Twinkling lights, historic streets, independent shops and cosy places to eat make Beverley one of East Yorkshire's best places to visit during the festive season. Whether you're searching for unique Christmas gifts, planning a seasonal catch-up with friends or simply looking to soak up some Christmas atmosphere, here's how to enjoy the perfect festive day out in Beverley.
Local tip: If you're visiting on a weekend in December, council-operated car parks are free, making it even easier to spend the day exploring.
Summary
Location: Beverley
Category: Christmas
Duration: 1 day with the option to extend your visit with an overnight stay
Best for: Couples and friends
Highlights
- Explore Beverley's most picturesque shopping streets and hidden independent retailers
- Find unique Christmas gifts and Yorkshire foodie treats
- Enjoy festive food, drinks and indulgent hot chocolates
- Visit two of Beverley's most impressive historic churches
- Experience the magic of the Christmas Tree Festival at Beverley Minster (selected dates)
- Unwind with festive drinks at Tipi Christmas at Flemingate
- Extend your visit with an overnight stay to enjoy an evening at East Riding Theatre
Start your day with a festive treat
Begin your day on North Bar Within, one of Beverley's most picturesque streets and the perfect place to ease into a festive day of exploring.
If you're a chocolate lover, make your first stop Gemini Chocolate. This independent Beverley chocolate maker specialises in vegan chocolate and is one of only a handful of bean-to-bar producers in the UK. Their chocolate is crafted in-house from carefully sourced cocoa beans, and their rich hot chocolates are made using the very same chocolate produced on-site, making it one of the tastiest drinks in Beverley.
Alternatively, head to Maison Crème for a little Parisian-inspired indulgence. Their signature hot chocolate is served in the French style, accompanied by a pot of cream that you can stir through for an extra luxurious treat. Pair yours with one of their freshly baked pastries and watch the world go by.
Local tip: Before moving on, don't miss the opportunity to snap a photo beneath North Bar, Beverley's iconic medieval gate and one of the town's most recognisable landmarks. Looking particularly atmospheric on crisp winter mornings, it's one of the town's most photographed spots.
Discover Beverley's independent shops
With festive drinks in hand, it's time for some Christmas shopping.
Start around Saturday Market and North Bar Within, where you'll find an excellent mix of independent retailers, gift shops and boutiques. From handmade chocolates and artwork to jewellery, fashion, homewares, dog treats and foodie gifts, Beverley's independent businesses offer something for everyone on your Christmas list, whether they've been naughty or nice.
If you're visiting on a Saturday, be sure to enjoy a browse around Beverley's weekly market. Held in the historic Saturday Market, it's a great place to pick up local produce, gifts and seasonal treats while soaking up the atmosphere of one of the town's oldest traditions. During the festive season, you'll also find the town's Christmas tree standing proudly beneath the historic Market Cross.
Take time to venture beyond the main streets and discover some of Beverley's hidden gems. Explore the charming shops tucked away in St Mary's Court, browse the independent businesses along Dyer Lane, and wander down Ladygate, where you'll find plenty of unique gifts and local favourites often missed by first-time visitors.
Local tip: Looking for even more independent businesses? Check out our independent shopping map to help uncover more hidden gems throughout the town.
Before leaving the area, pop into Vanessa Delicatessen and pick up some Yorkshire-inspired treats to take home. From artisan cheeses and chutneys to festive foodie gifts, it's the perfect place to find something a little different for your Christmas table.
Step inside St Mary's Church
As you explore North Bar Within, take the time to step inside the beautiful St Mary's Church.
Often described as one of England's finest parish churches, St Mary's provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping while still being right in the heart of the town centre.
Once inside, be sure to look up. One of the church's most beautiful features is its stunning blue ceiling, decorated with hundreds of glittering gold stars. During the festive season, it's easy to see why many visitors say it feels like stepping beneath a winter night sky.
As you explore the church, see if you can spot its famous carved rabbits. These quirky details are beloved by locals and are said by some to have inspired the White Rabbit from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.
Stop for lunch
By now you've earned a well-deserved break from Christmas shopping.
For a relaxed lunch, head to Blok & Vine, a local favourite known for its impressive selection of charcuterie boards. One of the restaurant's most popular experiences is the chance to build your own board, choosing from an extensive selection of cheeses and cured meats, served alongside crackers and locally sourced chutneys. It's the perfect option if you enjoy grazing your way through a leisurely lunch.
If you're craving traditional pub food, The Rose & Crown is a fantastic choice. With hearty dishes, a welcoming atmosphere and a roaring fire to warm up beside on a chilly winter's day, it's an ideal place to escape the busyness of town for a while.
For something a little more indulgent, treat yourself to a festive afternoon tea at the Beverley Arms Hotel. Sink into the elegant surroundings and enjoy a selection of finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones served with preserves and cream, and festive sweet treats inspired by the flavours of Christmas.
Nice and full? Let's continue...
Continue your Christmas shopping through the town centre
After lunch, continue your festive shopping through the heart of Beverley.
Make your way along Toll Gavel, one of the town's main shopping streets, before exploring the independent businesses and specialist shops around Butcher Row.
From fashion and jewellery to homewares, gifts and festive treats, you'll find a wonderful mix of independent retailers and familiar high street names along the route.
Continue towards Wednesday Market, where you'll discover even more places to browse before arriving at one of Beverley's most iconic landmarks.
Local tip: Need help making the most of your visit? Beverley Tourist Information Centre is just a short walk from Toll Gavel and can provide maps, local recommendations and information on events taking place during your visit.
Visit Beverley Minster
Just moments from Wednesday Market stands the magnificent Beverley Minster.
One of the largest parish churches in the country, the Minster is a must-see at any time of year, but it feels especially magical during the festive season.
If you're visiting in early December, see if your trip coincides with the annual Christmas Tree Festival. Each year, the Minster is transformed by more than 150 beautifully decorated Christmas trees, sponsored by local charities, schools, businesses and community groups. Every tree has its own unique design, creating a spectacular display beneath the Minster's soaring Gothic architecture.
Even if you're visiting outside of the festival dates, Beverley Minster is still well worth exploring. Take time to admire the breathtaking architecture, intricate stone carvings and peaceful atmosphere that have made it one of Beverley's most treasured landmarks for centuries.
Local tip: The Christmas Tree Festival is one of Beverley's most popular festive events, so if you're hoping to visit, it's worth checking festival dates and opening times before travelling.
Finish your day at Flemingate
From Beverley Minster, it's just a short walk to Flemingate Shopping Centre.
Home to a range of popular high street brands, Flemingate is the perfect place for any last-minute Christmas shopping. While you're there, be sure to visit Art & Soul, a treasure trove of products created by small independent makers and artists. It's the perfect place to discover something a little different that won't be found on the average high street.
Once you've finished browsing, reward yourself with a festive drink at Tipi Christmas. With twinkling lights, cosy seating and a crackling fire pit at its heart, it's the perfect place to warm up after a day exploring Beverley. Settle in with a mulled wine, a Baileys hot chocolate or your favourite festive tipple and soak up the Christmas atmosphere.
As the day draws to a close, why not stay for dinner? Share a selection of Spanish-inspired tapas at Ambiente, enjoy a perfectly cooked steak at Tomahawk, savour pan-Asian flavours at Sumo, or embrace the retro American diner experience at Beverley Hills Diner. Whatever you're craving, Flemingate offers plenty of options for ending your festive day on a high.
Make a weekend of it
With its independent shops, cosy cafés, festive events and historic attractions, Beverley is the perfect place for a festive short break.
Stay overnight and enjoy an evening at East Riding Theatre, book a festive meal at one of the town's excellent restaurants or time your visit to coincide with the annual Beverley Festival of Christmas, when Beverley comes alive with market stalls, entertainment and seasonal cheer.
