Located at the junction of the Ouse and Dutch rivers, Goole is a historic inland port in Yorkshire. It was in the 16th century that the Dutch-born engineer Cornelius Vermuyden created what would become known as the Dutch River so that coal could be transported from the South Yorkshire Coalfields to seagoing vessels.
Things to do in Goole
Delve into the local history at the Goole Museum, which explores the people, events and industries that have shaped the town. Its collection includes models of vessels that were constructed in Goole, such as the “Blue Bird” owned by Sir Malcolm Campbell. Also on display are a large number of paintings by the renowned British maritime artist Reuben Chappell.
One of Goole’s most popular recreational areas is West Park, which opened in 1923 with a bandstand, a tearoom and several sporting courts. Today, it provides a setting for everything from bowls to BMX racing and hosts seasonal events and concerts throughout the year. Coffee and cake can be enjoyed at the West Park Community Cafe.
On the outskirts of Goole is the Oakhill Nature Reserve, which encompasses 60 hectares of woodlands, meadows and wetlands that provide habitat for butterflies and a diverse array of birdlife. It occupies the site of a former railway yard and brickworks, with the area’s ponds excavated at the end of the 19th century as a source of clay. Remnants of the railway locomotive sheds are still visible today.
Getting around Goole
Goole is around 45 minutes’ drive from the centre of Leeds and an hour from Leeds Bradford Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe. Regular trains connect from Leeds, Hull and Sheffield to the Goole railway station and the town centre is compact enough to explore on foot.