Beverley, in East Yorkshire, is a place that has managed to hold onto its heritage while keeping a vibrant, lively energy, and that balance between modern and tradition
As you enter this picturesque market town, it feels as if you’ve stepped into a fairy tale, with cows grazing under ancient oaks and the imposing sight of one of the UK’s largest parish churches looming ahead. Every nook and cranny is picture-perfect, from the cobbled lanes lined with Georgian houses to the lively markets brimming with friendly banter and laughter. Even on a drizzly day, locals pause in the streets for a natter, fostering a close-knit community spirit.
According to East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Beverley boasts over 100 top-notch independent businesses in its historic heart, complemented by bustling markets every Wednesday and Saturday. Just a 90-minute drive from Manchester, it’s a place that has successfully preserved its heritage while maintaining a vibrant, dynamic energy.
This blend of modernity and tradition, coupled with its warm and welcoming atmosphere, is what endears it to both residents and fortunate visitors who happen upon it.
For Town Mayor Councillor Alison Healy, her affection for Beverley runs deep. Having spent her entire life here, she expressed that being mayor of her birthplace and childhood home is a privilege she will always cherish, reports the Manchester Evening News.
She told the Express: “It’s a real pleasure, and it really is something that I don’t take for granted. I think it’s a real privilege. Beverley is a special place. It’s got its roots in medieval England when it was a thriving town because of the wool trade. That’s how such a small town can afford two fantastic churches at either end, the Minster and St Mary’s.
“If you walk around the town, you’ll actually see names that reflect back to its medieval wool trade, so Dyer Lane, Walkergate, where they would literally walk the wool. Beverley in medieval times was the tenth largest town in England.”
She explained there’s a genuine feeling of pride and history but added: “While we have a heritage and we’re really proud of it, we’re not just a town that looks backwards, we also look forwards.
“As you walk around the town, you’ll see a lot of vibrant, independent shops. You’ll see a lot of eateries. You’ll see a modernity to it. It’s the kind of town that works together and embraces each other. It’s a very warm community, and long may that continue.”
When questioned about why she believes Beverley’s high street is flourishing, she explained there are several factors at play, but some of the major ones are partnership and how active the community is.
The town council operates in partnership with various groups, including Beverley in Bloom. That partnership delivers remarkable results during the Christmas period, featuring stunning illuminations and a bustling festive market.
She said: “The East Riding Christmas Market at Beverley is really special, and it brings in traders from all over.”
Venturing into one of the town’s cherished independent stores, Islay Bloom, where we encountered the town mayor and the shop proprietor, we discovered them both in animated conversation and clearly well-acquainted, another testament to Beverley’s tight-knit, welcoming and cooperative atmosphere.
Since launching in 2023, Marnie Taylor, who relocated initially to Kent from Canada before settling in Beverley, has swiftly established herself as a local favourite. The boutique features carefully selected clothing, jewellery, gifts and homeware items unavailable on the high street.
Upon entering the store, visitors are welcomed by the subtle fragrance of candles and ambient lighting. Featuring quality pieces across various price points and considerate details like gift-wrapping, Islay Bloom transcends being merely a shop, offering a quintessential Beverley experience not to be missed.
Ms Taylor said: “Every brand has a story, and every item feels special – whether it’s a scented candle, a distinctive piece of jewellery or feminine clothing from an up-and-coming designer.
“I think that people who are looking to become independent in Beverley can look around and feel confident in the risk of doing so. They see the community, the people, the collaboration. With people like Allison [the town mayor]. It’s just a big community feel. Especially with the Chamber of Trade. We all work together. We all promote each other. I think it’s just based on such a love for the town that it’s just infectious.
“We have such a vibrant community. A lot of people that are seeking out Beverley for its quaint and beautiful feel. We have the historical sites. We also have a beautiful High Street with some big anchor stores. But then also some independents to discover and we’re spoiled for choice really here, especially for eateries. It is quite a magical place.
“You can walk to the theatre. There’s the East Riding Theatre where they do productions. We have a cinema.”
She joked: “There’s almost too much going on here. I can’t even keep up and I get annoyed when I miss things.”
She praised the town’s bustling events calendar, featuring a puppet festival and folk festival during summer months, plus numerous activities appealing to residents of every age group. “There’s a lot of young people as well, all the way up to ladies who take ballet in their 80s,” she said.
“I feel incredibly safe here. Even walking at night, I think I could stop anyone and ask for help. People have time for people here. I’ve been extremely welcomed in the community. I’m part of the furniture now.”
Councillor Healy chimed in: “When you live in Beverley, you’re very close to the sea, you’re very close to the countryside. The quality of life here is good.”
For Victoria Strickland, 47, owner of the stunning home and gift boutique Pamperhouse right next to the Saturday Market, it’s Beverley’s sense of loyalty and kindness that has kept her business thriving.
“It’s a really lovely town. There have undoubtedly been some tough times, and I think if we believe what’s in the press at the moment, autumn could be quite tricky, but everyone keeps smiling and doing their best, and the community of customers in Beverley is phenomenal because they’re really trying to support independence. They make a big effort to come and shop with us.
“Our customers are wonderful. During COVID, they were ringing and messaging saying, ‘Can I buy something, anything?’ and we’d deliver it round where we could.”
She believes there is a good mix of national brands and independents in Beverley. She added: “The customer base is wonderful. They’re such nice people. They really do support us. I’ve never found anything other than people being really positive.”
Ms Strickland swapped her corporate law solicitor career to run her own business, and despite the challenges of running an independent shop, she cherishes working in Beverley. Even on a rainy day like when we visited, being surrounded by the charming square, historic buildings, and the beauty of Beverley feels special and completely different from her previous career.
Among the regulars at Beverley’s weekly markets is Deborah Edmond, who runs a stall called Nellie’s Garden, selling lanterns, bird baths and garden ornaments.
“It is lovely because we all look after each other,” she said. “If one wants to nip off, we just watch each other’s stall. It’s nice because it’s kind of that community feel. And on the Saturday, it’s the same at the other end. On Saturday, you walk down here and there are buskers – two or three buskers. It’s just such a lovely atmosphere.”
She also highlighted the variety of eateries as another factor that makes Beverley stand out. “It’s a lovely place, you’ve got so much choice.”
Among the many visitors drawn to Beverley’s cobbled streets and grand Minster was Arnold Obraan, a retired historian from the Netherlands, travelling with his wife and dog. The Minster, founded in the 8th century, has weathered many historical events including Henry’s dissolution of the monasteries, the historian noted.
“We’re visiting, we’re here for one day. But we have seen it on the internet. It’s a beautiful town. With a beautiful church and we know that the people here are lucky that the church was not destroyed by Henry VIII.”
He added: “We like old churches. We like old towns. I’m a historian and I’m retired now. So I’m interested in history and England and Scotland has a lot of history.”
As the town mayor summed it up: “What makes Beverley unique is that it’s proud of its traditions, it’s forward-thinking, and it’s got a strong sense of community.”
Perhaps that’s what makes Beverley shine so brightly as a settlement rich in heritage, evident in its cobbled lanes, the artwork that adorns some of its buildings, and the Grade I listed Market Cross, yet one that also boasts a variety of independent retailers, dining establishments along with an unmistakable spirit of unity.
