Best attractions and places to see around Driffield include a blend of historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites within the East Riding of Yorkshire. The area is characterized by rolling hills, the Driffield Canal, and the River Hull, offering opportunities for exploration. Driffield serves as a base for discovering the Yorkshire Wolds and its surrounding villages. Visitors can find a variety of sites ranging from historical estates to nature reserves.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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A beautiful old mansion with a unique interior and a lovely garden. There's also a good café next door. Ideal for a stop.
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The Rudston monolith is the tallest prehistoric standing stone in Britain, measuring almost 8 metres high, nearly 2 metres wide, a metre thick and estimated to weigh somewhere in the region of a massive 26 tons. This giant block of grey sandstone or gritstone was errected here either in the late Neolithic or early Bronze Age and is thought to have been quarried more than 10 miles away in the Cayton Bay area south of Scarborough, although the glacial transportation of a large block of stone that was then shaped and utilised by the prehistoric residents of the area cannot be ruled out. The top of the stone has been weathered and eroded into a fluted peak similar to the stones of the Devil's Arrows and a lead cap was first added to try to preserve it in the 18th century. The churchyard of All Saints that it stands in is of course much younger and although the christianisation of the site took place around 1100AD the stone had already stood here for at least 3000 years. The monolith stands close to the Gypsey Race, an occasional stream that flows along the floor of the Great Wold Valley from close to the barrow of Duggleby Howe in the east, past another pair of barrows at Wold Newton and Willie Howe before turning south past the Argham Henge and Cursus down to Rudston itself where it bends sharply and heads eastwards to the sea at Bridlington. The whole of the Gypsey Race landscape was obviously important in prehistoric times and holds a rich selection of sites, most of which have been destroyed or badly damaged by ploughing, including many round barrows, several long barrows, four cursuses and at least one henge. It continued to retain its importance into the historic period - a major Roman villa was discovered to the southwest of Rudston village. In the corner of the churchyard is a much smaller stone presumably brought here from a local barrow and also the remains of a double cist that was removed from a nearby barrow on Rudston Beacon by the antiquarian Canon Greenwell in the late 19th century.
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Lovely stop by the side of the river - often swans swimming by & egrets in the trees.
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Chalk streams are pristine waterways brimming with biodiversity and distinctive ecology. They flow through chalk bedrock, resulting in exceptionally clear waters and a rich array of aquatic flora and fauna. They provide habitat for a diverse range of species, including trout, grayling, and freshwater invertebrates. However, chalk streams face mounting threats from pollution, abstraction, and habitat degradation, and we need a concerted conservation effort to safeguard these invaluable natural treasures.
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A memorial on the site of the former RAF Lissett airfield, from which the 158 Squadron took off and played an important role during World War 2. There are twelve wind turbines on the site, with eleven turbines named after aircraft and the twelfth to commemorate the six airmen who perished on 2 July 1943, due to an explosion in the bomb dump. The six airmen who perished due to the Bomb Dump incident were: Corporal Leslie Fielding, Aircraftman 1 Lewis Moore, Aircraftman 1 William Mithan, Aircraftman 1 Kenneth Taylor, Aircraftman 2 Robert Mills and Aircraftman 1 Jack Laycock.
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Situated in the churchyard in the village of Rudston, this monolith, which stands at over 25 feet, is the tallest megalith in the United Kingdom.
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The RAF Memorial at Lisset airport was unveiled in 2009 and commemorates the 851 men who died from 158 squadron who were stationed here in the Second World War. The Seven eight-foot tall airmen are hard to miss. The names of all 851 men are inscribed on either side of the figures. It is a very striking memorial when silhouetted against the sky.
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It’s a lot better than the pictures make it look, it was a great ride to the holiday park
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Driffield and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the impressive Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens, an Elizabethan manor house with a unique interior. Another significant site is the RAF Lissett 158 Squadron Memorial, commemorating those who served during WWII. Within Driffield itself, explore landmarks like All Saints Church, the historic Bell Hotel, and Moot Hill, a former Roman settlement.
Yes, Driffield is an excellent base for walking. You can enjoy strolls along the picturesque Driffield Canal and the River Hull at Skerne Road. The wider East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside, particularly the Yorkshire Wolds, offers rolling hills and scenic trails. For more detailed routes, you can find various hiking options, including easy and moderate loops, in the hiking guide for Driffield.
Nature lovers will appreciate the Driffield area. The River Hull at Skerne Road is a pristine chalk stream, a Site of Special Scientific Interest, known for its biodiversity. Just a short drive away, Tophill Low Nature Reserve is a haven for birdwatching, featuring wetlands and woodlands. The Driffield Canal also offers opportunities for wildlife observation.
Families have several options. Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens features award-winning gardens, a children's corner, and a maze. Kilnwick Park and Northend Park offer green spaces, picnics, and dedicated play areas. Gentle walks along the Driffield Canal are also suitable for families.
Yes, the flat grasslands and quiet country lanes of the East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside are perfect for cycling. The Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route passes through the area, offering varied distances. You can explore numerous road cycling routes, including loops to Garton Bottom and Thixendale, by checking the road cycling guide for Driffield.
Beyond the main highlights, consider visiting the Driffield Trout Stream (West Beck), a crystal-clear chalk stream that is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Little Driffield, a nearby village, is traditionally considered the burial place of King Aldfrith of Northumbria and offers a peaceful rural setting. The Driffield Town Trail also uncovers many historic buildings often overlooked.
Absolutely. The area around Driffield offers several mountain biking trails. You can find routes like the Pockthorpe Countryside Path loop or trails connecting to Sledmere Monument. For a comprehensive list of options, including easy to moderate trails, refer to the MTB trails guide for Driffield.
The best time to visit Driffield largely depends on your interests. Summer (July) is popular, especially for the annual Driffield Show, one of the UK's largest one-day agricultural events. Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the Yorkshire Wolds and canal walks, with beautiful seasonal changes. The natural beauty of the East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside can be enjoyed year-round.
Driffield hosts a bustling weekly market every Thursday, offering a wide range of local produce, crafts, and goods. The town is also famous for the Driffield Show, held annually in July, which is a major agricultural event with livestock, equestrian displays, and local food. These events provide a great insight into local culture.
For leisurely strolls and picnics, Driffield offers Kilnwick Park and Northend Park, both providing pleasant green spaces. Centenary Wood in Hutton Cranswick also provides a serene escape for nature lovers. The banks of the Driffield Canal are also ideal for a relaxing break.
Visitors frequently praise the blend of historical charm and natural beauty. The unique interior and lovely gardens of Burton Agnes Hall are often highlighted. The striking RAF Lissett 158 Squadron Memorial is noted for its powerful presence. Many also enjoy the peaceful walks along the Driffield Canal and the rich biodiversity of the River Hull.


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