Wharram Percy in North Yorkshire is one of the largest deserted medieval villages in Britain - and it's free to enter, making it a must-visit for history lovers and ramblers alike08:13, 08 Jun 2026Visitors travel from across the nation to experience what's regarded as the UK's 'best preserved' medieval village.‌Wharram Percy has lain deserted for centuries and now offers a fascinating destination for walkers and history enthusiasts.‌Nestled in North Yorkshire, Wharram Percy stands as one of Britain's largest deserted medieval settlements and undoubtedly the most renowned.‌The site is freely accessible to the public, allowing them to discover the remnants of ancient homes, a church, and what's left of a manor house.Ideally situated between popular attractions Scarborough Castle and York's Clifford's Tower, it makes for a perfect stopping point for those travelling between the two locations.‌While entry to the village costs nothing, visitors face a £2 parking charge.Over a remarkable six-decade period, archaeologists have continuously unearthed new revelations about Wharram Percy's history.Their findings have shed light on why the site was initially deserted and how its inhabitants lived in bygone times.‌Perched on the edge of a Yorkshire valley, this remarkable village was occupied for up to six centuries before being abandoned after the 1500s.Experts suggest that even today, evidence of former dwellings can still be spotted across the landscape, along with the more substantial ruins that attract curious visitors.The history is complex, but experts believe the original settlement dates back to around 50 BC.‌The site was subsequently converted for farming use, but lay deserted during the 5th century, before eventually becoming a Middle Saxon village.It's worth noting that reaching the settlement requires roughly a 3/4 mile walk from the car park to the main area, which is frequently both steep and muddy.‌The site features uneven terrain throughout, which can prove challenging for some visitors and is largely inaccessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs.One TripAdvisor reviewer said: "Parking on the Heritage car park off the B1248 prepare for a trek to the village."They went on to describe it as a "sharp gravelled decline" and a "daunting" journey that is unsuitable for those with limited mobility, as the path cuts through farmland.Article continues belowFollowing their trip, one visitor praised their experience, saying: "Lovely walk from the car park to the site, but people with mobility issues may struggle. It's a fascinating historical site that has been really well managed."Only a few visitors when we visited, which added to the peace and tranquillity of the place. Loved it!"Another visitor added: "This lovely deserted mediaeval village is truly fascinating! The history is incredible, and it was wonderful to wander around and explore. We really lucked out and had beautiful weather, so we got to sit on the grass by the pond and soak it all in."