Hunmanby Village Good Food and Real Ale Trail, by Train
Photo above: The Good Food & Real Ale Trail Map, produced by Margaret from Hunmanby Art Group.
Good Food & Real Ale Trail Hunmanby Inner Page
Good Food & Real Ale Trail Hunmanby Outer page
Visitors to Hunmanby have a new attraction awaiting them this year: a Good Food & Real Ale Trail through the village, starting at the station. It combines a pleasant walk with the chance to sample delicious Yorkshire food and drink, and is available at the station, and at 130 bed & breakfasts and other key visitor venues at Bridlington and Scarborough.
With growing concern over climate change the leaflet promotes a more sustainable way to enjoy the attractions of a rural historic village. The message is: come by train, enjoy the scenery, take a 2.5 mile lovely village walk, (enhanced by the free Heritage and Flower Trail leaflets available at Hunmanby station,) partake of good food and drink, relax and take your time with 'slow tourism'.
The Trail leaflet is a real community project, developed by the Friends of Hunmanby Railway Station, with many thanks to the local traders who have helped support the village throughout the pandemic, and look forward to welcoming visitors again. The artwork has been done by Margaret Crompton from Hunmanby Art Group; local author Jane Finnis has put the words together; and photographs were provided by Paul, a wheelchair user who is a keen local photographer.
The Hunmanby Good Food & Real Ale Trail is being launched for the 175th anniversary of the railway line between Hull & Scarborough. The final section of line between Filey and Bridlington via Hunmanby and over the summit at Speeton opened in October 1847. 3,000 full colour leaflets have been funded through our local Scarborough Borough Councillors and their locality budget.
There are few villages outside the South East of England where you can take the train for a great meal and an enjoyable pint, plus Hunmanby has its own Whisky Distillery!
Most rural village stations were shut by Mr Marples and Dr Beeching in the 1960’s. The Yorkshire Coast Line north of Bridlington survived, but remained a likely candidate for closure in the 1970’s and 80’s. Now the local line is enjoying a resurgence in both passengers and train services with huge investment, renewing worn out infrastructure by Network Rail and upgraded station facilities by Northern Rail.
Hunmanby station is unstaffed but looked after by Friends of Hunmanby Railway Station. Northern Railway the train operator gives generous funding, along with support both financial and in kind by village businesses. Why not come to Hunmanby the village betwixt Wolds & Coast, by train? a warm welcome awaits.
The walk is circular, about 2.6 miles. Hunmanby is now served by an hourly train service, including a later return service back to Hull via Bridlington, Driffield and Beverley, 7 days a week. What’s even better, the train is cheaper than the bus, especially on a ‘Duo Ticket’ (2 people travel for the price of one and a half).
It is 175 years since the railway came to Hunmanby, with the opening of the Yorkshire Wolds Coast Railway in 1847. A warm welcome awaits visitors who come here by train, starting at our award-winning station with its colourful flowerbeds and very unusual North Eastern Railway Tile Map. Pick up the Heritage Trail and Flower Trail leaflets from the information racks on both platforms, and you’re ready to explore.
From the station, turn left up Bridlington Road, past access to the Fishing Lake (an old clay pit) and the Tyre Depot, and take the first proper road on the left leading to the Industrial Estate The first unit on the right is:
Spirit of Yorkshire: 01723 891758.
Yorkshire’s first whisky distillery, producing whisky from local sources, and a great place to start your walk. Its Pot Still Coffee Shop sells hot and cold drinks and snacks, and you can tour the distillery too, but you need to book tours in advance.
Special offer by train:
If you are coming by train to Hunmanby for the Distillery Tour, when you book, mention this, and the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery will offer a free hot or cold drink and a biscuit. Or if 4 take the tour, you will only pay for 3.
Just show your valid train ticket on arrival.
Distillery Shop is Open 9.30am to 4pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday 10am to 3pm
The Pot Still Coffee Shop is open Monday to Saturday 9.30am to 4pm and Sunday 10am to 3pm
Photo above: Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery kindly sponsored the welcome to Hunmanby Banner at Hunmanby Railway Station, and like many local traders, donated there in stock food supplies to local families in need at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further details: Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery Website
Facebook: Spirit of Yorkshire Facebook
link to the Trip Advisor page for Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery
Leaving the Spirit of Yorkshire, turn right down the Industrial Estate Road. Go round the barrier at the bottom continue past the Hunmanby Playing Fields Association Club House, limited opening hours. (John Smith Hand Pump available)
Photo above: Hunmanby Playing Fields Association Club House
For a history of this community facility this link to Hunmanby.com is an interesting read.
Cross Sands Lane. Slightly to your left is:
The Piebald Inn Tel: 01723 447577
Landlord Jon is passionate about pies. An extensive range of different pies, (50!) are freshly prepared on the premises with locally sourced ingredients,and served daily from 12 noon to 8pm. The Pie Pub Co Bitter (formerly Kimberley Bitter) by Greene King is the house beer, and depending on the season four to six guest cask ales are offered. Outside there is a terraced area and large garden. Bed & breakfast accommodation is available.
Photo above, Jon Landlord of the Piebald Inn, with the Good Food & Real ale Trail Poster and leaflets. To the left hand side, the National Community Rail 1st Prize Trophy awarded to the village in December 2020.
Photos above: The Piebald Inn, has extensive landscaped grounds that surround it, taken Mid-Summer 2020
Further details from The Piebald Inn website
https://whatpub.com/pubs/SCA/122/piebald-inn-hunmanby
or further details on the Piebald Facebook Page
Link to Trip Advisor page for The Piebald Inn reviews
Leaving the Piebald, go left along Sands Lane past the playing field,
Photo above: a view of Sands Lane in Spring 2020
Take the first turning on your left, Sheep Dyke Lane, a quiet, single-track road. It passes under the original cast iron 1847 North Eastern Railway girder bridge.
Photo above: the North Eastern girder bridge at Sheepdyke Lane
The River Hertford is culverted under the road; this was the site of a sheep dip. You’ll pass the old village lock-up and pinfold (pen for stray animals) with its resident sheep. Milton Keynes has its concrete cows, Hunmanby has its own plastic sheep!
Photo above: The Pinfold on Sheepdyke lane with resident sheep
On Stonegate turn left. On your right is
The Horseshoe Inn: 01723 890077.
Landlord Dave has an “Alexa memory” for remembering customers. This is a traditional three-roomed village local, serving meals Wednesday to Saturday 4pm to 8pm, and Sunday lunch 12 noon to 4pm
Two regular ales are offered: Sharp’s Doom Bar and Wainwright’s Golden Ale. At the rear are a beer garden and a partially covered smoking/drinking area, adjacent to the Horseshoe's own car park.
Photo above: Dave, Landlord at The Horseshoe with the Hunmanby Good Food & Real Ale Trail leaflets and the full size painting of the map by Margaret of Hunmanby Art Group. Dave is also holding the 1st prize the village won for its station at the Community Rail Awards in 2020.
The Horseshoe Public House were delighted to win the above award from Trip Advisor in 2021
Photographs Taken Mid-Summer 2020. They show the efforts Landlord and Dave his family and staff have put in brightening up Stonegate during the Coronavirus Lockdown. The photos show the efforts put in to welcome back both visitors and local residents. Like all 4 village public houses they have made the most of the outdoor space that is available
Further details from: https://whatpub.com/pubs/SCA/111/horseshoe-inn-hunmanby
Or from The Horseshoe facebook page
Link to Trip Advisor page for The Horseshoe Public House reviews
Leaving the Horseshoe, continue straight up Stonegate, past the site of the Norman motte and bailey castle (it was made of timber with a dry moat.) Turn left down Church Hill, past All Saints Church. Across the road is
The White Swan: 01723 890232.
Landlord Andy presides over this family run pub, a former coaching inn with an "olde world" ambience. Meals are served daily, 12 noon to 2pm and 5pm to 8pm. Two regular beers are Jennings Cumberland Ale and Rudgate Ruby Mild, supported by two rotating guest beers. Bed & breakfast accommodation is available.
Photo above, outside the White Swan Andy and Jamie, Summer 2021
Photo above, Jamie and Andy holding the Hunmanby Good Food & Real Ale Trail hand painted map and leaflet beside the festive glow from the real fire, December 2021
Further details from: https://whatpub.com/pubs/SCA/135/white-swan-hotel-hunmanby
Or from: The White Swan Facebook
Link to Trip Advisor page for The White Swan Public House Reviews
Almost next door is
The Cottage Inn: 01723 892475.
Landlord Jon is a sports fanatic, especially about his beloved Barnsley FC. Currently no meals are being served, but Jon has kindly put on the offer below. This is a split-levelled single-roomed local, divided into drinking and games areas. Two changing guest ales are permanently available. Sporting events can be viewed on multi-screened TVs. There is a smoking area at the front of the building, and dogs are allowed in "Crufts Corner".
Photo above: Jon with his bright flower display that has helped lift people spirits in the village, during the Spring of 2020. Jon also helps to water the Market Cross Flower Barrels, in the village centre helping make the centre of the village attractive to both visitors and residents.
Photo above: It is New Years Eve 2021, Landlord Jon of the Cottage Inn with the Hunmanby Good Food & Real Ale trail leaflets, artwork and Hunmanby's first prize in the Community Rail Awards.
Further details https://whatpub.com/pubs/SCA/97/cottage-inn-hunmanby
Of from: The Cottage Inn Facebook
Link to Trip Advisor Page for The Cottage Inn reviews
From The Cottage head down Cross Hill, passing the War Memorial and landscaped open area looked after by the Parish Council and Hunmanby in Bloom.
Photo above: The Market Cross on Cross Hill
Turn right along Bridlington Street where most of the village shops are located, including a traditional butcher, greengrocers, deli and 2 cafes.
Photo above: Well's Butchery, a traditional village butchers shop, continues to provide home delivery in Hunmanby in these challenging times
Photo above and below: Hunmanby Deli and the Green grocers next door, also continue to provide a home delivery service to the village community
Photo above: Lols Cafe, with restored awning
Photo above: Spring Cafe, a community cafe run by All Saints Church
Take time to browse, and it is then a straight walk along Bridlington Street back to the station.
Photo Above: The Folly on Bridlington Street, which you walk past on the way back to the railway station.
One relic of from the era of 'Lord of the Manor' is ‘Hunmanby Folly’ an unusual place to stay along with ‘posh pods’ The Hall, still standing is now apartments, having spent time in the last century as a Methodist Girls Boarding School
Route Guide:
Photo above: Hunmanby Real Ale Boundary Trail Map, the numbers show 1st and 2nd mile.
This link to map o meter for the Hunmanby Good Food and Real Ale Trail Map will show the map in full size, calories burnt, and gradient profile.
A nice article has been written about the Hunmanby Good Food & Real Ale trail on our local Member of Parliament, Kevin Hollinrake's website
Supporting statements:
"I'm thrilled to see new investment in promoting Hunmanby Station, with new trains, passenger improvements such as CCTV and new waiting shelters as well as real time information. The community involvement all along the line has been so encouraging and I've been pleased to be a supporter of the station for many years now, working to ensure more regular and convenient hourly trains from Filey and Hunmanby to Scarborough and Hull. Hunmanby Station is truly a gateway to the community here in North Yorkshire, helping connectivity across the North and providing opportunities for employment, especially for younger people. I'd encourage constituents and anyone else visiting the area to take a trip along to see the handsome buildings designed by York architect, George Townsend Andrews, in the 1840's where most have survived and are in great condition."
Kevin Hollinrake, Member of Parliament for Thirsk & Malton
"At the Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery we're so proud of our village and many of us have lived here for all our lives. The Friends of Hunmanby Station have made the 'entrance' to Hunmanby wonderfully welcoming and a great first impression of the village. We're thrilled to be the first stop on the Hunmanby Good Food and Real Ale Trail and look forward to welcoming visitors coming up from the train – the perfect way to travel to our distillery tours and for tasting our Filey Bay Single Malt Whisky. Cheers!"
Jenni Mellor, Spirit of Yorkshire Distillery, Hunmanby Industrial Estate, Bridlington Road.
"While the Cottage Inn will soon be going on the market, I have loved this village, great friendly people, how everyone pulled together during the pandemic"
Jon, Landlord of the Cottage Inn, Cross Hill
"It has been a pleasure to support Hunmanby, a very enterprising village, with lots of community volunteers all striving to make the village they love to be the very best."
Cllr Roberta Swiers, Councillor for Hertford & Cayton Division North Yorkshire County Council
"Close to the station, on the edge of Hunmanby village The Piebald Inn was established over 7 years ago. Offering 52 varieties of pie, (one for every week of the year), all baked fresh on the premises, a range of international lagers and cask ales, including Timothy Taylors fabulous beers an extensive wine list and luxurious en-suite accommodation, large car park and garden with a featured sun terrace. A definite well known destination venue that people will now travel miles for to simply enjoy the “Pie Time” experience. The railway station being located so close by can only be a massive positive, enabling even more people to enjoy The Piebald Inn, wether they are travelling more locally, throughout the Yorkshire region or from further afield."
Jon, Landlord of the Piebald Inn, Sands Lane
"I have been Chairman of Hunmanby Parish Council for several years and I am always in awe at the village the amount of organisations run by volunteers. To many to put in this brief statement only to thank them all. The Village coped with the covid epidemic, our local shops were safe and did there best to keep us all safe, our places of worship, continued to serve the whole community and keep parishioners safe. The Parish Council met by Zoom and the caretakers kept the Village trim. Hunmanby Parish Council are planning a village street party for the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. There will be a small event on Thursday at 8.30pm, lights will be switched on and a proclamation read out and a member of Hunmanby band will play a piece of music written for this occasion. On the Saturday there will be the street party, entertainment, Band, Dancing, the crowning of the Queen and King from Hunmanby School, and the school choir and a DJ and stalls from many village organisations, tables will be provided some snack and drinks for children are being donated by local shops. It will be a once in a life time occasion and I welcome all to these happy community events over the special Bank Holiday Weekend in June."
Harvey Stockdale Chairman Hunmanby Parish Council
"Wells Butchers is a family owned independent butcher's. We are a traditional butchers something quite rare on a village or even a town High Street. Our beef is reared on our own farm and our lamb and pork are locally sourced and boned out on the premises by our qualified butchers, our poultry is also locally sourced. During the Pandemic we started to a home delivery service, a community service we still provide. We pride ourselves on our sausages and burgers which are all made on the premises."
Wayne, Wells Butchers, Bridlington Street
"Hunmanby is a great place to visit with family and friends. Getting here couldn’t be easier using hourly train service. As you see from the moment you arrive the station is much loved by all the community with flowers and bug hotels made by local children.
I was delighted to be able to fund such a great initiative and want to thank all those who contributed to making it happen."
Cllr Michelle Donoghue-Moncrieff Scarborough Borough Councillor, Hunmanby Ward
"All the public houses have made the best use of their outdoor space, great flower displays resulting in prizes at the Scarborough Borough Council ‘All Muck & Magic Awards’ The new Sports Lounge is due to open in early spring at the Horseshoe"
Dave, Landlord at the Horseshoe Public House, Stonegate
"The volunteers at the Friends of Hunmanby Railway Station always do an excellent job of looking after the gateway to the village with its well-tended gardens and involving local children in displays of art and looking after the bug hotels. We now have our own North Eastern Railway tile map. This all creates a great first impression for our village. The leaflet on the Good Food and Real Ale Trail is a brilliant way of signalling the village is getting back to normal and advertising how much it has to offer with its friendly pubs, its distillery and its main street with a full range of family-owned shops. Many people come by rail, sometimes returning several times a year, using the village as the base for a holiday walking in the Yorkshire Wolds with days out to nearby towns by train."
Cllr Paul Riley, Scarborough Borough Councillor, Hunmanby Ward
"Enjoy this beautiful village, take your time and don’t forget there is now a Community Toilet at the White Swan, open daily from 11am. A partnership between Scarborough Borough Council, Hunmanby Parish Council and the White Swan"
Andy, Landlord of the White Swan inn, Cross Hill
"We are a traditional cafe, popular with staff from the Industrial Estate where over 300 people are employed. But we also have a passion for everything home made, our specialities are quiche, sausage rolls, scones and cakes"
Carol & Lorraine, Lolz Kitchen Coffee Shop, Bridlington Street
"The Spring Cafe is not only found In the centre of our village but is THE centre of the village! Daily activities have enabled us to bounce back post covid, so as well as good coffee and homemade cakes come and try your hand at numerous crafts, board games, singing or dancing. Come and meet friends and enjoy a simple homemade lunch. On Fridays come to the café to see us working alongside Hunmanby Free Fridge to provide a community meal, before collecting your items from the free fridge thereby reducing food waste as well as enjoying fun and friendship."
Joy, Spring Cafe, Stonegate
With growing concern over the plight of this traditional British institution, the Public House, especially in rural areas.
This link to the excellent series by Tom Kerridge Saving the British pub produced on the cusp and during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and gives an insight into the challenges for the 457,000 people employed in the public house and bar trade.
Updated 1.3.2022