North Yorkshire History
Castles, Abbeys and Historic Houses are in abundance in North Yorkshire.
Fountains Abbey is a World Heritage Site near Ripon, and is Yorkshire's finest Cistercian Abbey.
The abbey dates back to 1132 and you can imagine life of long ago as you stroll the elegant grounds with follies, temples and ornamental lakes and adjoining is Studley Royal Deer Park.
At nearly 1000 years old York Minster is one of Europe's finest cathedrals and the biggest medieval building of any kind in the country.
The history and architecture of the ancient walled city is a must for all visitors. The Treasurer's House built in the early 17thC is open to the public during the summer months and hosts various exhibitions.
On the North Yorkshire Moors you will find the dramatic ruin of Whitby Abbey and its state of the art visitor centre, which will bring the history of Whitby alive. Valley, and Byland Abbey with its medieval floor tiles and Jervaulx Abbey near Ripon guarantees a tranquil and atmospheric visit.
Castle Howard, the settling for Brideshead Revisited, is a magnificent 18th century house. The sweeping grounds and beautiful rose gardens offer a delightful experience to all visitors. The Sundial Garden was replanted in 1994 with 1,250 roses and the Venus Garden with 700 roses.
Kiplin Hall, Richmond is a Jacobean house built in 1620 and offers house tours, gardens and children's activities. Duncombe Park Helmsley, is the home of Lord and Lady Feversham and has 35 acres of landscaped grounds and further dramatic parkland.
Ripon's medieval cathedral contrasts starkly with the peaceful and atmospheric St Gregory's Minster at Kirbymoorside on the North York Moors, which has a Saxon sundial and 7thC Celtic crosses.
Visit Ripon at night and take in the history of the horn blower.
The market town of Skipton is home to the most complete medieval castle in England. At nearly 900 years old it stands at the top of the High Street and makes a great day visit.
Richard III had his childhood home at Middleham Castle. And at Bolton Castle, Leyburn, you can see the battlements, dungeons and a recreated 15thC garden.
Ripley Castle has been home to the Ingilby family since the 1320's. Oliver Cromwell stayed here, as did James I in 1603, a mere 2 years before the Gunpowder Plot in which the Ingilby's were implicated.
Lovers of historic houses will be spoilt for choice with wonderful properties like Newby Hall, Ripon.
Burton Agnes near Bridlington is a real gem, Shandy Hall near Thirsk, Scampston Hall near Malton, Burton Constable near Hull and Beningborough Hall near York to name but a few. Come and see for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
Have a browse trough our Yorkshire Farm Stay B&B, Self Catering and Glamping accommodation offered below to book your holiday or short break in North Yorkshire - an area full of historical interest.