Overview
Barton-upon-Humber, or Barton as it is more commonly known, is one of North Lincolnshire’s greatest offerings. It’s a friendly town with a population of around 11,000 and is situated opposite Hull on the south bank looking over the Humber Estuary. Barton’s nature is all-encompassing and is brimming with lakes, cycle routes, and nature reserves. Historic buildings, including St Peter’s Church, one of the most studied in England, and museums tell the story of this town’s past of unearthed Roman roads and trade.
On its high street, there are quaint, red-bricked terraced shops selling quirky independent one-off items alongside local convenience stores. All your necessities are within easy reach. Barton's train service can take you to Cleethorpes seaside town within the hour, and its A15 road merges onto the M180, with easy access to Humberside Airport in under 15 minutes.
Barton won’t just tempt you with its traditional pubs, excellent local schools, fancy restaurants, and modern and traditional homes; it will make you never want to leave this charming town.
History of Barton
The name Barton comes from ‘Beretun', which means ‘Barley Town,' and is a testament to Barton's importance in the supply and trading of barley malt used in beer brewing. It is known that Barton was inhabited as far back as the Neolithic times, after crop marks and a flint hand axe were discovered, and part of a Roman road was unearthed near Baysgarth school. St. Peter’s Church shows typical features of Anglo-Saxon architecture, and today there is an exhibition run by English Heritage exploring its history.
During the 19th century, many public buildings were erected, including The United Reform Church, Temperance Hall, The National School that is now the Wilderspin National School Museum, and Oddfellows Hall. During this time, there was considerable expansion of manufacturing that has given Barton a legacy of industrial buildings. In more recent times, especially after the opening of the Humber Bridge in 1981, the town has continued to grow.
Property Types in Barton
Barton has a mix of property types to cater to all tastes and needs. It is a popular area for relocation due to its proximity to major business and retail centres. There are Grade II listed 2 bedroom period properties near Barton Train Station and Edwardian townhouses with en-suites. There are larger period family homes with generous bedrooms on Westfield Road, a sought-after residential area. For retirees, north Barton has some ideal 2 bedroom homes in the idyllic surroundings of Barton Broads with permitted access for fishing in the nearby lake. On the outskirts of the town are larger 4 bedroom detached homes situated on quiet cul-de-sacs, luxurious detached homes on Bayleaf Lane, and open plan modern detached properties on Eastfield Road. In the nearby village of Barrow, there is a range of 2 and 3 bedroom terraces along its high street, perfect for first-time buyers, in stunning parkland settings of around 1.5 acres.
New developments are in the pipeline, with a range of 3 to5 bedroom homes off Silver Street and Pasture Road that will be uniquely designed with a combination of modern and traditional style. Furthermore, within the grounds of St Nicholas Church are 3 bedroom mews style houses secluded from the road for peaceful solitude.
Schools and Colleges in Barton
Barton has an excellent selection of primary schools and some outstanding early childcare. The local secondary school in the area, the co-educational Baysgarth School, has seen significant investment in its sports village and facilities. The University of Hull is just over the Humber Bridge, while the University of Lincoln is under an hour’s drive away.
Nursery and Pre-Schools
- Rainbow Kindergarten - Outstanding
- Barton Out of School Club - Outstanding
- Barrow-Upon-Humber Pre School - Good
- Field View Day Nursery - Good
- Castledyke Ltd - Good
Primary Schools
- Bowmandale Primary School - Good
- Castledyke Primary School - Good
- Goxhill Primary School - Good
- John Harrison C of E Primary School - Good
- New Holland Church of England and Methodist Primary School - Good
Secondary Schools
- Baysgarth School - Good
Independent Schools
- Options Barton
- Hessle Mount School
- Tranby School
Local Universities
- University of Lincoln
- University of Hull
Things to do in Barton
Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse
A couple of miles from Barrow is Thornton Abbey and Gatehouse. It’s one of the finest attractions in North Lincolnshire, where you can discover the local wildlife and learn about the turbulent lives of former residents. There is an opportunity to enjoy a picnic on the grounds, and a must-see is the lovely oak staircase and interior rooms.
Wilderspin National School Museum
On Queen Street, you can explore this Victorian school, its link to Samuel Wilderspin and his revolutionary approach to modern schooling and the start of infant schools across Britain. You can look at a Wilderspin schoolroom and playground that was designed in 1845.
St Peter’s Church
St Peter’s Church is the most studied in England, with its history dating back over 1,000 years and interesting excavated findings inside. As the church was on the east coast, it was in a prime position for settlers to find. Many settlers adopted Christianity which contributed to a boom in church-building for which St Peter’s played a part.
Far Ings National Nature Reserve
Situated on the south bank of the Humber Estuary, Far Ings is a major attraction site for migrating birds where you can witness the spectacular geese flying overhead. Through the reserve, there are waymarked circular walks and public footpaths.
Baysgarth House Museum
Former home of the Wright-Taylor family, Baysgarth House has been publicly owned since 1930 and run by volunteers. The museum celebrates the lives of local people through its temporary and permanent exhibitions and collections.
Waters' Edge Country Park and Visitor Centre
The children will love a packed day of wildlife and nature at this 110-acre country park. There are interactive displays, ponds to feed the ducks, a reading corner, giant games, and an outdoor play area. The Visitor Centre has a gift shop that stocks locally crafted gifts, including wildlife-themed toys.
Thornton Abbey Maze
A 15-minute drive away is the Thornton Abbey Maze - an activity the children will find fun, different and a challenge to conquer. The maze has puzzling quiz boards to help you navigate it and a large open courtyard with quick miniature mazes to try. Not only that, but you can take a turn on the popular electric tractor rides too.
Baysgarth Park
Baysgarth Park is beside the Baysgarth House Museum and is set in a country estate. The open greenery makes for the perfect picnic location or for playing sports. Most importantly, there is a recently upgraded, well-equipped play area for children.
Cleethorpes Beach
Local trains continuously run to Cleethorpes, so Cleethorpes Beach is easily accessible for a day out. It’s a beautiful stretch of golden sand with a pier offering stunning views. There is a long stretch of picturesque coastline, and you can take a paddle, visit the arcades, or participate in some kite surfing or paddle-boarding.
Fitties Beach
Fitties Beach, a few miles from Cleethorpes Station, is a wide sandy beach at the mouth of the Humber Estuary. There are sand dunes here known as the Humberston Fitties and sand forts built in WW1 and used again in WW2 as protection for ships that came and left the estuary.
Cleethorpes Boating Lake
The Cleethorpes Boating Lake is situated at the end of the local nature reserve and consists of two lakes surrounded by grassland for picnics and games. At the north tip of the lake is an open-air paddling pool for children, and in the warmer months, the south lake is open for rowing boats and pedalo hire.
Shopping and Leisure in Barton
Shopping
For groceries, there is a Lidl on Ferriby Road, there’s a Heron Foods on the High Street, and a Tesco Superstore on Maltkiln Road, not forgetting the small SPAR and Co-op Food stores for convenience. For local produce, the Humber Bridge Farmers’ Market takes place on the first Sunday of the month from 9 am to 1 pm. Barton Shopping Centre is family-owned and sells items from gifts and toys to kitchen and hardware. The Original Factory Shop stocks discounted clothing, homewares and furniture, and W.A Clarke Shoe Shop has a fantastic selection of footwear. Milla Boutique caters for ladies’ fashion. In nearby Barrow, Walter R G & Son Ltd Fruit and Veg Shop have plenty of fresh produce, and the Costcutter shop is a convenience store popular with locals. Shawbriggs Farm Shop stocks top-quality ingredients and delicious ice cream, and head to Miss Pigeon Vintage for the best in unique handmade pieces.
Restaurants
Some mouthwatering dishes await in Barton! The Bengal Village Restaurant, which is always packed with diners, serves delicious Indian food, and the Cobblers sandwich shop is popular for its lunches and coffee. On Barton’s High Street is Barton Fish Bar and Hasina Indian for delicious takeaways, and the Chao Baan restaurant has authentic Thai food served with panache. The Imaginarium Restaurant has some interesting and tempting choices on its menu, and The Huntsman Restaurant has a top chef with reasonably priced, quality food. Golden Bridge is a local Chinese with fast and efficient service, and Taz’s Fish Bar has been on the fish and chips scene for over 20 years. Don’t forget to visit the Gingerbread Café too, which serves a traditional afternoon tea on a three-tier stand!
Pubs and Clubs
The Viking Way café bar is housed in an historic lifeboat station with fabulous views, and on a chilly day, The Sloop Inn is a beautifully decorated, cosy pub with log burners. The White Swan serves a gorgeous selection of gin, ciders, and beers in funky favours, and the Victory Club Ltd has live music most Saturday nights with drinks at excellent prices. The Red Lion has a top-notch bar and entertainment. The Wheatsheaf hosts popular quiz nights and classic dishes, while the Old Mill has a cracking, traditional pub lunch. The Volunteer Arms is a friendly pub, and like The Royal Oak in nearby Barrow, has a beer garden.
Cinema and Theatre
In the nearby market town of Brigg, SaxbyFlix is a community cinema project and cinema experience accessible to everyone, whatever your cinema preferences, from classic Hitchcock to the latest Hollywood blockbuster. Over the Humber Bridge is The ODEON Luxe with nine screens, including 3D and easy parking.
On Barton’s Queen Street is the Joseph Wright Hall, a performing arts theatre, first opened in 1867 and one of the finest Victorian buildings in the town centre. The first floor has a unique auditorium that features performing arts, music, dance, and drama groups.
Gym and Health
Baysgarth Community Hub provides sporting facilities including swimming, badminton and football, a group fitness studio, a 20-metre swimming pool, plus a sauna and steam room. The Rushby Dance and Fitness Centre is a family-run dance school with a wide range of dance styles, and Barrow Sports and Fitness Centre has excellent squash facilities, a snooker room, and a gym. Independent venues include Shape Changers and KC Fitness Gym, and Divergent Fitness, which has pole fitness and studio classes in a welcoming environment. The Warriors Gym has a great assortment of machines for cardio and weights.
Golf Clubs
The nearest golf club to Baron is Elsham Golf Club, first established in 1900. It’s one of Lincolnshire’s premier golf courses, measuring 6453 yards. This beautiful woodland course has become a renowned venue locally and nationally among golfers. The course is built on free-draining sand and is open all year, and although being an easily walkable course that looks straightforward, it is a true test of ability and accuracy.
Other Entertainment
The Rope Walk Art Gallery is a must visit, as this former rope factory is now a gallery and coffee shop, with a sculpture garden and live performance hall. The Humber Air Soft Club has teams competing where the aim is to eliminate opposite players by tagging them with airsoft guns, and there is a shop on site for ammo and refreshments. There are plenty of nature trails, hiking areas and lakes around the Humber coast, and water sports available, including Humber Bridge Water Skiing and the North Lincolnshire and Humberside sailing club, which offers sailing and windsurfing.
Travel Connections
Barton has excellent transport access via the A15, which merges onto the M180 motorway where you can travel to Humberside Airport in just 15 minutes. There are frequent buses that cross over the Humber Bridge into Hull and buses to Scunthorpe town. Barton Train Station and other nearby stations have regular trains to Cleethorpes seaside town.
Train The Barton-on-Humber train station and the nearby Barrow Haven train station, New Holland Train Station and Goxhill Train Station are served by East Midland Railway trains with a regular run to Cleethorpes seaside town.
Motorway Access The A15 is easily accessible and merges onto the A180 to Grimsby and also the M180 motorway that goes west and leads to Doncaster. Just across the Humber Bridge is the A63 that links onto the M62 to Leeds.
Air Via the A15, Humberside is the nearest airport – a 15 minutes drive. Via the M180, you can reach Doncaster Sheffield Airport in well under an hour.
Ferry Cross the Humber bridge and follow the A63 to reach P&O Ferries Hull in under 30-minutes and catch a ferry to Rotterdam!
Bus The 250 and 255 buses travel to Hull and the 350 to the large industrial town of Scunthorpe. In nearby Barrow, there are buses, including the 250 to Grimsby and Cleethorpes Pier.
5 quirky facts!
- Thousands of motorcyclists come down to Barton every year for a ‘Bike night’ in the town, which has been held every year since 1997.
- In 2017, the Humber Bridge was given a Grade I listed status, making it the longest listed structure in the UK.
- Before the 1920s, some Barton residents used to host fish and chip shops from their homes, with a frying range in their front rooms!
- Ted Lewis’s novel got adapted into the Get Garter movie starring Michael Caine, and Ted studied at what was once Barton Grammar School.
- Before the Humber Bridge, if you required emergency transport to the hospital, you would be wheeled in a basket and then taken by a ferry into Hull’s hospital.
Images of Barton
