Best attractions and places to see around Burn include historical sites, waterways, and trails, offering diverse exploration opportunities. This area in North Yorkshire provides a mix of natural and man-made points of interest. Visitors can discover historical bridges, scenic canals, and former airfields. The landscape around Burn supports various outdoor activities, making it suitable for those interested in local history and gentle exploration.
Last updated: May 5, 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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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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Selby Abbey has been an important place of worship for over 900 years. You can visit or attend services here. Look out for the world-famous stained-glass windows and medieval architecture. There is also a cafe and gift shop. The abbey is open to public visiting daily from 10:00 - 16:00. Entry is free but they ask for any donations as it's expensive to look after.
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Burn and its surroundings offer several historical points of interest. You can visit the Ferrybridge Old Bridge, a traffic-free route for cyclists and walkers with a rich history dating back to its 1797 rebuilding. Another significant site is the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common, where remnants of a World War II heavy bomber operational conversion unit are still visible. Additionally, the RAF Burn Airfield, a former Royal Air Force satellite station, offers information points along the Trans Pennine Trail explaining its past.
Yes, several attractions around Burn are suitable for families. The Ferrybridge Old Bridge provides a safe, traffic-free path for walks. The RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common is also family-friendly, offering an educational experience about local history. For a break, the Birkin Tea Room is a welcoming spot with fast service and reasonable prices.
The Birkin Tea Room is a highly recommended cafe in the area, especially popular with cyclists. Visitors praise its fast service, reasonable prices, and warm welcome, making it an ideal stop during your exploration.
The area around Burn is great for various outdoor activities. You can cycle along the Selby Canal, which offers a scenic path, though it can be bumpy in places for road bikes. The former RAF Burn Airfield is now part of the Trans Pennine Trail, suitable for walking and cycling. For more structured routes, explore the MTB Trails around Burn, Hiking around Burn, or Running Trails around Burn.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. You can find easy to moderate routes like the 'View of Burton Hall Bridge – Stone Bridge Over Canal loop from Burn' or the 'Picnic Table – RAF Burn Airfield loop from Brayton'. For a comprehensive list of trails, check out the Hiking around Burn guide.
The Selby Canal offers a popular 6-mile cycle path, historically used for transporting goods and now enjoyed by pleasure boaters and cyclists. The Ferrybridge Old Bridge also provides a traffic-free crossing. For mountain biking, explore routes like 'Cawood Bridge – Cawood Castle Gatehouse loop from Selby' in the MTB Trails around Burn guide.
The primary natural feature is the Selby Canal, which is also a cycle way. While the area is more known for its historical and man-made points of interest, the canal provides a pleasant waterside environment for walks and rides.
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and outdoor activity. They particularly enjoy the traffic-free nature of the Ferrybridge Old Bridge for quiet crossings and the historical insights offered by the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial and RAF Burn Airfield. The friendly atmosphere and good value at the Birkin Tea Room are also frequently praised.
The Ferrybridge Old Bridge can be considered a hidden gem, tucked away beneath newer flyovers, offering a quieter, historical crossing. The remnants and information points at the former RAF Burn Airfield and the RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial provide unique insights into local wartime history that might not be immediately obvious.
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can explore routes like the 'Selby Canal – Selby Canal Towpath loop from Selby' or the 'Bluebell Meadow – Woodland Clearing loop from Brayton'. For more options, refer to the Running Trails around Burn guide.
The best way to explore the historical significance of RAF Burn Airfield is by walking or cycling along the Trans Pennine Trail, which passes through the former airfield. Many information points along the trail explain the history of this Royal Air Force satellite station, which operated from 1942 to 1946.


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