The pretty West Yorkshire market town of Wetherby has a history entwined with Scotland and horses, with a dash of Knights Templar thrown in for good measure. Wetherby is at a crossing of the River Wharfe, and has been a stopping place on the journey between the capitals of London and Edinburgh for centuries. The name possibly means place at the bend in the river, though an alternative theory suggest wether farm (sheep farm). The Great North Road, now the A1, passes close by, and this is a route used since at least Roman times. It was the Romans who first brought horse racing to the area, testing their Arab stallions against one another on flat ground near the river. Today the horse racing at Wetherby is over a steeple-chase course, the fine setting providing a great background for the traditional jump racing. There has long been talk of introducing (or given the Roman past re-introducing) flat racing at Wetherby, to make greater use of the revamped York Road site – the Millennium Stand was built in 1999 to offer more luxurious hospitality, and the 300 acre site now also hosts conferences. The Knights Templar were landowners in the area in the 13th century, and it was to them that Henry III granted the right to hold a market in Wetherby in a charter dated 1240. Thursdays still see market stalls selling their goods in the town. As a staging post for the coaches travelling on the Great North Road Wetherby had many hostelries offering a comfortable stay or just a drink and a bite to eat for the traveller, and of course a place to change horses for the coachmen. Today the town still has far more pubs and inns than would be expected of a place with a population of around 11,000. When the Scots came in numbers in the early years of the 14th century it was not as visitors but as marauders, burning the town and taking many of its residents captive. Perhaps luckily for the town when the Scots army was in the area before Marston Moor in 1644 the Parliamentary army was billeted there. In Wetherby itself there is some fine Victorian architecture, the church of St James and the Town Hall in particular, and the centre is pleasant for a stroll (with no shortage of places for taking a restorative). Wetherby Bridge is a scheduled ancient monument worth a visit, and the Georgian shambles, converted from butchers’ shops to covered market is another place of interest. But the village of Boston Spa just south of Wetherby has rather more impressive architecture, with many Georgian buildings and a genteel atmosphere in keeping with its status as home to the British Library document supply service, with a small reading room for visitors (though advance notice is usually required).
Attraction
Camping
Club
Dentist
Dental Surgery
Holmes and Associates
Estate Agent
Beadnall Copley
Dacre Son & Hartley
DTZ Debenham Thorpe
Illingworth Wood
Renton & Parr
Golf Club
Market
Wetherby Market
Wetherby Racecouse Car Boot
Pub and Bar
Bay Horse
Muse Ale & Wine Bar
Old Star Inn
Pax
Red Lion
Swan & Talbot
Racecourse
Restaurant
Bay Horse
Jaflong Tandoori
Le Bon Appetit
Muse Ale & Wine Bar
Old Star Inn
Pax
Red Lion
Wood Hall Hotel
School
Wetherby St James C Of E Primary School
Solicitor
Taxi
C Cars
Courtesy Cars
Elite Licence Private Hire
First Choice
Wetherby Cars
Vet
Sports Clubs
Collingham LTC (Tennis)
Shops
Horton & Hollender Ltd
Academy Florist
The Greenery Garden Centre Ltd
Goosemoorganics
Village Pharmacy
Cameron Beaumont
Hop Scotch
Christine Brown
Castlegate Stationers Ltd
Antiques
Activities
Wetherby Wheelers CC(Cycling)
Places to Stay near Wetherby
Wood Hall Hotel (2.38 miles)
Positioned at the end of a long dramatic drive, surrounded by a hundred acres of woodland and manicured lawns, Wood Hall is extremely well located. Close to Leeds, Harrogate and ... More
Bridge Hotel (3.18 miles)
Ideally situated very close to the historic city of York, the spa town of Harrogate, and the commercial centre of Leeds; yet close by the A1/M and direct train links. The Bridge ... More
Rudding Gates (4.62 miles)
Innkeepers Lodge (5.06 miles)
Rudding Park Hotel, Spa & Golf (5.39 miles)
Rudding Park sits in 300 acres of stunning parkland just 3 miles south of the beautiful spa town of Harrogate. The Grade 1 listed Regency house incorporates 21st-century comforts by fusing contemporary design with traditional ... More | visit website
Hazlewood Castle Hotel (5.53 miles)
Beautifully redecorated to the very highest standards, the ... More | visit website
Newton House (6.18 miles)
We are delighted to welcome you to Newton House, an elegant Georgian Guesthouse in the heart of the charming market town of ... More | visit website
The Old Royal Oak (6.32 miles)
Our recently converted 18th Century, grade II listed barn, serves as the new B&B – each room offering comfortable and peaceful accommodation with disabled access; is situated in the centre of the historic market ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Harrogate (6.60 miles)
Ideally situated for both business and leisure guests. For business this hotel is near to Hornbeam business park. Conveniently located for Hornbeam Park train station. For shops and local amenities Harrogate town centre is only ... More | visit websiteDower House Hotel (6.64 miles)
In the market town of Knaresborough, just 4 miles from the A1(M) and 3 miles from Harrogate, this charming hotel offers a warm and friendly welcome to business and leisure customers alike. Close to the Harrogate ... More | visit website
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