Attractions and Places To See around Thornton - Top 20

The oldest surviving cast-iron railway bridge of its kind in Britain, dating back to 1847. - The last train crossed the viaduct on 27 November 1965, after which the line was closed and the structure fell into disuse. By 1991, its condition had deteriorated so badly that East Yorkshire Borough Council planned to demolish it, estimating costs at £60,000. Thanks to local protests and rail heritage campaigners, the demolition was halted. The viaduct was restored and now forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, preserving its legacy for public enjoyment.

The oldest surviving cast-iron railway bridge of its kind in Britain, dating back to 1847. - The last train crossed the viaduct on 27 November 1965, after which the line was closed and the structure fell into disuse. By 1991, its condition had deteriorated so badly that East Yorkshire Borough Council planned to demolish it, estimating costs at £60,000. Thanks to local protests and rail heritage campaigners, the demolition was halted. The viaduct was restored and now forms part of the Sustrans National Cycle Network, preserving its legacy for public enjoyment.

A beautiful rural canal of two halves, the upper reaches of the Pocklington Canal between Canal Head and Melbourne is characterised by un-restored locks, tree lined towpaths, and classic humpbacked bridges. Only the lower reaches of the canal is open to boats, lying in an open landscape of floodplains and meadows, rich in wildlife, and identifiable by its distinctive swing bridges. Once threatened, the canal was saved by the work of local volunteers and campaigners, and is now home to three Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Look out for Church Bridge and Swing Bridge No. 7 on the Pocklington Canal – both recently restored. Lots of history on wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocklington_Canal Maps (and other useful pages) on the Pocklington Canal Amenity Society website: https://www.pocklingtoncanalsociety.org/maps

Compact and picturesque parkland that used to be part of the Archbishop of York's manor of Everingham in 1086. As you cross the park you will find it hard to miss the slightly unusual arcaded deer shelter (see photos and https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000924?section=official-list-entry)

Very quiet village, the church stands opposite a row of quaint cottages, and the whole vista is quite picturesque even in winter. Couple of interesting historical summaries of the church, detailing the Anglo Danish cross head can be found at https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/all-saints-londesborough , https://www.megalithic.co.uk/article.php?sid=31124

This is a beautiful rural canal that stretches 9.5 miles (15 km) between East Cottingwith and Canal Head. The canal path is lined with trees and passes by numerous original locks and elegant humpbacked bridges. It's a delightful stretch of walking – truly.

This impressive old railway viaduct that spans over the River Derwent is built from beautiful red brick and consists of 15 arches. Once a vital link for the railway connecting York and Market Weighton, this structure stands as the largest remaining remnant of that historic railway line. Today, it has transformed into a tranquil and traffic-free crossing, offering a picturesque vantage point to admire the waterway below.

The field to the north east of the road is the site of the Battle of Stamford Bridge on 25/09/1066, a turning point in English history. It was here that King Harold of England defeated the Viking King Harald Harada and Harold's own brother Tostig. This resulted in the end of the Viking era in England, such was the loss of life. Though from here, King Harold and his men had to march to Hastings on the south coast of England to meet William of Normandy who was challenging Harold's ascension to the throne. Harold's exhausted and much depleted men were defeated at the Battle of Hastings and Harold killed. This lead to the Norman Conquest of England. The Battle of Stamford Bridge is depicted in the Bayeux Tapestry. There are monuments to the Battle of Stamford Bridge in the village and on the site of battle at the end of Whiterose Drive.