The gorgeous little UK market town that's heaving with over 100 independent shops

As you drive into Beverley, a beautiful market town in East Yorkshire, it's hard not to feel as though you're stepping into a storybook, a feeling that will only grow more magical as the festive season draws near. You drive past the Westwood, where cows graze freely under ancient oak trees, and ahead rises the majestic Beverley Minster, which is one of the largest parish churches in the UK. Every corner looks like a postcard, from the cobbled streets lined with Georgian townhouses to the bustling markets filled with friendly chatter and laughter. Even on a rainy day, people stopped in the streets to chat and catch up, and everyone knows each other.

According to the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, Beverley is home to over 100 high-quality independent businesses across its historic centre, alongside popular markets held every Wednesday and Saturday. It's a place that has managed to hold onto its heritage while keeping a vibrant, lively energy, and that balance between modern and tradition, along with its welcoming and friendly atmosphere, is a big part of what makes it so special to locals and visitors who are lucky enough to stumble upon it.

For Councillor Alison Healy, Beverley's town mayor, that love of the town runs deep. Having lived here her entire life, she said being mayor of the place she was born and grew up in is something she will never take for granted.

She told the Express: "It's a real pleasure, and it really is something that I don't take for granted. I think it's a real privilege. Beverley is a special place. It's got its roots in medieval England when it was a thriving town because of the wool trade. That's how such a small town can afford two fantastic churches at either end, the Minster and St Mary's.

"If you walk around the town, you'll actually see names that reflect back to its medieval wool trade, so Dyer Lane, Walkergate, where they would literally walk the wool. Beverley in medieval times was the tenth largest town in England."

She said there is a real sense of pride and heritage: "We absorb that heritage, and we're proud of it."

But the town doesn't remain in its past: "While we have a heritage and we're really proud of it, we're not just a town that looks backwards, we also look forwards," she said.

"As you walk around the town, you'll see a lot of vibrant, independent shops. You'll see a lot of eateries. You'll see a modernity to it. It's the kind of town that works together and embraces each other. It's a very warm community, and long may that continue."

When asked why she thinks Beverley's high street is thriving, she said there are a few things that come into play, but some of the big ones are collaboration and how proactive the community is. The town council works in collaboration with different groups, including Beverley in Bloom.

That collaboration pays off in spades during the festive season, with beautiful lights and a lively Christmas market. She said: "The East Riding Christmas Market at Beverley is really special, and it brings in traders from all over."

Stepping into one of the town's beloved independents, Islay Bloom, where we met the town mayor and the shop owner, we found them both chatting away and already knew each other well, another sign of Beverley's close-knit, friendly and collaborative spirit.

Since opening in 2023, Marnie Taylor, who moved first to Kent from Canada and then to Beverley, has quickly become a Beverley favourite. The shop offers hand-picked clothing, jewellery, gifts and homewares you won't find on the high street. When you enter the shop, you're greeted with the gentle scent of candles and soft lighting. With quality pieces at a range of prices and thoughtful touches like gift-wrapping, Islay Bloom is more than a shop, it's a Beverley experience you won't want to miss

Ms Taylor said: "Every brand has a story, and every item feels special - whether it's a scented candle, a distinctive piece of jewellery or feminine clothing from an up-and-coming designer.

"I think that people who are looking to become independent in Beverley can look around and feel confident in the risk of doing so. They see the community, the people, the collaboration. With people like Allison [the town mayor]. It's just a big community feel. Especially with the Chamber of Trade. We all work together. We all promote each other. I think it's just based on such a love for the town that it's just infectious.

"We have such a vibrant community. A lot of people that are seeking out Beverley for its quaint and beautiful feel. We have the historical sites. We also have a beautiful High Street with some big anchor stores. But then also some independents to discover and we're spoiled for choice really here, especially for eateries. It is quite a magical place."

"You can walk to the theatre. There's the East Riding Theatre where they do productions. We have a cinema." She joked: "There's almost too much going on here. I can't even keep up and I get annoyed when I miss things."

She highlighted the town's vibrant calendar of events, including a puppet festival and a folk festival in the summer, and a wide range of activities that cater to all ages from the young to the elderly.

"There's a lot of young people as well, all the way up to ladies who take ballet in their 80s," she said.

"I feel incredibly safe here. Even walking at night, I think I could stop anyone and ask for help. People have time for people here. I've been extremely welcomed in the community. " She laughed, "I'm part of the furniture now."

Councillor Healy added: "When you live in Beverley, you're very close to the sea, you're very close to the countryside. The quality of life here is good."

For Victoria Strickland, 47, who owns the stunning home and gift boutique Pamperhouse right next to the Saturday Market, Beverley's sense of loyalty and kindness has kept her business thriving.

"It's a really lovely town. There have undoubtedly been some tough times, and I think if we believe what's in the press at the moment, autumn could be quite tricky, but everyone keeps smiling and doing their best, and the community of customers in Beverley is phenomenal because they're really trying to support independence. They make a big effort to come and shop with us.

"Our customers are wonderful. During COVID, they were ringing and messaging saying, 'Can I buy something, anything?' and we'd deliver it round where we could."

She said there is a good mix of national brands and independents in Beverley. She added: "The customer base is wonderful. They're such nice people. They really do support us. I've never found anything other than people being really positive."

Ms Strickland transitioned from a career as a corporate law solicitor to running her own business, and while running an independent shop isn't always easy, she doesn't take working in Beverley for granted. Going to work here, even on a rainy day like the one we visited, surrounded by the pretty square, old buildings, and the beauty of Beverley, feels so special and completely different from what her day would have looked like in her previous career.

Among the regulars at Beverley's weekly markets is Deborah Edmond, who runs a stall called Nellie's Garden, selling lanterns, bird baths and garden ornaments.

"It is lovely because we all look after each other," she said. "If one wants to nip off, we just watch each other's stall. It's nice because it's kind of that community feel. And on the Saturday, it's the same at the other end. On Saturday, you walk down here and there are buskers - two or three buskers. It's just such a lovely atmosphere."

She said what also makes Beverley stand out is its range of places to eat. "It's a lovely place, you've got so much choice."

Among the many visitors drawn to Beverley's cobbled streets and grand Minster was Arnold Obraan, a retired historian from the Netherlands, travelling with his wife and dog. The Minster was founded in the 8th century and has survived many historical events including Henry's dissolution of the monasteries, the historian said.

"We're visiting, we're here for one day. But we have seen it on the internet. It's a beautiful town. With a beautiful church and we know that the people here are lucky that the church was not destroyed by Henry VIII."

He added: "We like old churches. We like old towns. I'm a historian and I'm retired now. So I'm interested in history and England and Scotland has a lot of history."

As the town mayor summed it up: "What makes Beverley unique is that it's proud of its traditions, it's forward-thinking, and it's got a strong sense of community."

Perhaps that's what makes Beverley shine so brightly as a town steeped in history, visible in its cobbled streets, the paintings that grace some of its walls, and the Grade I listed Market Cross, yet one that also has a range of independent shops, eateries along with an undeniable sense of togetherness.