Published On: Wed, Jan 28th, 2026
Travel | 4,511 views

Village with filled with cosy traditional pubs and estuary walks | UK | Travel

View of the Humber Bridge across grassy reeds on the south bank.  The bridge joins Hessle in Yorkshire to Barton in Lincolnshire

The village is close by to lots of walking routes (Image: steve-goacher via Getty Images)

Nestled in north Lincolnshire sits a tranquil village offering an ideal retreat for waterside strolls that wind towards the East Coast shoreline.

A gentle stream meanders through Barrow upon Humber, flowing onwards to Barrow Haven before reaching the estuary that merges with the North Sea. This charming yet modest village rests just off the southern shore of the Humber Estuary and is conveniently accessible by train to beloved coastal towns including Cleethorpes and Grimsby.

What attracts visitors to this location is the picturesque Barrow Haven and Humber Estuary trail. This route guides walkers through diverse terrain, showcasing a millennium of heritage spanning from Viking fortifications to Victorian architecture and, naturally, the contemporary  wildlife reserve.

The diminutive hamlet of Barrow Haven, positioned beyond the main village along the Humber Estuary, once served as a ferry crossing point and moorage for vessels of all sizes. Today it continues to be a beloved destination for wildlife enthusiasts eager to experience its thriving natural environment.

Perhaps most remarkable for adventurous visitors is the legendary Humber Bridge, located merely three miles distant and a brief car journey from Barrow upon Humber. Upon completion in 1981, the bridge stood as a remarkable feat of 20th-century engineering, holding the distinction of being the world’s longest single-span suspension bridge.

The public telephone box at Cross Street, Barrow upon Humber, pictured, is proposed to no longer have a telephone connection

Barrow upon Humber is just three miles from the estuary (Image: Google Streetview)

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The sheer magnitude of the structure is difficult to comprehend until you’re standing beneath it or strolling along its length, a popular choice for those seeking an enhanced view.

This iconic landmark bridges the gap between Barton on the South Bank and Hull on the North Bank, a journey that previously necessitated a lengthy and challenging detour.

Visitors have hailed the bridge as a “must-see”, with one individual even declaring it their “favourite bridge”.

A glowing review on TripAdvisor reads: “We parked at the viewing point and sat on a bench to take in the beautiful view of this bridge that crosses the Humber.

A suspension bridge with a long, arched span extending over a body of water, with rocky shorelines and a clear blue sky in the b

The Humber Bridge, viewed from Waters’ Edge Country Park (Image: Pete Harbour)

“Constructed in the 1980s, it’s possible to walk across it, and the toll for cars is £1.50. It was fascinating to see it up close and observe how surprisingly quiet the traffic was.”

Nestled within the village are three traditional pubs, all cherished by locals, providing a warm and inviting place to unwind after a day spent exploring Lincolnshire.

The Royal Oak, Harrisons and Six Bells are practically neighbours, and all within a short stroll from The Haven Inn, conveniently located between the village and its neighbouring village, Barrow Haven.

One recent guest shared their delightful experience at the Inn, writing: “Lovely country pub and restaurant, excellent service and very pleasant staff who are efficient, food is hot and fresh , we all ate something different and every meal was very good, reasonably priced.”