How to Spend a Day in Boroughbridge using the 82 service!

How to Spend a Day in Boroughbridge Using the Bus

Winter weekends are the perfect time to discover new locations close to home - especially if you’re planning to treat yourself to a meal out or a spot of retail therapy while on your travels. If you haven’t yet been, the picturesque Yorkshire town of Boroughbridge is certainly worthy of a day trip. It’s full of history and boasts some great independent shops and eateries. Best of all, it can easily be reached from York or Ripon on North Riding 82, 83, & 84 services, so you can travel sustainably without having to worry about parking. Here are some ideas to help you plan your visit. 

If you’d like to enjoy a hearty breakfast before exploring Boroughbridge, you won’t be disappointed with the tempting options on offer at Plenty. This popular breakfast, brunch and lunch spot is situated in St James’ Square and the No.82 bus stops right outside. Plenty’s menu features dishes to suit all dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices. You can give yourself a health kick with a nutritious porridge bowl, topped with berries, seeds, nuts and honey, or indulge a little with a full cooked breakfast, sweet French toast or avocado on sourdough, accompanied by a warming cup of Ringtons coffee. Just down the street from Plenty, you'll find La Tienda - a gift shop that sells all kinds of unique treasures. These include fashion accessories such as handbags and purses, cosy pashminas and costume jewellery, all of which would make a special Christmas present.

You’ll also discover some beautiful finishing touches to trim your home with here, from lamps, ceramics and glassware to scented candles and photo frames. The shop also offers a wide range of cards to accompany your gifts, and its friendly staff can help with wrapping. A real star on Boroughbridge’s High Street is FINK, a ‘gourmet grocers’ that stocks artisan local produce along with some more unusual items that you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. You can pick up fruit and vegetables, fish, meat and cheeses here, plus freshly baked bread and crisp pastries. FINK also sells environmentally friendly home and personal care essentials that will help you to do your bit for the planet, while SweetFINK offers a hand-picked selection of beautifully packaged chocolates and confectionery.

If you’ve worked up a thirst on your way through the town, Tap on the Tutt is just the place to stop for an afternoon drink. This characterful Grade II-listed pub sits close to the bridge over the River Ure and looks particularly magical when lit up for Christmas. Inside, you can experience the joy of an old-school brewery tap: there are always at least four speciality real ales to try, along with many more beers ‘on the pull’, including Ossett’s Silver King, Rudgate’s Jorvik Blonde and Timothy Taylor’s Golden Best. Alternatively, you can opt for wine, gin or alcohol-free lager or cider to drink while playing a game of cards or pool.

To finish your day in Boroughbridge, dinner at Shahi Raj is a must. At this authentic Indian restaurant you can tuck into ‘golden oldies’ like Korma, Sag, Madras, Vindaloo, or the even hotter Tindaloo, or try signature specials such as Naga Karahi - a seriously spicy curry that’s cooked with chicken or lamb in Mr. Naga’s chilli pickle sauce, which is imported from Bangladesh. To complement your food, you can purchase traditional mango or salted lassi and other soft drinks. The restaurant also has a BYOB policy, so you can bring along an alcoholic drink of your choice. You won’t need to worry about driving as it’s conveniently located next to a bus stop from which you can catch the No.82,83 or 84 back towards York or Ripon.