Discover Whenby

In Whenby, local history and a visit can be tied to a specific place: St Martin’s Church. The church is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm; check the opening hours before your visit, as arrangements may change. The building’s history, churchyard and access route offer different points of reference, which you should consider separately when planning.

History and Architectural Style

The first mention of a church in Whenby dates from 1250; this date refers to a church in the village, not the present building. St Martin’s Church is a 15th-century church that was restored in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is listed as a Grade II* building. The present building is in the Perpendicular style; a construction date of around 1480 has been proposed.

Ironstone was used as the building material, and the roofs are made of Welsh slate. The interior includes a 15th-century font and a parish chest from the same period. The peal comprises three bells; the oldest dates from around 1380. The different dates refer to different features: around 1380 for the oldest bell, the 15th century for the font and parish chest, and the proposed date of around 1480 for the construction of the present building.

Listed Buildings in the Village

The Manor House and Attached Outbuilding to Rear Left in Whenby is also listed as a Grade II building. This means that two different listed-building grades are represented in the village: Grade II* for St Martin’s Church and Grade II for the building named above.

Spring Blooms and Landscape

In spring, dense clusters of snowdrops and daffodils grow in the churchyard. The blooms offer a specific guide to when to travel, while the church’s history can be considered independently of the season. The Howardian Hills are close to St Martin’s Church in Whenby. Historical architecture and a nearby landscape area thus offer two distinct interests.

Getting There and Access

St Martin’s Church can be reached via the B1363; at Brandsby, turn directly towards Whenby. Check current directions before setting off. Malton is the nearest railway station to the church, 10 miles away. Check current connections and services for your journey, as these may change.

Plan the access routes to the church separately. From the main road, a high stepped stile leads to the churchyard entrance. This is followed by a steep, unsurfaced path uphill to the church; the churchyard path is also unsurfaced. Two uneven steps lead through the porch. Access conditions may vary seasonally; check them before your visit.

A Path Between Whenby and Dalby

Sales particulars from July 2016 mention a public footpath between the villages of Whenby and Dalby. Check its current status on North Yorkshire’s definitive map of public rights of way before planning to use it as a route.

Discover more destinations: Wigglesworth, Well, Darley, Sleights, York, Tockwith, Kirkbymoorside, Sandsend

Return to the main travel overview: North Yorkshire.