Wansford can be explored through its waterways, historic buildings and a cycling tour. The Driffield Navigation offers a clear point of reference in the village; the lock and bridge mark important spots by the water. There is also St Mary and a public footpath in Skerne Wetlands Nature Reserve. When choosing where to stay, you can ask yourself whether you would like to get to know Wansford primarily through its architectural history, nature, cycling or the Navigation.
Waterways and Skerne Wetlands
Wansford Lock is on the Driffield Navigation between Whinhill Lock and Snakeholme Lock. To the north, the Navigation is accessible as far as Wansford Bridge. The isolated section above the bridge can be navigated by portable and trailerable watercraft. If you are planning a trip in such a craft, check the navigation conditions locally again. The location of the lock and the information about northern access provide two distinct points of reference for the waterway.
The northern entrance to Skerne Wetlands Nature Reserve at Snakeholm Pastures is at Wansford Bridge in Wansford. The northern Wansford section of the reserve also has a public footpath. This means you can include the area’s natural setting in your plans without conflating the waterway information with the route description in the reserve.
Lock, Bridge and Church
Wansford Lock is a Grade II listed lock dating from 1770. Wansford Bridge was built around 1830. The chronology of these two structures leads to the Church of St Mary the Virgin, which G. E. Street built for Sir Tatton Sykes in 1868. St Mary in Wansford also has a richly painted roof. Together, the buildings offer specific dates and distinct architectural points of interest: the lock, bridge and church can each be considered individually rather than assumed to form a single historic ensemble.
Cycling through Wansford
The official 2021 route map describes Ride 1 as a flat, 8-mile (13-kilometre) cycling tour that passes through Wansford and is suitable for family groups. Its distance and flat terrain give the tour a clearly defined scope. Check road conditions and signage before setting off. The route is therefore a specific way to experience Wansford by bike; the information about the Navigation and the footpath in the reserve describes separate activities.
Plan your stay around your interests
The options described differ in what matters for your plans. For Ride 1, the length and flat terrain are the tangible features of the cycling tour. For a trip on the Driffield Navigation, the navigable section and type of watercraft are what matter. Those interested in architectural history will find specific dates associated with the lock, bridge and church; for a nature-focused stay, there is the entrance to Skerne Wetlands Nature Reserve and the public footpath in the northern Wansford section. These differences can help you decide what to focus on during your stay and narrow down your search for a suitable holiday apartment.
Discover more destinations: North Ferriby, Driffield, Walkintgon, Barmby Moor, Ulrome, Swanland, Hull, Withernsea.
Go to the main travel overview: East Riding Of Yorkshire.
