Howden tourist information

The small market town of Howden has at its heart the partly-ruined Howden Minster, set in beautiful gardens.

Begun in 1228, and completed in the 15th century, the Minster was once part of a vast ecclesiastical establishment belonging to the Prince Bishops of Durham. Visitors who climb the 135 ft Bishop Skirlaw's Tower can see a wonderful panoramic view of the town and surrounding countryside.

During the early 19th century Howden became famous for its horse fair. Held every September, Howden Horse Fair was said to be the largest in the country.

Today Howden offers a good selection of specialist shops, cafés and coaching inns around its historic Market Place. A small market is held here every Friday. In the narrow streets surrounding the Market Place are stunning examples of Georgian architecture.

Howden Marsh, on the outskirts of the town, has lake and small islands. A good habitat for wildlife and birds, this is a lovely spot for a peaceful stroll. A popular walk known as the Howden 20 begins in the town.

In June the town hosts the Howden Music Festival.

One the town's most famous residents was Neville Shute, author of 'A Town Like Alice'. Shute was also a pioneering aeronautical engineer, who worked at the Airship Guarantee Company in Howden helping to build the R100 Airship. While there, Shute worked alongside Barnes Wallis, inventor of the Bouncing Bomb. The Real Aeroplane Museum at Breighton Aerodrome, just outside Howden, tells the story of flight, through the work of Yorkshire's aviation pioneers such as Shute.