Discover Bilbrough

Bilbrough sits on a moraine about 150 feet above sea level. From there, it offers wide views across the flat Vale of York; its elevated position and the open plain give the landscape two distinct aspects. The Roman road between York and Tadcaster also helps to orient visitors: Bilbrough lies about half a mile from it.

Countryside and walking trails

A walking route in Bilbrough follows Main Street to the church, then passes through the churchyard and across a field by a pond. It then joins the Ebor Way, which follows the course of an old Roman road. The description thus takes you from sections of the route in the village to a named walking trail and notes its connection with the old road.

A walking route from Askham Richard through Bilbrough to Askham Bryan is listed as 6½ miles and 3 hours; it includes 11 stiles and 4 gates. The distance and time refer to the entire route, not just the sections described in Bilbrough. This distinguishes the route through the village from the overall details for the longer walk. As field conditions can change, check the state of the paths before setting out.

St James' Church and Fairfax Chapel

The Fairfax Chapel in St James' Church can be visited. The church is usually open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; check the details before your visit. The tomb of Thomas, 3rd Baron Fairfax of Cameron, is in the South Chapel. Also there is a large 15th-century tomb chest for John Norton, the chapel's founder. The two memorials are different in form: a tomb for Fairfax and a tomb chest for Norton.

Bilbrough Grange architecture

Bilbrough Grange also has noteworthy architectural details. The hall has a moulded ceiling and a coffered arch; an open staircase features cast-iron balusters. A ground-floor room retains 18th-century panelling, a fireplace, a dentil cornice and shutters. The hall and the ground-floor room have different features: the ceiling, arch and staircase define the former, while the historic panelling and the listed fittings characterise the latter.

Practical planning information

Bilbrough Village Hall can be hired throughout the year. If you are considering hiring it, check availability for your preferred date. For bus planning in connection with the walking route, you can consider Coastliner buses to Tadcaster and Hutchinson’s Buses, route 87. Check whether these services are currently running before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Tockwith, Burnsall, Ravenscar, Gristhorpe, Settle, Cray, Great Broughton, Bedale.

For the wider travel overview: North Yorkshire.