Free Entry
Open any reasonable time during daylight hours. £2 parking charge applies to non-members
Address:
Centenary Way, Wharram-le-Street, Malton, North Yorkshire, YO17 9TD
Wharram Percy is one of the largest and best preserved of Britain's 3,000 or so known deserted medieval villages. It is also undoubtedly the most famous. For over 60 years, archaeologists have pioneered new techniques here to understand what life was like in the village and why it was eventually deserted.
Perched on the side of a remote and beautiful valley in the Yorkshire Wolds, the village was continuously occupied for six centuries before it was abandoned soon after 1500. Today you can trace the outlines of many lost houses on a grassy plateau above the substantial remains of the church and the millpond.
Read more about Wharram Percy's history.
Before You Go
Access: It is a long walk (about ¾ mile) from the car park to the site, parts of which are steep and muddy. The site contains rugged terrain which can be challenging, and it is not suitable for wheelchairs or buggies. Please keep to the paths and the Deserted Medieval Village, as the surrounding land is private.
Parking: There is no vehicular access to the site. Please park considerately and do not block driveways or access.
Car parking is available near the site with a £2 charge for non-members payable by text. Parking is free for Members with a valid English Heritage car sticker on display. If you would prefer to pay in advance of your visit, please visit our parking payment service website.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.
Please be aware: Farm livestock is likely to be present on the path. Hunting parties may be present on the access route to the site during the hunting season.
Plan a Great Day Out
Wharram Percy is only a 25 minute drive from the riverside ruins of Kirkham Priory. There is a small shop at the priory serving light refreshments. There is also a picnic area.
The village is also roughly halfway between Scarborough Castle and Clifford's Tower in York, making Wharram Percy a great stop off to break up the journey from the city to the coast.
