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Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds lies a remarkable site that tells a story of England’s past like no other. Wharram Percy, a deserted medieval village, offers a unique glimpse into rural life centuries ago. This hidden gem is a treasure trove for history enthusiasts, walkers, and anyone curious about England’s medieval heritage. In this post, we will explore the fascinating history, the archaeological significance, and practical tips for visiting this captivating s

Clayton Circular Walk A Brief History of Clayton Clayton is a traditional Yorkshire village with a long rural history, found just west of Doncaster in South Yorkshire. Its name originates from Old English — “claeg tun” , meaning “settlement on clay soil”  — a nod to the rich farmland that has shaped its landscape for centuries. The village dates back to medieval times, and much of its layout still reflects its agricultural heritage, with farmhouses, cottages, and fields that

Barnburgh circular A Brief History of Barnburgh Barnburgh is a charming rural village in South Yorkshire, lying between Doncaster and Mexborough, surrounded by open countryside and farmland. Its history stretches back to at least Saxon times, with the name thought to mean “stronghold of Beorn’s people.” At the heart of the village stands St Peter’s Church, one of the oldest in the area, dating from the 12th century. It’s famous locally for the “Cat and Man” legend, which tell

Helmsley Circular Walk I think the walk is about 4 miles...I forgot to turn the app off and left it on when driving!!! A Brief History of Helmsley Helmsley, often described as one of Yorkshire’s prettiest market towns, sits at the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park, where the rolling Howardian Hills meet wild heather moorland. Its history stretches back over a thousand years — it was first mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Elmeslac , meaning “the clea

Thorner Circular Walk A Brief History of Thorner Nestled just eight miles north-east of Leeds city centre, Thorner is one of West Yorkshire’s most picturesque and historic villages. The name Thorner  comes from Old English, meaning “thorn-covered slope,” reflecting its setting among gentle hills and ancient hedgerows. Thorner has roots stretching back to Anglo-Saxon times, and it’s even mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Tornoure . The village grew as a small agricultu

Rabbit Ings Country Park From Colliery to Country Park Rabbit Ings Country Park, located near Royston in South Yorkshire, is a 64-hectare green space that has undergone a remarkable transformation. Once the site of Monckton Colliery and later the Royston Drift Mine, both of which closed in 1989, the area has been rehabilitated into a vibrant country park. Officially opened in 2011 and managed by The Land Trust since 2012, Rabbit Ings now offers a blend of natural beauty and h

Thurgoland Circle Walk A Brief History of Thurgoland, South Yorkshire Nestled in the rolling hills between Barnsley and Sheffield, the village of Thurgoland sits on the edge of the Peak District and the River Don Valley. Though small today, Thurgoland has a long and fascinating history that reflects Yorkshire’s rural and industrial heritage. The name Thurgoland  is believed to derive from Old Norse origins — “Thurkel’s land”  — suggesting it was first settled by Vikings aroun

or anyone wanting to combine history, nature, and gentle exercise. Discover a Hidden Gem in the North York Moors At The White Shire , we’re passionate about uncovering Yorkshire’s lesser-known treasures. Our Yorkshire Walks series highlights scenic routes that offer both natural beauty and a glimpse into the region's rich history. One such gem is the Upper Oakdale Reservoir Loop from Kepwick, a peaceful walk that combines woodland trails, reservoir views, and the charm of the

Explore Yorkshire’s Green Heritage At The White Shire , we celebrate all things Yorkshire — from its landscapes and heritage to hidden walking gems. Our Yorkshire Walks series tracks some of the region’s most interesting routes, and the West Haigh Wood & Spring Country Park Circular in Grimethorpe is a perfect example of nature, history, and regeneration all in one. This circular walk combines the tranquillity of West Haigh Wood with the reclaimed landscapes of Spring Country

A Detailed Look at Bramham Bramham is a picturesque village located in West Yorkshire. This charming place is steeped in history and surrounded by idyllic countryside. It serves as a fantastic destination for walkers. Positioned between Leeds and York, Bramham’s heritage dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Its charm lies in the blend of historic landmarks and serene rural landscapes. Visitors often find themselves drawn to Bramham Park. This 18th-century stately home is

Explore the Rich History of Langsett Reservoir At The White Shire , I’m passionate about showcasing the best of Yorkshire—its landscapes, history, and hidden gems. One of my favourite featured routes on the Yorkshire Walks page is a scenic walk around Langsett Reservoir, located on the edge of the Peak District near Barnsley and Penistone. Langsett Reservoir is steeped in history. Completed in 1904, it was built to supply water to the growing population of Sheffield and surro

Wharram Percy Circular Walk Nestled in the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Wolds, Wharram Percy is one of England’s most famous deserted medieval villages. Abandoned by the early 16th century, this once-thriving settlement offers a fascinating glimpse into rural life during the Middle Ages. Today, only the ruins of the 12th-century church and outlines of former buildings remain, surrounded by peaceful farmland and chalkland valleys. At The White Shire, I’ve tracked and promote

Clayton Circular Walk Nestled in the heart of West Yorkshire, Clayton near South Elmsall is a small but historically rich village, perfect for walkers eager to uncover Yorkshire's hidden treasures. Surrounded by rolling countryside, this charming location offers picturesque walking routes that blend natural beauty with a glimpse into the past. Clayton's history stretches back centuries, with its name likely derived from Old English, meaning "clay settlement." Historically, it

Holme-on-Spalding-Moor Circular Walk Explore Holme-on-Spalding-Moor: A Historic Village in the East Riding of Yorkshire Holme-on-Spalding-Moor, a charming village in the East Riding of Yorkshire, is a hidden gem with a rich history and picturesque surroundings. Located between York and Hull, this historic settlement offers a perfect blend of heritage and stunning countryside, making it a wonderful destination for walkers. The village’s history dates back to medieval times and

Barnburgh Circular Walk Barnburgh, a picturesque village in South Yorkshire, is steeped in history and surrounded by scenic countryside, making it a wonderful destination for walkers. Nestled near Doncaster, this charming village is known for its historic landmarks, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful views of the Yorkshire countryside. Barnburgh’s history dates back to Saxon times, and the village is rich in heritage. Its most notable landmark is St. Peter’s Church , a Grade

Ardsley reservoir circular walk East Ardsley, a village steeped in history and located between Wakefield and Leeds, offers a unique blend of heritage and scenic countryside, making it an ideal destination for walkers. This former mining village has roots that stretch back to medieval times and has evolved through the centuries while retaining its rural charm. Historically, East Ardsley was part of a thriving coal mining area during the Industrial Revolution. The village playe

Bramham Circular Walk Bramham, a picturesque village in West Yorkshire, is steeped in history and surrounded by idyllic countryside, making it a fantastic destination for walkers. Situated between Leeds and York, Bramham has a heritage that dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, and its charm lies in its combination of historic landmarks and tranquil rural landscapes. The village is perhaps best known for Bramham Park , an 18th-century stately home surrounded by stunning l

West Burton Circular Walk West Burton, a picturesque village nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, is a quintessentially British countryside retreat. Known for its tranquil atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, this charming village is a perfect base for exploring the surrounding landscapes of Wensleydale. Dating back to medieval times, West Burton has a rich history as a farming community. The village grew around its traditional green, which remains a central featur

Bainbridge Circular Walk Bainbridge, a charming village in the Yorkshire Dales, is an idyllic destination for those looking to experience the beauty of this stunning national park. Located at the foot of the rolling hills of Wensleydale, Bainbridge is known for its traditional stone cottages, tranquil setting, and breathtaking landscapes. With a history dating back to Roman times, Bainbridge is rich in heritage. The village was historically a centre for farming and textile pr

Hawes, Gayle Loop Gayle, a picturesque village nestled just outside Hawes in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by stunning natural beauty and rich history. This charming village is known for its traditional stone cottages, peaceful rural setting, and close proximity to the iconic Wensleydale valley. Historically, Gayle was closely tied to the thriving wool industry, with many of its buildings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. The