Set in the shadow of the Humber Bridge, Barton upon Humber has a wealth of history to discover, and a famous former resident – Isaac Pitman, who invented the shorthand system which bears his name.
The town has two churches in the same parish: St Mary’s and St Peter’s. St Peter’s is now in the care of English Heritage and has a remarkable baptistry. Baysgarth House Museum houses a fine collection of 18th and 19th century English and oriental porcelain.
Barton has a growing reputation for the arts. Visit Ropewalk Contemporary Art and Craft, based in the old Hall’s Ropery, where the ropes used in the conquest of Everest were made, and Chink in the Wall Gallery, just a short drive away at Deepdale.
Throughout the summer the town hosts a varied programme of events, from an Arts Week and Carnival to the ever-popular Bike Night. The Christmas Festival is a two-day celebration.
Discover the waterfront with its views of the Humber Bridge and Waters’ Edge Country Park, an 86-acre site that provides a haven for wildlife. There are walkways throughout the site with hides for birdwatching and a new visitor centre will open during 2004.