Attractions and Places To See around Barrow Upon Humber - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Barrow Upon Humber include a variety of historic landmarks, natural landscapes, and significant architectural sites. This North Lincolnshire village is known for its rich history, including Georgian and early Victorian architecture, and its connection to the Humber Estuary. Visitors can explore ancient fortifications, impressive engineering feats, and serene nature reserves. The area offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Best attractions and places to see around Barrow Upon Humber
- The most popular attractions is Humber Bridge, a man-made monument that is an impressive suspension bridge across the Humber Estuary. This Grade I-listed bridge stretches for 2.3 km and was once the longest of its kind globally.
- Another must-see spot is St Helen’s Church, Welton, a historical site and religious building. This picturesque church has existed since the 11th century and is known for its village setting and festive lighting during winter.
- Visitors also love Horkstow Suspension Bridge, a historical site and bridge. This structure is appreciated for its design and the surrounding views, offering a gravel track suitable for cycling and hiking.
- Barrow Upon Humber is known for its historic landmarks, natural landscapes, and significant architectural sites. The area offers a blend of cultural heritage, engineering marvels, and serene natural beauty to explore.
- The attractions around Barrow Upon Humber are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 130 upvotes and 51 photos shared.
Last updated: May 25, 2026
St Helen’s Church, Welton
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Horkstow Suspension Bridge
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Waters' Edge Visitor Centre
Highlight • Rest Area
For a free family day out packed with wildlife and nature don’t miss Waters’ Edge Country Park and Visitor Centre. Explore 110 acres of country park and nature reserve, discover how green you are with our interactive displays or just chill out by the ponds and feed the ducks. Little ones will love our Kids Corner as well as our outdoor children’s play areas.
Waters’ Edge boasts an amazing events calendar with activities such as pottery workshops, craft fairs and lots more. You can download a copy of our events programme by clicking on Leaflets and Brochures at the top right of this page. In the Visitor Centre you will find the gift shop which stocks a variety of locally crafted gifts from jewellery, toys and games, handbags, scarves, books, stationery and wildlife surveillance equipment.
Enjoy quality coffee and food, whilst taking in the spectacular views over the Humber Estuary at Honey Pot Café located within the centre, with outside decked seating area in the summer (open till 3.30pm daily). The Honey Pot Café is a privately owned and managed café within the Visitor Centre.
Tip by
Humber Bridge
Highlight • Monument
Tip by
Barton Old Cement Works Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
The Site Layout
As you enter the site today (the main western entrance) you are walking down what was the original railway line through the site to the jetty (which has all-but washed away now). This line linked the cement plant with the New Cliff chalk quarry just to the south-west of the site and the clay pits which were behind the site. This railway line was a three-foot gauge and the first locomotive used was named Adamant, after the cement brand (it was originally called Isabella). To the west of this path are the remains of what was probably the cement storage area, passing from the main kiln structure to the east. To the north of the site is the remains of the wharf, where the sloops would have been loaded to deliver the cement. Behind this are the remains of the cement bins. Behind the cement bins well hidden in the undergrowth lie more ruins which may well have been to do with slurry preparation. Halfway along the path you came in on is the entrance to the main body of the site. You will immediately notice four large brick structures with a fifth smaller one just to the north. The four large brick structures (the furthest two looking like a brick Stonehenge structure) are the piers which would have supported the rotary kiln, and somewhere round here should be the remains of chimney stack. The largest one in the centre would have accommodated both a support tyre and the kiln's drive gear. The smaller pier to the north carried the main drive-shaft of the kiln which would have connected with the motor which is probably the ruins to the east of this structure. Following the path to the south east you will come across a little well, where the water for the cement manufacturing process came from. Next you will find another brick structure. Just behind this brick structure is another rather long brick structure, probably over 180 foot long, and mostly hidden. This would have been a row of kilns, with arches underneath acting as "draw-holes", spaced around 18 foot apart. There would have been about ten of these. These would have linked to the four pier structures you have just passed and the chimney base were you first entered. There are more ruins dotted around the site which are still a mystery.
cementkilns.co.uk/cement_kiln_barton.html
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Barrow Upon Humber.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Bridge closed completely, April 2025. To cross the river you need to go to South Ferriby.
3
0
Take a hike here in winter, early morning or late afternoon when there is less natural light, as the hundreds of lights around the church wall at ground level are quite spectacular. There has been a church in this location since the reign of William Rufus in the 11th century, as coins from the period were found in the foundations of part of the church during its 19th-century restoration.
1
0
Picturesque village with ample parking around the vicinity of the pond, which is quite spectacular around Christmas, when backlit by hundreds of lights on the wall around St. Helen's Church.
1
0
The village pond is situated in the centre of the village in front of the church.
0
0
St Helen's church in the heart of the village of Welton. There is normally a gathering for worship on a Sunday morning.
0
0
The River Ancholme is a tributary of the Humber. It rises at Ancholme Head, a spring just north of the village of Ingham and west of the Roman Road, Ermine Street. It flows east and then north to Bishopbridge, west of Market Rasen, where it is joined by the Rase.
0
0
Horkstow Bridge is a suspension bridge that spans the River Ancholme near the village of Horkstow in North Lincolnshire. It was designed by Sir John Rennie as part of the River Ancholme Drainage Scheme, completed in 1836, and is a Grade II* listed building.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore in Barrow Upon Humber?
Barrow Upon Humber is rich in history. You can visit the historic St Helen’s Church, Welton, which dates back to the 11th century. The village also features the remnants of a Norman motte and bailey castle, known as 'The Castles,' near Barrow Haven. Don't miss the impressive Georgian and early Victorian architecture along Barrow Upon Humber High Street, and the historic Barton Old Cement Works Ruins, a site of early English cement production.
Are there any natural attractions or nature reserves to visit?
Absolutely. The abandoned Barrow and Barton clay pits have been transformed into valuable nature reserves with wetlands and woodlands, offering habitats for diverse wildlife. The Waters' Edge Visitor Centre provides access to 110 acres of country park and nature reserve with views over the Humber Estuary. You can also explore the Blow Wells, managed by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, and the serene area around The Beck, which flows to Barrow Haven.
What activities are available for families with children?
The Waters' Edge Visitor Centre is an excellent choice for families, offering interactive displays, ponds for duck feeding, a Kids Corner, and outdoor play areas. Many of the walking trails around the nature reserves are also suitable for families. The St Helen’s Church, Welton, set in a picturesque village, is also considered family-friendly.
Can I find walking or cycling routes near the attractions?
Yes, the area offers numerous walking and cycling routes. You can find various hiking trails, including the 'Waters' Edge Visitor Centre – William Blyth Tile Yard loop' and 'The Country Park – Humber Bridge loop'. For cycling, there are road cycling routes like 'Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse – Cafe at 6 loop' and mountain biking trails such as 'View of the Humber Bridge – Humber Bridge loop'. You can explore more options on the dedicated guides for hiking, road cycling, and MTB trails around Barrow Upon Humber.
Where can I learn about the local history and architecture?
To delve into local history and architecture, start with the Barrow Upon Humber High Street, known for its Georgian and early Victorian buildings. The Holy Trinity Church, a historic Norman church, offers insights into medieval times and houses an exhibition on John 'Longitude' Harrison. You can also visit Papist Hall, one of Barrow's oldest brick houses, and Barrow Hall, noted for its fine red brickwork.
Is there a good place to enjoy views of the Humber Estuary?
The Waters' Edge Visitor Centre provides spectacular views over the Humber Estuary, especially from its cafe. The expansive Humber Estuary itself offers flat, accessible banks perfect for enjoying the scenery and watching wildlife. Walking or cycling along the estuary-side paths also provides excellent vantage points.
What is the significance of the Humber Bridge?
The Humber Bridge is an impressive suspension bridge and a Grade I-listed structure. When completed in 1981, it was the longest of its kind globally, stretching for 2.3 km. It's a significant engineering marvel and a prominent landmark in the region, offering a unique experience for walkers and cyclists.
What is the story behind John Harrison, the clockmaker?
John 'Longitude' Harrison, a self-taught clockmaker, is honored with a statue in Barrow Upon Humber's Market Place. His revolutionary work in naval navigation, particularly his marine chronometers, solved the problem of accurately determining longitude at sea. You can find explanatory boards near his statue and an exhibition within the Holy Trinity Church that provides further insight into his life and inventions.
What is the best time of year to visit Barrow Upon Humber?
Barrow Upon Humber offers attractions year-round. For outdoor activities like walking and cycling, spring and summer provide milder weather. However, the St Helen’s Church, Welton, is particularly picturesque in winter when hundreds of lights illuminate the church wall, creating a festive atmosphere. The nature reserves are also beautiful in all seasons for wildlife spotting.
Are there any dog-friendly walking options in the area?
Many of the walking trails and nature reserves around Barrow Upon Humber are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore with your canine companion. The estuary-side paths and trails through the former clay pits turned nature reserves are popular choices for walks. Always ensure dogs are kept on a lead where required, especially in nature reserve areas to protect wildlife.
How can I get around to the attractions using public transport?
Barrow Haven has a railway halt on the Barton-upon-Humber to Cleethorpes line, which can provide access to some areas. Local bus services also connect the village to surrounding towns and attractions. For specific routes and schedules, it's advisable to check local transport information, as options may vary.
Are there any accessible trails for wheelchairs or strollers?
The landscape around the Humber Estuary is generally flat, offering accessible banks and paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. The Waters' Edge Visitor Centre and its surrounding country park are designed to be accessible, providing a comfortable experience for all visitors. It's always recommended to check specific trail conditions if you have particular accessibility needs.
What are some lesser-known historical gems in the area?
Beyond the main landmarks, look for Papist Hall, identified as one of Barrow's oldest houses and one of the earliest constructed from brick. Also, the Horkstow Suspension Bridge, while appreciated for its design, is a historical site that offers a unique glimpse into 19th-century engineering and is less commonly highlighted than the Humber Bridge.
Most popular routes around Barrow Upon Humber
Most popular attractions around Barrow Upon Humber
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
