Beswick, The Old Post House
Statistics say that the East Riding is both the largest district and the largest unitary authority area in England.
And in population terms, it's the second busiest non-metropolitan district (unitary or not) in England, after Bristol.
It also happens to be a mainly rural place and one of outstanding countryside, peppered with small communities which reflect an easy way of life eagerly sought after by many modern day homebuyers.
It’s an area of parishes which serve a population of around 315,000 people. The East Riding Villages range from those bordering Hull which have been steadily urbanised, to remote hamlets in the far reaches of the county.
These small communities have, for the most part, existed for hundreds of years. Most were listed in the Domesday Book, many having been around long before that.
Skipsea, All Saints Church
The East Riding Villages have weathered time well and their churches give credence to this, historic buildings reflecting village life through time.
These truly are picture postcard places, with central greens and duck ponds, and remain largely unspoiled despite modern development in many of them.
Some have only a handful of residents and are simply dots on the map, yet they are small treasures, great little spots in which to escape from the 21 st century rat race.
Most of the East Riding Villages are easily accessed thanks to a good road system, and many are popular with commuters, being within easy reach of main population centres such as Hull and York.
Here's a brief look at some of the East Riding Villages:
Beeford
A medium sized community of just under 1,000 people, it is located on the A165 road and midway between Beverley and Bridlington.
The village tends to sprawl and has new estates and houses mostly off two main streets. Shopping facilities are limited but there are two public houses.
Beswick
A small village with only 372 people in 2001, it stands by the A164 between Beverley and Driffield which puts it in an ideal position for anyone working in either place.
Brandesburton
This village is about seven miles west of Hornsea and nine miles north east of Beverley, and is located just off the A165.
It's a sought-after place and offers comfortable country living with good road access. Recent residential developments include town houses on the Orchard Mews site.
Brandesburton isn't particularly large – there were 1,348 residents at the last official count. Local attractions include the Bilabong Jet Ski centre, the Hainsworth Park Golf Club and Dacre Lakeside camping and caravan park.
Burton Agnes
A pleasant village with an ancient hall and a prominent wildlife pond, Burton Agnes stands on the A614 between Bridlington and Driffield. It's small with a population of 460, according to the last census.
Garton on the Wolds
Situated on the A166 about three miles north west of the market town of Driffield, this is a truly rural and quiet little community, with only 299 people living there in 2001.
Hutton Cranswick
Three miles south of Driffield, this is a bigger village than you’d imagine when just driving through it on the A164. It's really two settlements in one - Hutton to the North, and Cranswick to the South.
Despite the joining of the two, the individual parts of the village are still often referred to by their separate names, and both maintain their individual character. It is now home to just over 2,000 people.
It’s a lively village with a lot going on. It has a sports arena with football pitches, astro turf football/tennis courts, grass and hard tennis courts, and a social hall.
There is a Spar and a locally owned convenience store near to the village green with its pond and children's play area.
Other outlets include a farm shop, butcher, hairdresser, a fish and chip shop, and garages selling both cars and petrol. To the south is an industrial estate which is home to several businesses including Cranswick Mill.
Although the local shops are adequate for day-to-day life, for bigger purchases you'd have to travel to Driffield or Beverley, both easily reached by car or by train, as there is a local station on the Yorkshire coast line.
Housing styles include traditional country properties as well as modern builds, among them a good selection of houses and bungalows.
Kilham
A popular village which has seen much in the way of new development. It retains the image of being a country market town, which it was before Driffield grew in importance.
It is, however, still doing well and the small businesses which serve it reflect that – there’s a chippy, post office and village shop, a butcher’s, two public houses, The Bay Horse and Ye Olde Star, an antiques shop and a craft shop.
A typical East Riding settlement, Kilham has rows of nicely restored cottages and there has been quite substantial new development including houses in Chantry Meadows and Garden Cottages.
Kirby Grindalythe
This is actually in North Yorkshire but it's only a very short distance from the East Riding border. It lies eight miles from the market town of Malton and its population is only around 50; not unsurprisingly, there are no shops.
Kirkburn
Situated on the A614, Kirkburn is within easy reach of Driffield being only three miles from the town centre and its facilities. According to the 2001 census, Kirkburn parish had a population of 492.
Langtoft
This village lies six miles north of Driffield and had 457 residents at the time of the last census, although it has grown in recent years with new homes developments
The B1249 from Driffield, which carries traffic towards the Scarborough coast, runs through the village which makes it good for commuters working in Bridlington, Driffield, Beverley or Scarborough.
Langtoft has some some local shops and a pub, The Ship Inn.
Middleton on the Wolds
A well placed village only 15 minutes' drive from Driffield, Beverley or Market Weighton, and just 30 minutes from York. There’s a strong sense of community with activities for all ages.
There are two playing areas, one for children, the other featuring a football pitch, cricket pitch and tennis courts. The village is well served by local firms, and there are also two pubs.
Nafferton
A village of 2,184 people (2001 census) two miles north east of Driffield town centre. It stands on the A614 road and is also served by Nafferton railway station on the Yorkshire Coast Line from Hull to Scarborough.
Skipsea
The number of residents in the village is around 633 but in the summer months there are lots of visitors who come to stay in the area's caravan sites. It's an historic village which is close to the sea, lies about 10 miles south of Bridlington and is six miles north of Hornsea.
Local facilities include a chip shop, post office, convenience store and pub. A particular feature of Skipsea is that some of its houses feature cobbles from the beach.
Wetwang
For some strange reason, the village's name causes many people to smile. Six miles from Driffield on the A166, it is home to 672 people, and is a long established, well served and pleasant place with a strong community spirit.
There’s mixed housing which ranges from terraced homes, larger detached houses, farmhouses and recently built bungalows. The village has a general store and a chippy.