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Yorkshire And The Humber

Cottam

Attractions and Places To See around Cottam - Top 20

Best attractions and places to see around Cottam, located in the East Riding of Yorkshire, offer a blend of historical sites, natural landscapes, and cultural heritage. This region is characterized by its expansive countryside, including the Yorkshire Wolds, and features significant historical landmarks. Visitors can explore ancient villages, grand country houses, and serene waterways. The area provides opportunities for outdoor activities amidst its diverse natural features.

Best attractions and places to see around Cottam

  • The most popular attractions is Wharram Percy β€” Deserted Medieval Village, a settlement that is one of Britain's best-preserved deserted medieval villages. It was continuously occupied for six centuries before being abandoned after 1500, with outlines of lost houses and St Martin’s Church still visible.
  • Another must-see spot is East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside, a natural area spanning over 2,479 square km. Visitors can expect historic buildings, nature reserves, open farmland, and quiet country lanes ideal for cycling.
  • Visitors also love Sledmere House, a man-made monument and regal Grade I listed Georgian country house. It is set amongst gardens and parkland designed by Capability Brown, offering a glimpse into historical architecture and landscape design.
  • Cottam is known for its historical sites, natural features, and man-made monuments. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from ancient villages to scenic rivers and canals.
  • The attractions around Cottam are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 90 upvotes and over 100 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: September 26, 2026

Wharram Percy β€” Deserted Medieval Village

Highlight β€’ Settlement

Wharram Percy is the most famous, and one of the best preserved, deserted medieval villages in Britain. Positioned in a remote and picturesque valley in the Yorkshire Wolds, the village was continuously occupied for six centuries before it was abandoned soon after 1500. Historians are not sure why the residents left the village. Today, you can see the outlines of many lost houses above the crumbling remains of St Martin’s Church.

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Sledmere House

Highlight β€’ Monument

Sledmere House was designed by Samuel Wyatt and Sir Christopher Sykes in the late 1700s and a truly beautiful estate for a stroll. There are entry fees for the house, but it's a great rainy day option if you're into fine antique furniture. The cafe and farm shop can be visited for free and they're open every day apart from mondays. Delicious homemade cakes as you'd expect from somewhere of this grandeur!

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River Hull at Skerne Road

Highlight β€’ Natural

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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East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside

Highlight β€’ Natural

Expanding over an area of 957 square miles (2,479 square km), the East Riding of Yorkshire is famed for its historic buildings, nature reserves, open farmland, and beautiful countryside. With few major cities in the area, it has remained green and peaceful. The low-lying fields, flat grasslands and ancient woodlands frame quiet country lanes which are perfect for cycling.

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Driffield Canal

Highlight β€’ Viewpoint

The Driffield Navigation is an 11-mile waterway, through the heart of the Holderness Plain to the market town of Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The northern section of it is a canal, and the southern section is part of the River Hull. Construction was authorised in 1767, and it was fully open in 1770.

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Tips from the Community

RichD
April 13, 2025, Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village

Fascinating diversion during a long trek and I agree with Michael Tilley, walking along the Yorkshire Wolds Way, skirting around Deep Dale and then descending in to Wharram Percy is a cracking walk. Plenty of information boards to read to learn about the site. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wharram-percy-deserted-medieval-village/history/ Re. the above comment: the Yorkshire Wolds Way Partnership does think about the walkers. Hence their accessibility action plan and associated information available on several websites.

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Fascinating diversion during a long trek. Plenty of information boards to read to learn about the site. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wharram-percy-deserted-medieval-village/history/

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Jade
October 14, 2024, Driffield Canal

Gorgeous view of driffield canal with some seating.

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Lovely stop by the side of the river - often swans swimming by & egrets in the trees.

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Amy
February 17, 2024, River Hull at Skerne Road

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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Picturesque and tranquil only issue I have is walking from thixendale not a single bench or even a log to sit on, not even in the church yard, the world's way needs to think about the walkers.

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Damian
March 8, 2021, Driffield Canal

The Driffield Navigation is an 11-mile waterway, through the heart of the Holderness Plain to the market town of Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire, England. The northern section of it is a canal, and the southern section is part of the River Hull. Construction was authorised in 1767, and it was fully open in 1770.

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I think the site is best approached from the south along the side of Deep Dale. Check out the patterns of the housing on the hill facing the church. The information boards are very useful.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What historical sites can I explore around Cottam?

The region is rich in history. You can visit Wharram Percy β€” Deserted Medieval Village, one of Britain's best-preserved deserted medieval villages, where you can see the outlines of lost houses and St Martin’s Church. Another significant historical site is Sledmere House, a regal Grade I listed Georgian country house with beautiful gardens and parkland.

Are there natural areas to enjoy near Cottam?

Absolutely. The East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside offers expansive natural landscapes with open farmland, nature reserves, and ancient woodlands. You can also explore the tranquil River Hull at Skerne Road, known for its clear chalk stream waters and diverse aquatic life, or the historic Driffield Canal, an 11-mile waterway perfect for leisurely strolls.

What outdoor activities are available around Cottam?

The area is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Countryside Dirt Path – View of the Yorkshire Wolds loop' or the 'Garton Bottom – Cottam Old Ruined Church loop'. For cyclists, there are routes like the 'Driffield Navigation Canal – Driffield Canal loop'. Explore more options on the hiking guide or the cycling guide for Cottam.

Are there family-friendly attractions in the Cottam area?

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. Sledmere House offers gardens and a farm park, making it a great day out. The East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside, River Hull at Skerne Road, and Driffield Canal all provide pleasant, accessible environments for walks and exploration with children.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the attractions near Cottam?

Visitors frequently praise the historical depth of sites like Wharram Percy, noting the fascinating insights into medieval life. The beauty of the natural landscapes, especially the peacefulness of the East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside and the scenic waterways like the Driffield Canal, are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the well-maintained gardens and facilities at Sledmere House.

Can I find places to eat or drink near these attractions?

Yes, Sledmere House features a cafe and farm shop that are open most days, offering delicious homemade cakes and other refreshments. For other attractions, you'll find various pubs and cafes in nearby villages within the East Riding of Yorkshire.

Are there any specific viewpoints to look out for?

The East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside itself offers many scenic viewpoints across its open farmland and rolling hills. At Wharram Percy, approaching from the south along Deep Dale provides a great perspective of the village's layout. The Driffield Canal also has picturesque spots with seating to enjoy the waterway.

What is the best way to explore the East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside?

The East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside is best explored through its network of quiet country lanes, which are perfect for cycling, and numerous walking trails. These allow you to discover its historic buildings, nature reserves, and open farmland at your own pace.

Is there parking available at the main attractions?

Parking is generally available at major attractions. For instance, Sledmere House has dedicated parking facilities. For more remote sites like Wharram Percy, parking might be in designated areas a short walk from the site.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?

In natural areas like the East Riding of Yorkshire Countryside and along the River Hull, you can spot various bird species, including swans and egrets. The chalk streams of the River Hull are particularly rich in aquatic flora and fauna, including trout and freshwater invertebrates.

Are there any specific walking routes along the Driffield Canal?

Yes, the Driffield Canal is part of an 11-mile waterway that offers pleasant walking opportunities. You can find routes like the 'Driffield Navigation Canal – Driffield Canal loop from Garton on the Wolds' which is a moderate hike, or the 'Driffield Navigation Canal – River Hull at Skerne Road loop from Driffield' for an easy cycling tour. More details are available in the hiking guide and cycling guide.

What is the significance of Wharram Percy?

Wharram Percy is renowned as one of Britain's most famous and best-preserved deserted medieval villages. It was continuously inhabited for six centuries before being abandoned after 1500. Today, visitors can explore the visible outlines of lost houses and the crumbling remains of St Martin’s Church, offering a unique glimpse into medieval rural life.

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