Discover Selby: Hotels and cultural history

Selby brings together ecclesiastical architecture, local history, canal heritage and walking routes. When searching for a hotel, it helps to decide in advance what you want to focus on during your stay: would you like to explore architecture and cultural heritage, attend a performance, or make time for a walk?

The Abbey and local history

Admission to Selby Abbey is free for everyone. Selby Abbey Church has a fine Norman nave and a decorated choir. In church architecture, the nave is the main area of the church; the choir is the liturgically oriented area. During your visit, you can take in these two different parts of the church and distinguish the Norman design of the nave from the decoration of the choir.

Selby's Market Place has been in existence since the early 14th century. A traditional weekly market is also held in Selby. The New Inn is a historic inn dating from the early to mid-18th century.

Canal history and walks

Selby Lock Basin connects the Selby Canal with the River Ouse. A sculpture by David Mayne represents the history of the Selby Canal in the shape of an arrowhead. These features offer two perspectives on the canal theme: the basin represents a physical connection between waterways, while the sculpture is an artistic depiction of canal history.

The Selby Horseshoe Walk begins and ends at Selby Abbey. Part of the route follows the towpath of the Selby Canal, passing Selby Dam. This gives the walk both a named starting and finishing point and a specific section of route. Check local conditions before setting out. Selby also offers heritage-themed walks if you would like to connect this theme with exploring on foot during your stay.

Performances and travel

Selby Town Hall is a performing arts venue in a 150-year-old former Primitive Methodist chapel. Across two seasons each year, its professional programme offers a wide variety of events, including bluegrass, stand-up comedy, contemporary dance and world music. If a particular performance is the deciding factor for your trip, check the latest dates in advance.

Selby is an important stop on train services operated by Transpennine, Northern Rail and Hull Trains. As timetables can change, check services for your travel dates in advance. If you plan to combine a train journey with a performance at the Town Hall, check that the timetable works with the event time.

When searching for hotels in Selby, you could start by considering what you want your stay to revolve around: architecture and local history, an event, or a walk. This priority gives your search a clear direction and helps you choose a stay in Selby that suits the reason for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Appleton-Le-Moors, Great Edstone, Otterburn, Staithes, Thixendale, Skipton, Carnforth, Newton-Le-Willows

Return to the main travel overview: North Yorkshire.