Wharram Percy is the most famous, and one of the best preserved, deserted medieval villages in Britain. Positioned in a remote and picturesque valley in the Yorkshire Wolds, the village was continuously occupied for six centuries before it was abandoned soon after 1500. Historians are not sure why the residents left the village. Today, you can see the outlines of many lost houses above the crumbling remains of St Martin’s Church.

Michael Tilley

August 31, 2020

I think the site is best approached from the south along the side of Deep Dale. Check out the patterns of the housing on the hill facing the church. The information boards are very useful.

RichD

April 13, 2025

Fascinating diversion during a long trek and I agree with Michael Tilley, walking along the Yorkshire Wolds Way, skirting around Deep Dale and then descending in to Wharram Percy is a cracking walk. Plenty of information boards to read to learn about the site. english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wharram-percy-deserted-medieval-village/history

Re. the above comment: the Yorkshire Wolds Way Partnership does think about the walkers. Hence their accessibility action plan and associated information available on several websites.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 140 m

Open during reasonable daylight hours

Free Entry

Contacts

Centenary Way, Wharram-le-Street, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 9TD

www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wharram-percy-deserted-medieval-village/

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/forms/customer-services-contact-form/

0370 333 1181

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Take Me There

Location: Wharram, Ryedale, North Yorkshire, Yorkshire And The Humber, England, United Kingdom

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Wharram Percy Deserted Medieval Village

Wharram Percy — Deserted Medieval Village

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