Here at Wold Meadow glamping, we are so lucky with our Yorkshire Wolds location. We are on the edge of the village of Wold Newton with its ‘chocolate box’ prettiness. Those of us lucky enough to live here know all about the wild, hidden beauty of the Yorkshire Wolds. And we’re not the only ones!
Respected artist David Hockney is also captivated by the colourful appeal of the chalk hills, the remote villages and open roads that surround us. If you stay with us in our yurts or in our camper van, you too can immerse yourself in this very special part of Yorkshire. You will see how these unique landscapes have inspired one of our greatest living artists.
Who is David Hockney?
David Hockney was born on 9th July 1937. His birth town is Bradford, West Yorkshire. After studying at Bradford College of Art, he then attended the Royal College of Art, London. While at the Royal College, some of his work featured in the Young Contemporaries exhibition which critics say announced the arrival of British Pop Art. Mr Hockney later moved to Los Angeles.
What Mediums Does David Hockney Use?
From a relatively early use of acrylics, Mr Hockney also experimented with watercolours, photography, printmaking and iPad drawing software. During the last three decades, the artist has returned to his county roots, and painted what is known as one of his landmark paintings, Garrowby Hill in 1998.
Hockney’s Yorkshire Paintings
From around 2003, Mr Hockney painted en plein air (a mix of oils and watercolour) and set up a studio in Bridlington. In 2007, his largest painting, Bigger Trees Near Warter, was exhibited. This stunning and huge piece of art comprised of 50 individual canvases. The location is a coppice not far from Wold View. Mr Hockney later donated Bigger Trees to the Tate in London.
Where Else Did David Hockney Paint?
The Yorkshire Wolds is a hilly geographical area that comprises tiny parts of North Yorkshire and a much bigger slice of East Yorkshire. Mr Hockney captures villages, roads, coppices, buildings, open skies and other glimpses of the Wolds in his colourful work. The Wolds themselves are sweeping, steep and with hidden valleys in between. Locations inspire Mr Hockney include Burton Agnes Hall and Gardens, Stamford Bridge, Thixendale, Fridaythorpe, Warter, Millington, Huggate, Bugthorpe, Sledmere, Langtoft, Kilham, Thwing, and Woldgate, Bridlington. These are all locations you can visit yourself if you feel inspired!
How Do I Explore the Yorkshire Wolds?
There are trains from Scarborough to Filey, Driffield and Beverley, and another railway route that takes you to York. Bus routes are limited so the best way to explore is either on your bike, on foot, by car or by a mix of these. One of the nearest locations you can explore from Wold Meadow is the village of Kilham, and then Burton Agnes. You can also explore Sledmere, a village that has kept its timeless beauty thanks in the main to the Sledmere Estate, cared for by the Sykes family.
Huggate is the highest village in the Yorkshire Wolds, and its lovely church can be seen from miles around. Stamford Bridge is not too far from York and is famous for the historic battle in 1066 which took place where the village now stands. Bridlington is a must visit place, and is a town of two halves. One half is the fun amusements and ice creams; the other half quietly reflects its historic connections in the form of the Old Town, the Bayle Museum, Bridlington Priory and more: https://www.bridlingtonoldtown.com. This part of Bridlington was also the film location for the movie version of Dad’s Army.
Are There Any Walking or Cycling Routes?
The short answer is yes! There are countless public footpaths and bridleways you can tackle. If you are a seasoned walker, then the Yorkshire Wolds Way National Trail is a must: https://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/en_GB/trails/yorkshire-wolds-way/. This is a long distance trail that can be tackled in its entirety with precision planning and preparation, or it can be enjoyed in much smaller, manageable chunks. Cyclists are in for some serious hill climbing with the Sustrans Yorkshire Wolds Cycle Route: https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-other-routes/yorkshire-wolds-cycle-route
Is There Anywhere to Eat?
Depending on the time of year, there are pubs and tea rooms dotted around the villages and these will open during the high season. If in doubt, take sandwiches, cake and something to drink.
Where Can I See Hockney’s Paintings?
You can see some of his work at Salts Mill, Saltaire, West Yorkshire www.saltmill.org.uk and at the Tate, London https://www.tate.org.uk/art/artists/david-hockney-1293
What To Do Next?
The next thing you can do is book your glamping stay with us here at Wold Meadow and then get exploring! Whether you’re a fan of Mr Hockney’s work or not, it is clear to see how our Yorkshire landscape inspires him. The Yorkshire Wolds are often remote and always surprising. In the winter, snowdrifts many feet high can completely cut off the villages. In the spring and summer, the bright yellow fields of oil seed rape, the scarlet carpets of poppies and verdant green barley pastures are simply awe inspiring. The autumn brings with it the various golden shades of the season, from freshly ploughed fields to horse chestnut trees bulging with conkers yet to drop!
Welcome to the Yorkshire Wolds
Yorkshire has always been a fantastic place to book a holiday, enjoy a staycation, a minibreak or even a day visit. The Yorkshire Wolds as a place to visit is getting better known, thanks in part to Mr Hockney, yet it continues to be a location of peaceful, picturesque beauty. Here at Wold Meadow, we are the perfect hub from which to explore the Wolds, the walled cities of Beverley and York, the market towns of Driffield and Pocklington, and the quaint villages of Thwing, Wetwang and Weaverthorpe. We’re also close to the seaside resorts of Filey, Bridlington and Scarborough. And if you love dramatic cliffs and lonely lighthouses, then Flamborough is the place for you. We look forward to seeing you soon!