Best attractions and places to see around Snaith And Cowick, an ancient market town in the East Riding of Yorkshire, blend historical significance with natural beauty. The area features a network of waterways, including the Rivers Don and Aire, and various canals. Visitors can explore historical landmarks, natural reserves, and extensive walking and cycling routes.
Last updated: May 4, 2026
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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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Low Lane Swing Bridge is a minor waterways place on the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation (New Junction Canal) between Sykehouse Lift Bridge (Sykehouse village is about a mile to the east.) (3 miles and 5½ furlongs and 1 lock to the northeast) and Bramwith Junction (Junction of Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation main line with New Junction Canal) (6¾ furlongs to the southwest). https://canalplan.uk/place/emmj
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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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Snaith and Cowick offer several historical landmarks. You can visit the impressive Snaith Priory Church of St. Lawrence, which dates back to 1100 AD with a Norman core. Another notable site is Cowick Hall, a 17th-century Georgian country house. Don't miss The Penny Lock Up, an 18th-century lock-up next to the Priory Church, or the former RAF Burn Airfield, a WWII satellite station now used by a gliding club, where the Trans Pennine Trail passes through.
Yes, the area features natural attractions like the Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve, a small site with diverse wetland habitats and a variety of wildlife, including marsh harriers and water rails. The Rivers Don and Aire also run close to Snaith, offering scenic views and historical significance as a medieval port.
Snaith and Cowick are excellent for cycling, with several traffic-free routes. You can ride along the Stainforth and Keadby Canal Towpath, which offers a pleasant route between Thorne and Keadby. The Selby Canal also provides a cycle path, though it can be a bit bumpy in places. Additionally, the Trans Pennine Cycle Route and the Coast to Coast Cycle Route both pass through Snaith. For more cycling options, explore the Cycling around Snaith And Cowick guide.
Absolutely. The region boasts fifteen established heritage walks of varying lengths, some up to 8.75 miles, with the possibility to link them for over 20 miles. These walks feature information boards detailing the area's cultural, historical, and natural beauty. The Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve also has approximately 600m of grass footpaths for a circular route. You can find more walking and running routes in the Running Trails around Snaith And Cowick guide.
The Low Lane Swing Bridge is a minor waterways place on the Sheffield and South Yorkshire Navigation (New Junction Canal). It's notable for its operational swing mechanism, which allows watercraft to pass through. When the lights flash on the road, it indicates the bridge is open for water traffic.
Many of the canal towpaths, such as the Stainforth and Keadby Canal Towpath and Selby Canal, are suitable for family cycling or walks. The Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve also offers family-friendly footpaths for exploring nature. The heritage walks provide an engaging way for families to learn about the area's history and natural beauty.
Yes, Snaith is home to the Old Mill Brewery, housed in a former corn mill, maltings, and clog mill. They produce a wide range of ales and offer tours. For food, Snaith is known for its five public houses, two cafes, and butchers famous for the 'Snaith sausage' made from local products.
The best time to visit for outdoor activities generally depends on the specific activity. For walking and cycling, spring to autumn offers pleasant weather. However, some footpaths, like those at Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve, can be very muddy during winter. Birdwatching at Saltmarshe Delph is particularly rewarding, especially during migration seasons.
Visitors frequently appreciate the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the canal towpaths for cycling and walking, noting the flat terrain. The historical significance of sites like Snaith Priory Church and the unique wildlife at Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve are also highly valued. The blend of history, nature, and accessible routes makes the area appealing for diverse interests.
Snaith was granted a royal charter to hold markets and fairs in 1223 AD. This tradition continued with annual readings over the church wall until 1934. While there isn't a specific attraction dedicated solely to the charter, its history is woven into the town's identity and often mentioned in local heritage information.
While not designated as specific 'viewpoints' in the traditional sense, areas along the Rivers Don and Aire, and the various canal towpaths, offer picturesque views of the waterways and surrounding countryside. The Saltmarshe Delph Nature Reserve also provides opportunities for scenic observation of wetland habitats and wildlife.


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