Best attractions and places to see around Asselby include a mix of historical sites, natural reserves, and scenic routes. The region offers opportunities to explore former airfields, tranquil waterways, and significant architectural ruins. Asselby is situated in an area with diverse landscapes, providing various points of interest for visitors.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Highlight • Historical Site
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Spectacular abbey for such a small town. Interesting info board describing the 19th Century cholera epidemic and associated graveyard, much like the one just outside the walls opposite York Station.
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Selby Canal is a very pleasant walk. From Selby to Burton Hall Bridge is around 2.5 miles each way.
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Royal Air Force Burn or more simply RAF Burn is a former Royal Air Force satellite station located 5 miles (8 km) south of Selby and 0.5 miles (0.8 km) east of Burn in North Yorkshire, England which opened in 1942 before closing in 1946. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Burn
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The Trans Pennine Trail passes through this former airfield. Many information points explain the history of this historic place.
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Open for all visitors (including sightseeing) from 10.00am to 4.00pm daily and the Gift and Coffee Shop is open from 10.30am to 3.30pm (1.30 to 3.00pm on Sundays). Visiting may be restricted during service times. https://www.selbyabbey.org.uk/
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The Trans Pennine Trail runs along the canal between Selby and Snaith.
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A former Royal Air Force satellite station that opened in 1942, to close in 1946. Many of the buildings have now been dismantled, but the three runways remain intact and are used by the Burn Gliding Club.
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Nice cycle path along the Selby Canal.
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You can explore the tranquil waterways of Selby Canal, which is popular for cycling and pleasure boating. Another option is the Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve, a small site with diverse wetland habitats and a wealth of wildlife, including various bird species.
The area offers several historical sites. You can visit the impressive Howden Minster Ruins, a beautifully decorated 14th-century chancel and chapel house. Additionally, explore former Royal Air Force sites like RAF Burn Airfield, where runways are still used by a gliding club, and the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common, which has visible remnants of its wartime past.
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Howden Minster Ruins are free to enter and offer a glimpse into history. Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve provides a circular route for observing wildlife, and the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common offers an interesting historical walk with visible remnants of an old airfield.
You can find a variety of walking trails. For easy walks, consider routes like 'Swans at Barkby Thorpe – Wetland Area loop from Hemingbrough' or 'That Tea Room – Beer Yard in Howden loop from Howden'. Many of these are part of the easy hikes around Asselby guide. The Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve also offers a circular footpath, though it can be muddy in winter.
Absolutely. The Selby Canal offers a popular 6-mile cycle path. For more extensive rides, you can explore various options listed in the Road Cycling Routes around Asselby, such as the 'Cawood Bridge – John Smith's Brewery loop from Wressle', or mountain biking trails like 'Howden Minster – Howden Minster Ruins loop from Riccall' from the MTB Trails around Asselby guide.
Yes, the region has a strong connection to its wartime aviation history. You can visit RAF Burn Airfield, a former Royal Air Force satellite station where the runways are still intact and used by a gliding club. Another significant site is the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common, where you can see visible remnants of taxiways and flight pans from its time as a heavy bomber operational conversion unit.
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and nature. Many enjoy the historical significance and free access to sites like Howden Minster Ruins. The scenic and historical aspects of the Selby Canal for cycling and the wildlife at Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve are also highly rated. The visible remnants and information points at former airfields like RAF Burn Airfield offer a unique historical experience.
Yes, the Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve offers scenic views of wetland habitats and opportunities for birdwatching. The path along the Selby Canal also provides pleasant, open views of the surrounding countryside, ideal for a leisurely cycle or walk.
While specific cafes directly on every trail are not listed, the town of Howden, near Howden Minster Ruins, is noted for having a great cafe scene. Many walking routes, such as those in the easy hikes around Asselby guide, often start or pass through villages where local establishments can be found.
The spring and summer months are generally ideal for outdoor activities around Asselby, offering pleasant weather for cycling along the Selby Canal and exploring nature reserves like Saltmarshe Delph. However, some nature reserve footpaths can become very muddy during winter, so appropriate footwear is recommended if visiting during colder, wetter months.
While specific dog-friendly designations are not always provided, many outdoor areas like the Selby Canal path and general countryside walks are typically suitable for dogs on a lead. When visiting nature reserves like Saltmarshe Delph, always check local signage for specific rules regarding dogs, especially during bird breeding seasons.
Information on specific wheelchair accessibility for all attractions is limited. The Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve has mainly grass footpaths with tree roots and uneven surfaces, which may present challenges. For the most up-to-date accessibility information, it is recommended to contact individual sites directly before your visit.


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