Living in North Ferriby

Community life in North Ferriby is active and close-knit, with a focus on traditional village values and social cohesion. Annual events such as the North Ferriby Festival, Christmas light switch-on, and local fairs foster a strong sense of belonging, and many residents take part in clubs or societies ranging from gardening to amateur dramatics. The village hall is a popular venue for activities, classes, and private functions throughout the year.

North Ferriby is especially prized for its riverside location and the walkable surroundings, including footpaths along the Humber foreshore and access to the Yorkshire Wolds Way. Well-kept parks, cricket and football pitches, tennis courts, and playgrounds all contribute to a healthy, outdoor lifestyle. Markets, farm shops, and green spaces further reinforce the village’s community-driven ethos, making North Ferriby a welcoming place for new arrivals and long-standing residents alike.

North Ferriby is often perceived as one of the safer places to live in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Crime rates in North Ferriby are typically well below the national average, making it a reassuring environment for families and older residents. Most reported incidents tend to be minor, such as antisocial behaviour or vehicle-related theft, rather than more serious crime categories.

The village has an active Neighbourhood Watch scheme and benefits from regular community policing. Residents report a strong sense of mutual responsibility, and the well-lit streets and public spaces contribute to a feeling of safety and security—especially in the central and residential areas near the school and village green. While no area can be entirely crime-free, North Ferriby’s low crime profile and community vigilance are frequently cited as reasons people choose to settle here.

Parking in North Ferriby is generally straightforward, with most homes providing off-street parking, driveways, or garages. On-street parking is available in the village centre and near the railway station, although it can become busier during peak commuter times and school drop-off hours.

For residents and visitors, congestion levels are typically low, even during rush hour, and the well-maintained road network supports smooth vehicle access. The A63 dual carriageway ensures rapid travel to and from regional hubs, and links seamlessly to the M62 for longer-distance journeys.

For reference, travel times via main roads from North Ferriby include:

• Hull – approx. 15 minutes on A63 (8 miles)
• Beverley – approx. 25 minutes via A164 and A1079 (18 miles)
• Leeds – approx. 1 hour on M62 (55 miles)
• Scunthorpe – approx. 25 minutes via Humber Bridge and A1077 (18 miles)

North Ferriby boasts a selection of charming local pubs and eateries that offer a relaxed and sociable atmosphere. The Duke of Cumberland, at the heart of the village, provides classic pub fare in a traditional setting, while Riverside Grill & Bar serves food with estuary views, making it popular with both locals and visitors. Cafés and tearooms in the village offer lighter bites and home-baked goods.

Takeaway options include fish and chips, traditional British cafés, and a handful of other international choices from surrounding villages. For more diverse cuisine or lively nightlife, Hull city centre is within easy reach, featuring award-winning restaurants, independent bars, cinema complexes, live music venues, and theatre. North Ferriby itself is known for its relaxed social scene, with community events and pub quizzes rather than late-night clubbing, suiting those seeking a peaceful but friendly village environment.

School Quality
Schools in North Ferriby, particularly North Ferriby Church of England Primary School and nearby South Hunsley School, are well-regarded for high standards and pastoral care.

Parks and Green Space
The village is surrounded by parks, sports fields, and the scenic Humber riverside, offering ample outdoor space for children and families.

Childcare
Local nurseries and childminders serve the community, with additional options in surrounding villages and nearby Hull.

Safety
Low crime rates and strong neighbourhood watch support a safe environment for family life.

Family Activities
North Ferriby offers a range of family-friendly pursuits, from community events and sports clubs to nature walks and riverside adventures, ensuring that there is always something on offer for all ages.

North Ferriby is extremely accommodating for those with pets, with extensive dog-walking opportunities along the Humber foreshore and through the surrounding countryside. The village’s parks, playing fields, and public footpaths are popular with dog owners and walkers.

Several veterinary practices and pet care facilities are located a short drive away in nearby Brough, Swanland, and Hull. Pet shops, grooming salons, and dog-friendly cafés can also be found in the local area, and the general attitude towards pets in North Ferriby is positive and inclusive. Many rental properties and homes welcome pets by arrangement, and local pubs and businesses regularly cater for animal companions.

North Ferriby benefits from excellent transport links, making it an attractive choice for commuters and residents alike. The village is served by North Ferriby railway station, with regular services to Hull, Brough, and Doncaster, facilitating connections to the national rail network. The proximity to the A63 dual carriageway provides quick road access east to Hull and west towards the M62, supporting both local and regional travel.

Public bus services connect the village with Hull and other nearby towns, and the Humber Bridge is just a short drive away, providing direct road access to North Lincolnshire. For air travel, Humberside Airport is approximately 20 miles south of North Ferriby, with Leeds Bradford Airport reachable in just over an hour.

Key commute times from North Ferriby:

• Hull – approx. 15 minutes by car, 13 minutes by train
• Leeds – approx. 1 hour by car via M62, 1 hour 30 minutes by train
• York – approx. 50 minutes by car via A63/A1079, 1 hour 10 minutes by rail (with a change)
• Humber Bridge – approx. 5 minutes by car

Primary Schools in North Ferriby
North Ferriby Church of England Primary School stands out as the primary educational institution within the village. It is well-regarded locally and has previously received 'Good' judgments from Ofsted (last inspected March 2020), noted for its nurturing environment and emphasis on community values.

Secondary Schools Near North Ferriby
South Hunsley School and Sixth Form College (Melton) is one of the most popular secondary schools serving North Ferriby. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted (February 2013), it has earned a reputation for strong academic results and a broad extracurricular programme.
Hull Collegiate School, based nearby in Anlaby, is an independent school for ages 3-18, offering both primary and secondary education as well as sixth form.

Colleges
Wilberforce Sixth Form College and Hull College in the wider Hull area offer a range of A-levels, vocational courses, and adult education options. These institutions are accessible within a short commute for North Ferriby residents.

Universities
The University of Hull is the principal higher education provider in the region, offering undergraduate and postgraduate courses. It is easily reached from North Ferriby in around 20-25 minutes by car or train, making higher education accessible for those living in the village.