Barton-upon-Humber - Insider's Mini Guide

If you're considering a move, Barton-upon-Humber offers the perfect blend of countryside charm and modern convenience.

This picturesque market town, nestled along the banks of the River Humber, is an ideal spot for those seeking a peaceful lifestyle without sacrificing access to city amenities. With excellent transport links, a strong sense of community, a range of local shops, cafes and green spaces, Barton-upon-Humber is a fantastic place to settle down and call home. So without any further ado, take a look at some of this town’s best bits! 

Barton-upon-Humber's history and heritage

There’s no end to heritage attractions and historic buildings in Barton-upon-Humber. So whilst you can be rest assured there’s a whole host of things to see and do in the area, here’s just a few of our favourite finds to get you started…

Barton-upon-Humber is home to St Peter’s church, one of the country’s best known examples of an Anglo-Saxon building. The church has over 2,800 burials from the time of the Anglo-Saxons through to Victorian times. Extensive excavations, studies and surveys have taken place over the years, making St Peter’s church the most intensively studied parish church in the country. The church is now run by English Heritage and houses an exhibition exploring the church’s undeniably rich history! 

Just 15 minutes from Barton-upon-Humber in the village of Thornton Curtis near Ulceby, you’ll find Thornton Abbey. Founded in 1140, it was one of the richest Augustinian monastic houses in Britain. Like St Peter’s Church, the remains of the Abbey are now under the care of English Heritage. Visitors can take in the truly impressive sight of one of the largest and finest fortified gatehouses in all of England. 

The Ropewalk Museum is part of the Ropewalk Arts Centre. The displays, artefacts and other memorabilia on show offer valuable insights into the life and conditions of the workers who once worked at Hall’s Barton Ropery. Visitors can explore the literature, photographs and artefacts and follow the ropery’s history from its beginning in the 18th century through to its conclusion as a business in the 20th century. However, whilst the Ropewalk Museum is by no means the end of Barton-upon-Humber’s rich heritage, its location in the Ropewalk Arts Centre makes it well worth visit…

Arts and Culture in Barton-upon Humber

The Ropewalk is a regionally acclaimed centre for the arts and it’s not just home to the Ropewalk Museum; it’s also home to four galleries and a sculpture garden. Ropery Hall is also a venue for live music, comedy, theatre and film, and is housed in the former rope factory which today is a Grade II listed building. It’s also well worth keeping an eye on Baysgarth Park in the summer months, as it also hosts open-air theatre performances.

Just a short distance into the city of Hull itself, you’ll find several iconic venues, including Hull City Hall and Hull New Theatre, which together host a wide range of performances, from musicals and pantomimes to workshops, theatre productions, concerts and orchestral series. The city is also home to Hull Truck Theatre, known for producing and presenting bold, innovative works that reflect the diversity of modern Britain. Additionally, The Welly plays a key role in Hull's vibrant arts scene, organizing events that contribute to the city's flourishing cultural life.

You’ll also discover Ferens Art Gallery and Humber Street Gallery in the city too. Ferens Art Gallery is a key regional institution, showcasing a permanent collection that spans from the medieval era to contemporary works. With 12 galleries to explore and regularly updated exhibitions, the gallery offers a wide variety of art to suit all tastes and interests. And last but by no means least, located in Hull’s Fruit Market district, the Humber Street Gallery is a visual arts base hosting year round events, performances and activities.