Welcome to the charming historic town of Wetherby, on the banks of the River Wharfe and centred in the triangle of Leeds, York and Harrogate. Wetherby is a fascinating place to visit with lots to offer. Perfect scenery in an area of great natural beauty, well preserved period architecture, a host of places to eat and drink and lots of great local shopping.
Enjoy your visit to this famous market town - you’re sure to find something famous, interesting or just enjoyable in the Heart of Yorkshire.
The History of Wetherby
Wetherby’s origins are as a staging post situated midway between London and Edinburgh, and has developed into busy market town, still retaining its Thursday Market, granted by Royal Charter in 1240. Historic places to see include:
The Shambles - built 1811 by the Duke of Devonshire has ten butcher shops opening only on market day. In 1888 they were converted to a covered market where farmers brought their produce to trade. The present facade was added early in the 20th century.
St James’ Church was built in 1839/1841 at a cost of £4000, raised by subscription from the locals, and enlarged, later in the 19th Century.
Wetherby Town Hall was built in 1845 and replaced the old court house and prison. It cost £300 and was also paid for by public subscription. It has had many and varied uses - county court, school rooms, assembly and reading rooms and prison. It was famous as the venue for the Wetherby Statute Fairs, held every November, for the hiring of local servants and usually observed as a general holiday. In the inter-war years, the Town Hall Dances were important social events.
Shopping
Wetherby's shops radiate out from the Town Hall in the Market Place, and extend to High Street, North Street and Westgate. Quaint, narrow Church Street housed craftsmen and their families until the 1930s, and today you can still visit individual craft retailers.
There are many specialist shops in the town, including high class gifts, glass, pottery, furniture, art galleries, book shop, sewing, tapestry and needlework centre, delicatessens, a saddlery, quality shoe stores and jewellers.
There are numerous banks and building societies in Wetherby town centre. Wednesday is traditionally early closing day - but many shops stay open.
Parking
‘The Wilderness’ is a large free riverside car park next to the River Wharf and is a picturesque site with picnic tables and benches and a large duck population who are always hungry. There are several other car parks town and on-street parking near the Town Hall.
Accommodation
You will find every type of accommodation in and around Wetherby, from camping and caravan sites and friendly B & Bs to 3 Star and 5 Crown hotels. Ask about the ‘Book A Bed Ahead’ scheme at Tourist Information - Tel. 01937 582 151.
TV and Film Location
Yorkshire is a favourite location for film and television settings. Maps are available at the Tourist Information Offices to help you visit the sites of Emmerdale, Herriot Country, Ain’t Misbehaving, Seaforth, The Buccaneers, The Railway Children, Brideshead Revisited, Heartbeat and Last of the Summer Wine.
Eating Out
Wetherby has great choice of international and local cuisine to suit all tastes, including tearooms, cafés, pubs, restaurants and bistros. Contact Tourist Information for further information.
Other Information
Wetherby Weir Preservation Trust was responsible for the reconstruction of the Weir in 1982 and the seating and landscaping have made this area very pleasant to visit. The site was once the home of an historic water mill and a chapel used by the Knights Templar in the 12th and 13th Centuries.
Across the river at this point is a salmon leap. There are plenty of leisure facilities to suit all the family - from golf, fishing, horse racing and cycling - to walking (including the scenic Harland Way), swimming, cinema and children’s play areas. Whether you want a relaxing weekend in beautiful tranquil surroundings in the Heart of Yorkshire, or a week where hundreds of opportunities open up to you, then Wetherby is the ideal location.
Wetherby has been twinned with Privas in the Ardeche Region of France since October 1992. The Wetherby Twinning Association arranges exchange visits and organises social events to finance its projects.
Wetherby Lions is a service organisation which raises funds for charitable purposes and is part of Lions International.
With so much to do in Wetherby and Yorkshire, ask the experts - the staff at Wetherby Tourist Centre. They're easy to find at the Library, 17 Westgate, Wetherby, West Yorkshire, LS22 6LL.