St. Peter's is set within the "Church Orchard", a large field with Church Beck running through, which includes the mediaeval manorial fishponds.

The churchyard itself is oval in shape, bounded by a stone wall on three sides and by the escarpment to the River Wharfe on the fourth. In it lie the graves of our blessed and beloved dead, and the care with which the churchyard is tended reflects the love we bear those who have gone before us into heaven. Earlier graves, dating from Anglo Saxon times, extend beyond the current churchyard wall.

At the foot of every headstone in the churchyard a sprig of snowdrops flowers in January and February, and as the spring moves on the churchyard and the whole grounds are filled with daffodils, including the famous "Ring of Gold" inside and outside the churchyard wall. More daffodils are planted every year, a wide variety to ensure that the flowering season is extended. You can see a map of the layout of the different varieties of daffodil within the churchyard itself by clicking here. We have the beginnings of a bluebell carpet, too!

The beauty of these surroundings and the plain simplicity of the building help to make this ancient site of worship a strengthening place full of peace. We thank God for it, and for the love and disciplined dedication of those who take care of it.

     Snowdrops in the churchyard...                                                ... followed by thousands of daffodils