a half cars. The below picture is a prime example. There were hardly any cars, and the most traffic we encounter on this day one these types of roads were two cars, a tractor, a couple of cyclists.

Lunch

As you expected Kym had found the perfect stop for lunch at St Quintins Arms – menu below.

While the menu looked good – we both went for the lamb specials (apologies non meat eaters – on the bright side these people knew how they were looked after, where they came from etc). The taste was incredible, and match with sitting outside we were not disappointed by the entire experience at this place. If you are in Yorkshire – GO HERE.

While we enjoyed sitting outside we had to get going… back on the bike to the hall.

Railway Crossings Yorkshire Style

Along the route there were two occasions where we had to cross railway tracks through gates. These required checking to ensure no train was coming before going across the tracks. We were saying “I bet they hardly ever get used… “ when we crossed we saw lights down the track.. just to prove us wrong. These are only used by locals based on the signage.

Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens

In addition to the house, there is also an old church and and Norman building (at least I think that is what it was). The art works are of a broad range, as the family collects art and fine furniture. They even commissioned famous English tapestry designer Kaffe Fasset (yes Vivienne!) do create an original for their house >> see below.

The grounds are large and have a walled vegetable section – with maze. We only got lost once. In addition there is a children’s outside playground and woodland correct with wooden carvings. Like many of these places you can also grab a bite to eat and purchase plants. We had a quick food stop before catching the bus home – yeah for folding bikes! After 4pm it gets cold quickly and its best to be on the way home.

Truely a fabulous day on the Brompton bike

Resources

• This ride was based on the GPX file from GPS Cycle and Walking Routes for Driffield to Bridlington.
• We however made some changes that you can see on Strava.
• Lunch stop is highly recommended at St Quintin Arms. You can stay here too!
• Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens. You can get some ideas from www.castlesandgardens.co.uk