If you’re visiting Yorkshire, and want to discover the areas history then you could consider visiting one of the many Natioanl Trust properties in the county.
The National Trust is the UK’s best conservational charity, which cares for hundreds of historical properties and help preseves nature throughout the UK. They have dozens of National Trust properties dotted around Yorkshire, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site. All the National Trust properties are suitable for children so they’re a great place to visit if you’d like your kids to learn more about Yorkshire’s history.
The National Trust does normally charge an entry fee to their properties, but you can also become a member. Memberships renew yearly or you can sign up to become a lifetime member.
Visiting from abroad? Pick up a National Trust Touring Pass. These passes last for 7, or 14 days and give you access to over 300 properties. The National Trust also has reciporical agreements with conservational charities in other countries through INTO (International National Trusts Organisation). Before you pick up the touring pass, check if there’s a conservational chairty in your country that has an agreement with the National Trust. You can check on the INTO site here.
In this guide, we cover the best of Yorkshire’s National Trust Properties and what you can see & do at each of the properties.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal
The Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal is a World Heritage Site and is the largest monastic ruins in the country. The ruins date back nearly 900 years and offer a glimpse into the past. You can step back into a rich and dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks who first came here years ago.
This National Trust property is located in Ripon, North Yorkshire, and is one of the most stunning sites in the region.
In addition to the ruins, the site is also home to an awe-inspiring water garden. The Studley Royal Park is a beautiful example of 18th-century landscaping and is a must-see for any nature lover. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, birds, and insects.
When you visit the Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, make sure to wear sturdy shoes as there are steps and stairs which have been worn unevenly over time. There are also some gentle and steep slopes throughout the estate, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. Please also be aware of uneven ground, height drops, and deep running water.
Learn more about Fountains Abbey here
Beningbrough Hall
Beningbrough Hall is a beautiful Georgian mansion located in North Yorkshire and is part of the National Trust. The estate is home to a stunning collection of portraits, which are displayed in the Gallery. The house is also surrounded by 380 acres of parkland, which is perfect for a leisurely walk or wildlife spotting.
The mansion was built in the 18th century and has baroque interiors, cantilevered stairs, wood carving, and central corridors which run the length of the house. When visiting, make sure to explore the house and discover the stories of the people who lived and worked there.
The Gallery at Beningbrough Hall is home to a stunning collection of portraits from famous artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and Joshua Reynolds. The Gallery also features interactive exhibits, such as the audio chair, where you can sit and listen to letters and stories from the past.
Beningbrough Hall is surrounded by almost 400 acres of parkland, that you are welcome to explore. The parkland is home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and foxes. Theres also a beautiful walled garden, which is home to a variety of plants and flowers.
Learn more about Beningbrough Hall here.
Brimham Rocks
Brimham Rocks is a natural formation of rocks, formed by Millstone Grit, shale and sandstone. Cared for by the National Trust, this site is a geological wonderland that has been sculpted by 320 million years of ice, wind, and continental shifts.
Brimham Rocks are located on Brimham Moor, which is a great place to explore. You’ll be able to see some weird and wonderful rock formations known as the Dancing Bear, the Sphinx, and the Watchdog. You can also enjoy stunning views up Nidderdale from Surprise View.
There are also plenty of walking trails to explore, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. Just remember to wear good shoes, as the rocks can get slipper if it’s been raining.
Learn more about Brimham Rocks here.
Treasurer’s House
The Treasurer’s House is a Grade I listed building, owned by the National Trust, is located in the heart of York, just north of York Minster.
The house is known for its stunning architecture and fascinating history. It was originally built in the late 17th century for the Treasurer of York Minster, and has been beautifully preserved and restored over the years.
One of the most unique things about Treasurer’s House is the way it combines different architectural styles. The front of the house is a classic Georgian design, while the back is a stunning medieval structure.
To visit the house you must book a guided tour, which are led by knowledgeable and friendly guides who will take you through the history of the house and show you some of its most interesting features. There’s also a beautiful garden that you could explore and enjoy relaxing in after your tour around the house.
Learn more about the Treasurer’s House Here.
Goddards
If you’re looking for a peaceful and beautiful garden to visit in North Yorkshire, Goddards National Trust is a must-visit destination. Located at 27 Tadcaster Road in York, Goddards is a hidden gem that offers a wonderful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Goddards was once the home of the Terry family, a famous chocolate-manufacturing family. In 1984, the National Trust acquired the property and turned it into their regional office for Yorkshire. Today, you can explore the stunning gardens and learn about the history of the Terry family and their connection to the chocolate industry.
The garden at Goddards is immaculately maintained and offers you a peaceful space to relax and enjoy nature. There are many hidden spots and paths to explore, leading to new spaces to discover. In the spring, the garden is filled with fragrant daffodils and blossoming trees, making it a perfect time to visit.
Learn more about Goddards here.
Nunnington Hall
If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating experience in Yorkshire, Nunnington Hall is definitely worth a visit. This 17th-century manor house is located in the Ryedale district of North Yorkshire and is managed by the National Trust.
As you explore the hall, you’ll be captivated by the oak-paneled hall, the Carlisle collection of miniatures, and even a haunted room or two. The hall has a rich history, and you can learn all about it through the various exhibitions and displays that are dotted throughout the building.
They also have a tea room where you can enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of cake. The tea room offers a range of delicious treats, including homemade scones and sandwiches.
After enjoying a bite to eat, why not explore the organic garden? The garden is carefully maintained and features a wide variety of plants and flowers.
Learn more about Nunnington Hall here.
East Riddlesden Hall
Located in Keighley, West Yorkshire, east Riddlesden Hall dates back to the 17th century. The hall is a beautiful example of a West Yorkshire manor house, with a range of fascinating features to explore.
The hall was originally built in the 17th century by a wealthy cloth merchant, and the property has been carefully preserved to give you a glimpse into life in the past. The hall features a range of fascinating rooms, including a great hall, a kitchen, and a bedroom.
When visiting the hall you’ll get the chance to walk around the beautiful gardens. The formal garden is a stunning example of 17th-century design, with neatly trimmed hedges, symmetrical flower beds, and a range of beautiful plants and flowers.
Nostell
If you’re looking for a place to explore in West Yorkshire, you can’t go wrong with Nostell. This Georgian treasure house is full of fascinating tales of design, drama, and society.
Nostell is home to some beautiful landscaped gardens, parkland, and a stables courtyard. Take a stroll by the lake, explore the woodland play area, or see what’s growing in the kitchen garden. With 300 acres of meadows, lakes, and woodlands there’s tons to see at Nostell.
When you’re done exploring, you can head to the Courtyard Café for a bite to eat. The café offers a small but delicious range of seasonal and locally sourced bites. There’s also a National Trust gift shop and a second-hand bookshop.
Wentworth Castle Gardens
Wentworth Castle was once the seat of the Earls of Strafford, and the estate’s Grade 1 landscape and formal gardens are nationally significant for their extensive monuments, including some of the earliest gothic follies in the country. The gardens themselves are a stunning mix of formal and informal designs, with everything from a Victorian conservatory to a tranquil lake.
One of the best things to do at Wentworth is the Lady Lucy’s Walk. This walk takes you al ong an avenue of towering lime trees believed to have been named after one of Thomas Wentworth’s daughters. This line of trees stretching through the garden was planted around the time of the First World War and provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Hardcastle Crags & Gibson Mill
If you’re looking for a beautiful and unspoilt woodland to explore, look no further than Hardcastle Crags in West Yorkshire. This stunning Pennine valley is owned by the National Trust and boasts over 400 acres of woodland for you to discover.
At the heart of Hardcastle Crags lies the 19th-century Gibson Mill, has been restored to its former glory. You can learn about the history of the mill and the people who worked there, as well as enjoy a bite to eat in the café or browse the gift shop.
There are plenty of things to do at Hardcastle Crags, whether you’re a family looking for a day out or a keen walker looking for a challenge. Here are just a few ideas:
- Take a picnic and enjoy lunch in the beautiful surroundings
- Follow one of the many walking trails through the woodland
- Go on a scavenger hunt and look for treasures on the woodland floor
- Join nature’s band and listen for wildlife and sing along with the birds
- Take a dip in the river on a hot day (but be careful, the water can be cold!)
Ormesby Hall
If you’re looking for a green oasis in the heart of industrial Middlesbrough, Ormesby Hall is the perfect place to visit. This beautiful manor house was home to the Pennyman family for 360 years and was gifted to the National Trust in 1962.
Ormesby Hall is a Grade I listed building that was built in the Palladian style and completed in 1754. The house, garden, and parkland are a beautiful combination of Georgian and Victorian architecture, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Pennyman family and their servants. The house is full of fascinating artifacts and exhibits, and there are guided tours available throughout the day.
The estate has a number of beautiful walks and trails that are perfect for exploring, and there is a natural play area where children can let off some steam.
We hope you found this guide to Yorkshire’s National Trust sites helpful. Why not check out our other guides to the city of York and Yorkshire?
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