Attractions and places to see around Brayton, a village in North Yorkshire, England, offer a mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. The area is characterized by its flat terrain, making it suitable for easy walks near Brayton and cycling. Visitors can explore remnants of wartime history and enjoy tranquil waterways. Brayton provides opportunities for outdoor activities within a rural setting.
Last updated: May 21, 2026
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Remnants of RAF Riccall are clearly visible around this loop. The base has a rich history and served as a heavy bomber (Handley Page Halifax) operational conversion unit during the Second World War. Three runways were constructed to form an "A" shape, which allegedly had to be rebuilt after they started to subside and sink into the soft ground. The entire common is riddled with patches of concrete and asphalt that represent the remains of the taxiways and flight pan.
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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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Brayton and its surroundings offer several historical sites. You can explore the remnants of a former heavy bomber operational conversion unit at RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common, where patches of concrete and asphalt from old taxiways are still visible. Another site with wartime history is RAF Burn Airfield, a former Royal Air Force satellite station where the Trans Pennine Trail now passes through. For a grander historical experience, visit Carlton Towers, a Grade I listed Victorian Gothic building set in 250 acres.
Yes, Brayton offers several family-friendly options. RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common is suitable for families interested in history and nature. Carlton Towers, with its extensive grounds and occasional events, can also be a great family outing. Additionally, the Birkin Tea Room is a welcoming spot for all ages, known for its fast service and reasonable prices.
The flat terrain around Brayton is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy cycling or walking along the Selby Canal, which offers a dedicated path. For more structured routes, explore the hiking trails around Brayton, or consider the cycling routes and MTB trails available in the area, which include easy to moderate options.
Yes, the flat landscape around Brayton is well-suited for easy walks. The path along the Selby Canal provides a pleasant and generally easy route. You can find several easy hiking routes, such as the 'Brayton Tunnel, Selby Canal – Burn Bridge on Selby Canal loop from Selby' or 'Bluebell Meadow – Woodland Clearing loop from Selby', by checking the hiking guide for Brayton.
The Birkin Tea Room is a highly recommended spot near Brayton. It's particularly popular with cyclists and is known for its fast service, reasonable prices, and a warm welcome. It's a great place to stop for refreshments during your exploration of the area.
The Selby Canal offers a popular cycle path, though it can be a bit bumpy in places for road bikes and muddy when wet. For more cycling options, including routes like 'Open Plains – Rest Stop by the Canal loop from Brayton' or 'RAF Burn Airfield – Picnic Table loop from Brayton', refer to the cycling guide for Brayton.
Absolutely. Brayton's history is evident in sites like RAF Burn Airfield, a former Royal Air Force station where information points explain its past. The RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common also provides insight into the region's role during WWII. Additionally, the historic Selby Canal, opened in 1778, played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution.
Visitors particularly appreciate the mix of historical sites and natural landscapes. The tranquil waterways of the Selby Canal are popular for pleasure boaters and cyclists. The welcoming atmosphere and good value at places like Birkin Tea Room are also frequently praised. The historical significance of sites like RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial adds a unique dimension to the experience.
Yes, RAF Riccall Bomber Memorial at Skipwith Common is classified as a natural monument. While it features historical remnants, the common itself offers a natural landscape to explore. The Selby Canal also provides a tranquil waterway environment, popular for enjoying nature alongside its historical significance.
Yes, Brayton is a good starting point for longer rides. For mountain biking, routes like 'Solar System Cycleway – Millennium Bridge York loop from Riccall' or 'Cawood Bridge – Cawood Castle Gatehouse loop from Selby' offer more extensive options. You can find detailed information and more routes in the MTB Trails around Brayton guide.
Brayton's attractions, which include canals, historical sites, and cafes, can be enjoyed throughout the year. However, for outdoor activities like cycling and walking along the Selby Canal or exploring Skipwith Common, the warmer and drier months from spring to early autumn (April to October) are generally more pleasant. Some paths can get muddy during wet weather.


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