Things To Do
in Great Driffield

Great Driffield is a quintessential market town in the East Riding of Yorkshire, located at coordinates 54.005, -0.438, set amid rolling countryside and characterful streets. It serves as a friendly gateway to the Yorkshire Wolds, offering weekly markets, traditional pubs, and easy access to nearby coastlines. The town blends agricultural heritage with a relaxed, village-like ambience that appeals to walkers, food lovers, and families.

Its compact centre makes exploring on foot comfortable, while surrounding lanes reward curious travelers with scenic views.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring Historic Center
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, enjoying traditional Yorkshire fare. Afterward, take a stroll through the charming streets of Driffield, admiring the historic architecture and unique shops. Don't forget to visit the Driffield Museum to learn about the town's rich history.

afternoon
:

For lunch, indulge in hearty British cuisine at a nearby pub, where you can savor local specialties. Post-lunch, wander around the beautiful Driffield town center, stopping by the market if it's open to browse handmade goods and local produce. Take time to relax in the local park, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

evening
:

As evening settles in, head to a local restaurant for an authentic Yorkshire dinner, perhaps trying a classic roast. After your meal, enjoy a leisurely walk along the River Driffield, where you can watch the sunset over the water. Conclude your day by visiting a cozy pub for a nightcap or live music.

day 2
Nature Walks and Wildlife Spotting
morning
:

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before venturing out to the nearby Driffield Navigation, a scenic waterway surrounded by lush greenery. Spend the morning walking along the towpath, keeping an eye out for local wildlife such as swans and ducks. The tranquility of the area is ideal for photography enthusiasts looking to capture the natural beauty of East Yorkshire.

afternoon
:

After a packed morning, enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the local parks, soaking up the peaceful surroundings. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Skerne Wetlands, where you can stroll along the trails and observe a variety of bird species. The combination of marshland and woodland makes for a delightful exploration of the local ecosystem.

evening
:

As the sun sets, return to Driffield for dinner at a restaurant specializing in farm-to-table dishes featuring local ingredients. After dinner, take a casual walk around the town to admire its beautiful buildings illuminated at night. If you're interested, check out any local events happening, such as outdoor concerts or community gatherings.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$12-18
Coffee in cafe$2-4
🥐Pastry or light snack$2-5
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$70-120
🚆One-way local train or bus ticket$5-12

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, safe, and walkable town center
  • Access to the Yorkshire Wolds and coast within easy reach
  • Strong local pub culture and traditional cuisine
  • Great for countryside-focused vacations and family visits
  • Limited nightlife and fewer urban-style attractions
  • Smaller choice of high-end dining and shopping compared to cities
  • Public transport can be infrequent on Sundays
  • Weather can be changeable and rainy in any season

Places to Visit in Great Driffield

Visit one of these nice places.

Market Place and Town Hall

Historic market square with period buildings and the bustle of daily market life, ideal for street photography.

River Hull banks

Quiet riverside scenes with willows and rural fields reflecting on calm days.

Driffield green spaces and bridges

Parks and small bridges offering foregrounds for tranquil landscape shots.

Yorkshire Wolds viewpoints

Rolling chalk hills and hedgerows characteristic of the Wolds provide wide, pastoral landscapes.

Culinary Guide

Food in Great Driffield

Yorkshire's countryside cuisine centers on hearty, locally sourced produce, dairy, and seasonal dishes served in pubs and cafes across the region.

Great Driffield Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Yorkshire Pudding with roast beef and gravy

A classic accompaniment featuring a soft, puffy pudding paired with roast beef and rich gravy.

Must-Try!

Wensleydale Cheese with bread or oatcakes

A creamy, tangy cheese from nearby dairy farms, perfect with crackers or fruit.

Parkin

A sticky gingerbread cake traditionally enjoyed with tea, especially in cooler months.

Hull Fish Pie

A comforting fish pie made with white fish, creamy sauce, and mashed topping common in coastal towns.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Driffield Market

Weekly market in Market Place offering seasonal produce, local meats, baked goods, and crafts.

Farmers Market

Seasonal markets featuring local cheese, preserves, honey, and artisanal foods from nearby farms.

Climate Guide

Weather

Great Driffield experiences a temperate maritime climate with cool summers and mild winters. Rain is common year-round, and conditions can change quickly, so layering and waterproofs are wise any time of year.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Queuing and politeness

Join queues patiently where lines form, greet staff with a polite hello, and keep conversations considerate in public spaces.

Punctuality

Be on time for arranged visits or tours; punctuality is valued in business settings.

Safety Guide

Safety

The area is generally safe, but standard precautions apply: keep an eye on belongings in busy market areas, stay aware of busy roads, and use well-lit paths at night. Rural roads can be narrow and poorly lit after dark.

Tipping in Great Driffield

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. If service means you’re satisfied, a 10-15% tip is common in restaurants; many places also include a service charge.

Payments

Cash is accepted in many venues, but contactless card and mobile payments are widely used across shops, cafes, and pubs.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Wildflowers appear, days lengthen, and market activity increases. Pack light layers and a waterproof layer.

Summer

Long days and mild to warm temperatures; expect occasional showers and enjoy outdoor seating and coastal trips.

Autumn

Harvest season with golden fields and crisp air; bring a warm jacket and excellent walking conditions.

Winter

Shorter days and cooler, wind-prone weather; cozy pubs, indoor attractions, and seasonal events are common.

Nightlife Guide

Great Driffield at Night

Nightlife in Great Driffield is low-key, centered on traditional pubs with real ale, quiz nights, and occasional live music. Nearby towns offer cinemas and small venues, while coastal towns provide evening entertainment during peak season.

Hiking in Great Driffield

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail segment near Market Weighton

Part of a long-distance trail crossing chalk hills with sweeping views across the Wolds.

Flamborough Head Coastal Walk

Cliff-top paths with striking sea vistas and birdlife, a short drive from the area.

Bridlington Bay Coastal Walk

Coastal promenade and clifftop routes offering sea views and beaches.

Airports

How to reach Great Driffield by plane.

Humberside International Airport

Located near Barrow-upon-Humber, roughly 25-35 miles from Driffield; provides domestic and European flights and easy road connections.

Leeds Bradford International Airport

Major airport about 60-70 miles west; good rail and road links to East Yorkshire for onward travel.

Manchester Airport

Large international hub about 150 miles southwest; useful for long-haul connections and wider Europe.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with most sights reachable on foot within 15-20 minutes. Safe, well-lit streets and frequent pedestrian routes make exploring pleasant, especially around Market Place and the riverside. A car helps for day trips to the Wolds and coast, but you can comfortably stay and explore on foot for a few days.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Families

Many residents are families with school-age children, offset by a substantial retiree population.

Retirees

A sizable portion of residents enjoy tranquil village life and countryside access.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists visiting coastal towns and countryside, especially in summer and holiday periods.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular at local clubs, schools, and town pitches; matches and social leagues are common on weekends.

Cricket

A traditional summer sport with local club grounds and community events.

Rugby and cycling

Rugby union teams and plenty of cycling routes through rural lanes are enjoyed by residents and visitors.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is typically light outside peak commuting times in rural East Yorkshire. In town, parking is usually available in short-stay car parks, and major roads to Hull and Scarborough can get busier during market days or coastal weekend trips. Buses connect Driffield to nearby towns and villages, while rail services are available on longer-distance routes when schedules align.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Great Driffield.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most pubs and cafes offer vegetarian mains; look for veggie pies, mushroom dishes, and seasonal salads. When in doubt, ask staff to tailor dishes to vegetables and dairy-free options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in the area is provided by NHS services with local General Practices and a community hospital in the region. For secondary care, major hospitals are located in Hull, Beverley, or York, with emergency services available at surrounding towns. In an urgent situation, call 999 for immediate assistance and contact NHS 111 for non-emergency guidance.

Discover United Kingdom

Read more in our United Kingdom 2025 Travel Guide.

United Kingdom Travel Guide