Local Attractions
Attractions Near to Cottingham
On this page we highlight some of the local attractions which can be found in Cottingham and the surrounding areas.
Parish Church of St. Mary The Virgin
Probably the most iconic building in Cottingham is the Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin. Its size and quality reflect the prosperity of medieval Cottingham and the present building dates back to the 1300’s. The nave is earliest in date, in the Decorated style, with flowing window tracery. The chancel, in Perpendicular style is later, built by Nicholas of Louth who was appointed Rector in 1362 by Edward the Black Prince. The tower may possibly date from the early 1400’s and many of the fittings and stained glass date from Victorian times.
Cottingham Manor House
The Manor House in Cottingham, Baynard Castle, (c1200) lay on the north side of Hallgate, opposite West Green, and the remnants of the outer moat can be seen in the front gardens of Nos. 274 – 286 Hallgate. The castle was abandoned in the 1300’s but a timber framed house of C17 stands on the inner mound (the motte). However, there is no public access to this property which is in private ownership.
Cottingham Market
There has been a market in Cottingham since C17 and it is still held every Thursday on Market Green.
Skidby Windmill
Nearby, Skidby Windmill, which is Yorkshire’s last working windmill, is a four-sailed tower mill built in 1821. The Mill produces its own wholemeal flour, ground between one of its three pairs of millstones. Weather permitting, the mill tower echoes to the rumble and creak of the stones and sails every weekend, as locally-grown wheat is turned into flour. Apart from the upper storage floors, all the mill workings can be explored by visitors.
The adjacent warehouses form the Museum of East Riding Life, with displays illustrating the agricultural and rural history of the area. Set in over an acre of land, the mill commands magnificent views over the Yorkshire Wolds. The courtyard contains various exhibits including a blacksmith’s forge and a cafe. At the side of the mill is a sheltered garden picnic area, wildlife garden and a pond.
The Mill and Museum are open daily from 10am to 5pm, including Bank Holidays (except Christmas Day, New Year Day and Good Friday). The cafe is open from Tuesday to Sunday. For more information telephone 01482 848405.
Beverley
The nearby medieval market town of Beverley is famous for its 13th Century Minster, its markets and its music. Down its narrow streets are antique shops and craft arcades and on every other corner is a pub full of history and atmosphere.
Kingston Upon Hull
Four miles to the south is the City of Hull which provides shopping facilities and entertainment opportunities to cater for everyone’s tastes. Visit “The Deep” the award winning submarium, home to 40 sharks and 3500 fish, or the eight free museums, or see a show at one of the theatres or the City Hall.
The City was awarded “City of Culture” in 2017 and continues to hold regular cultural events.
The Yorkshire Wolds
Then there are the hidden gems, the Yorkshire Wolds, stretching from the River Humber to Flamborough Head. These rolling hills and dry valleys provide a perfect way to relax.
The Yorkshire Coast
Finally there is the Yorkshire Coast, stretching from Spurn Head to Whitby. Sandy beaches, unspoilt villages and the coastal resorts of Whitby, Scarborough, Filey, Bridlington, Hornsea and Withernsea, each with their own charms.
Whatever you are looking for, you are sure to find it in or around Cottingham.