If you’re planning a trip to Yorkshire, you won’t want to miss out on the many historical hidden gems the region has to offer. From ancient ruins to grand country houses, Yorkshire is jam packed with history. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a fun day out, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful part of England.
Castles in Yorkshire
While in Yorkshrie, we highly recommend checking out one of the regions castles. There’s 3 main castles that we recommend picking from that are all within a few hours drive of York.
Bolton Castle
Located in Wensleydale, Bolton Castle is one of England’s best preserved medieval castles. Built in the 14th century, the castle has been the site of several historical events, such as when Queen Elizabeth I, inprisoned Mary Queen of Scots in the castle. In the 90s, the castles gardens creating a maze, and a selection of gardens including a vineyard. You can also see the wild boar at the boar park, and watch them being fed daily. The castles also been used for fiming various TV series/movise such as Bill (2015), and Anne Boelyn (2021).
There’s also 1-2 bird of prey shows taking place each day in the gardens which I recommend watching. If you’re interested in learning more about the bird of prey, I recommend booking one of their falcony experiences. While a bit pricy, I found the full or half day falconer experience well worth the money. Both experiences let you learn more about these amazing birds and gain insight into falconry. They also offer owl walks and hawk walks, which last for 1 hour and give you the chance to get more up close to the birds.
You can book tickets for the castle online here
Scarborough Castle
Perched atop a cliff overlooking the North Sea, Scarborough Castle is one of Yorkshire’s most iconic landmarks. The castle has a rich history having been attacked by Vikings, medieval barons, and even a Parliamentary army during the English Civil War.
During your visit you can explore the castle’s ruins which include the remains of a Roman Signal station, and also check out some of the arefacts that were found in the castle grounds. I also recommend checking out the panoramic views across the coastline, Scarborough, and the nearby countryside. The views are definitely worth photographing, and if you’re into landscape photography I recommend bringing along your camera.
Scarborough Castle is cared for by English Heritage. Entry to the castle is free for Engilsh Heritage members. Non-members can save 10% on entry by booking online. You can get entry tickets online here.
Skipton Castle
Skipton Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle located in the quaint market town of Skipton. The castle was originally built in the 11th century, although back then it was made of wood and didn’t survive long. Since then, the castle has been rebuilt in stone and has survived several sieges and battles throughout its history.
During your visit you’ll be able to explore the castle and it’s grounds. There’s also a tea room, and picnic area.
You can buy tickets online here. The castle is open all year round except for December 23rd to 25th.
Abbeys and Ruins in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is home to some of the most impressive and well-preserved abbeys and ruins in England. From the medieval period to the 18th century, these sites offer a glimpse into the rich history of the region.
Fountains Abbey
One of the most famous abbeys in Yorkshire is Fountains Abbey, located near Ripon. This Cistercian abbey dates back to the 12th century and is the largest and best-preserved ruin in the county. The site also includes the beautiful Studley Royal Water Garden, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Fountains Abbey is currently cared for by the National Trust, and has free entry for National Trust members.
Bolton Abbey
Another notable abbey is Bolton Abbey, located in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales. This Augustinian monastery was founded in the 12th century and boasts stunning views of the surrounding countryside. You can buy tickets online here.
Rievaulx Abbey
Rievaulx Abbey is another must-see ruin in Yorkshire. This Cistercian abbey was founded in the 12th century and was once one of the wealthiest and most powerful monasteries in England. During your visit, you can explore the ruins and grounds around the abbey. There’s also a museum, where you can learn more about it’s history.
Rievaulx Abbey is cared for by English Heritage, and members can enter for free. Get tickets online here.
Whitby Abbey
Located on the Whitby Headland, Whitby Abbey is a Benedictine monastery that was founded in the 7th century and played an important role in the spread of Christianity throughout Yorkshire. The abbey was once a magnificant church but during Henry 8th’s reign the abbey was disbanded as part of his attempt to stop Catholicism in the UK.
Today, you can walk through the ruins of the abbey and imagine how it once was. There’s also a museum museum where you can learn how the Vikings raided the area. I also recommend enjoying the exploring the beautiful landscape that surrounds the abbey and take in views over the North Sea and Whitby.
Whitby Abbey is managed by English Heritage, and English Heritage members get free entry. Non-members can save 10% by booking tickets online. Get tickets online here.
Historic Houses and Gardens
Yorkshire is home to some of the most impressive historic houses and gardens in the UK. All of which are suitable for families and offer the chance for kids to learn about Yorkshire’s history. Below I’ve listed some of my faveorite houses and gardens to visit in Yorkshire.
Castle Howard
Castle Howard is an impressive stately home near Malton is one of the most famous in Yorkshire. Built in the 1700s, it features both Baroque and Palladian architecture, and has been featured in several adaptations of “Brideshead Revisited”. The house has a range of beautiful rooms, including the Grand Hall with its painted domed ceiling, and the Long Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of art and sculpture. Buy tickets online here.
Harewood House
Harewood House is a stunning 18th-century mansion near Leeds is set in over 100 acres of parkland and gardens. The house itself is home to a collection of art and antiques, including works by JMW Turner and Thomas Chippendale. Visitors can also explore the gardens, which include a Himalayan garden, a bird garden and a lakeside terrace. Buy tickets online here.
Newby Hall
Newby Hall is a beauitful, well preserved 18th-century house near Ripon is set in 25 acres of award-winning gardens. The house itself is home to a collection of furniture, paintings and ceramics. During your visit you can explore the state rooms, including the impressive Great Hall. I also recommend taking a stroll through the gardens where you can enjoy the rose garden, a water garden and a woodland walk. Buy tickets online here.
Brodsworth Hall
Brodsworth Hall is a Victorian country house near Doncaster that has been restored to its former glory. During your visit you can enjoy exploring the house’s beautifully decorated rooms, including the Drawing Room, Dining Room and a library. After you’ve finished exploring the house, make sure to head to the gardens which include a formal parterre, a fern dell and a rose garden.
Brodsworth Hall is cared for by English Heritage. English Heritage members can enter for free. Non-members can get tickets online here.
Temple Newsam
Temple Newsam is an impressive Tudor-Jacobean house near Leeds. The house is set in over 1,500 acres of parkland, woodland and gardens.
During your visit you’ll get to see an extensive collection of fine art and furniture. You’ll be able to check out many of the stately home’s rooms including the Long Gallery and the Great Hall. The gardens are also pretty impressive and I recommend taking time to walk through the walled garden. If you have enough time you could also enjoy a walk through the himalayan garden and/or rose garden. You can get tickets online here.
Scampston Hall and Gardens
Scampston Hall is a Palladian country house near Malton that has been beautifully restored and is still used as a family home today.
Visiting Scrampston Hall is only possible during the summer, for an afternoon tour. Make sure to check their website for information on their 2024 opening times. Whilst the hall is only open to tours during the summer, they do hold events throughout the year. So why not check out their event page. So why not check out their events diary and see what’s on during your visit to Yorkshire?
During a visit to the hall you’ll be able to check out the house’s state rooms, including the Drawing Room and the Dining Room and see how they’re still being used today. There’s also a really beautiful walled garden that I highly recommend checking out during your visit. You’ll be able to see many different flowers, and even enjoy lunch at the garden café. You can also purchase flowers to take home from the garden store.
Sewerby Hall
Sewerby Hall is a Georgian country house near Bridlington that went through a total restoration in 2013 to 2014. If you choose to visit Sewerby you’ll have the chance to explore it’s beautiful rooms and see many important pieces of furniture and decor that have been borrowed from the Victoria and Albet Museum.
The hall also has a zoo, so during your visit you can see a range of animals such as racoon dogs, pygmy goats and my faveorite – the llamas. While visiting the zoo I really recommend noting down the feeding times, and plan your visit to ensure you can watch your faveorite animals being fed. If you’d like to get up closer with the animals, there’s also the opportunity to book an animal encounter for £55 for 2 people.
The house also has 50 acres of beautiful gardens, and a pitch-and-putt golf course. If you’re visiting during the spring I highly recommend taking a walk through the Marie Curie Daffodil Trail. There’s also tons of areas of the garden for you to enjoy, including a woodland and walled garden.
Sewerby is also quite an affordable day out. The cost does vary slightly throughout the year depending on the season, but the highest price for 2024 is £12 for an adult day ticket, or £37 for a family day ticket. The tickets include access to the zoo, gardens and house. Check priecs and buy tickets online here.
Historic Towns and Cities in Yorkshire
Yorkshire is also known for its many historic towns, and cities. Each town and city has its own unique charms, and extensive history covering the Romans, Vikings an even earlier periods.
York
The ancient capital of Yorkshire, York is one of the most historic cities in the UK. Still encircled by its ancient walls, the city skyline is dominated by the soaring pinnacles of York Minster, one of the finest Gothic church in Northern Europe.
York has ton to offer. Explore viking history at the Jorvik centre, or enjoy afternoon tea at one of it’s many chic cafés. Climb up York Minster Tower to enjoy views ove the city, or relax on a boat ride along the River Ouse. There’s tons to do in this beautiful city for everyone, of all ages.
Leeds
Leeds is a city with a rich industrial heritage, having played a significant role in the Industrial Revolution. The city is home to many historic buildings such as the Leeds Town Hall, and Temple Newsam.
Whilst in Leeds I highly recommend visiting the Leeds Art Gallery, where you can see both modern art from British Artists as well as earlier pieces of art and sculptures created by Victorian artists. Entry to the art gallery is free. Visit their site for the latest information on opening times. The art gallery has a good level of wheelchair access as well.
You could also consider visiting the Royal Armouries Museum where you can learn about the history of the British armory, and other armories around the world (including Japan and India) across a range of exhibitions. There’s also events held daily, such as daily combat where you can watch museum staff demonstrate historic combat techniques.
The Leeds Royal Armories Museum also has a good range of wheelchair access and is easily one of the best wheelchair accessible museums in Yorkshire. Entry to the Royal Armouries Museum is free, check their site for more information.
Whitby
Whitby is a picturesque seaside town with a rich maritime history. The town is famous for its association with Captain James Cook, who learned his seamanship skills in Whitby before embarking on his famous voyages of discovery. Whitby is also home to the ruins of Whitby Abbey, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula and was where Dracula arrived in England.
Besides the abbey, you could also visit the Museum of Victorian Science where you can learn about how science developed in the Victorian period. You’ll get to learn things like how x-rays were discovered, and take a virtual visit to Dr Frakenstenin’s Lab. You can learn more and book tickets on their website here.
There’s also a ton of other things to do such as climbing up (or down) the 199 steps and enjoying a view from the top, learning about the town at the Whitby Museum or going for a stroll through Pannett Park.
Scarborough
Scarborough is another historic seaside town, with a history dating back to Roman times. The town is mostly known for the Scarborough Castle, a medieval fortress that played a key role in the English Civil War. The town is also home to a Victorian Central Tramway funicular train, that connects the harbor, town centre and south bay area together.
If you’re wondering what historic things there are to do beside the castle, you could consider some of these things to do:
- Visit the Scarborough Fair Collection & Vintage Transport Museum where you can see a large collection of vintage cars, steam engines and more.
- Ride on the Victorian central tram cliff railway, and enjoy views across Scarborough from the top of the cliff’s.
- Walk the heritage trail, and learn more about the town’s medieval history.
Hull
Hull is a city with a long and fascinating history. The city was a major trading hub in the Middle Ages, and played a key role in the English Civil War. Hull is also home to many historic buildings such as the Hull Maritime Museum and the Hull Old Town, a beautifully preserved area of the city that dates back to the 16th century.
Harrogate
Harrogate is a spa town that has been attracting visitors for centuries. The town is home to many historic buildings, such as the Royal Pump Room Museum. I recommend visiting the beautiful Montpellier Quarter where you’ll find a collection of elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings that house a variety of independent shops and cafes.
If you’d like to relax whilst in Harrogate, I highly recommend visiting the Turkish Baths, which date back to the Victorian times. The baths have been restored, and offer a range of treatments to help you unwind.
Bradford
Bradford is a city with a rich industrial heritage, having been at the forefront of the wool trade since the 19th century. The city is home to many historic buildings, including the Alhambra Theatre, which is a stunning Edwardian theatre that has been entertaining audiences since 1914.
Sheffield
Sheffield is a city with a long and proud history of metalworking and manufacturing. The city is home to many historic buildings, including the Grade II listed Cutlers’ Hall and the beautiful Winter Garden, a stunning glasshouse that is home to more than 2,500 plants from around the world.
Bridlington
Bridlington is a historic seaside town that has been attracting visitors since Victorian times. The town is home to many historic buildings, including the Grade II listed Bridlington Spa and the beautiful Old Town, a collection of charming streets and alleyways that date back to the 14th century.
Richmond
Richmond is a historic market town that has been attracting visitors since medieval times. The town is home to many historic buildings, including the Grade I listed Richmond Castle and the beautiful Georgian Theatre Royal, the UK’s oldest working theatre in its original form.
Ripley
Ripley is a historic village that is home to many beautiful buildings, including Ripley Castle, a stunning 14th-century castle that is still inhabited by the Ingilby family. The village is also home to the beautiful All Saints Church, which dates back to the 14th century.
Skipton
Skipton is a historic market town that has been attracting visitors since medieval times. The town is home to many historic buildings, including the Grade I listed Skipton Castle and the beautiful Holy Trinity Church, which dates back to the 14th century.
Doncaster
Doncaster is a historic market town that has been at the heart of Yorkshire’s transport network since Roman times. The town is home to many historic buildings, including the Grade I listed Doncaster Minster and the beautiful Mansion House, a stunning Georgian building that is now used as the town’s Civic Office.
Ripon
Ripon is a historic cathedral city that has been attracting visitors since medieval times. The city is home to many historic buildings, including the Grade I listed Ripon Cathedral and the beautiful Fountains Abbey, a stunning Cistercian monastery that is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yorkshire’s Roman History
Yorkshire has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. The region was home to several Roman forts and settlements, including Eboracum (modern-day York), which was one of the most important cities in Roman Britain. The Romans built roads and fortifications throughout the region, leaving a lasting legacy that can still be seen today.
One of the most impressive Roman sites in Yorkshire is the Multangular Tower in York. This polygonal tower was built in the early 4th century to defend the Roman fortress of Eboracum and is perhaps the best-preserved feature of the fort. The tower was enlarged in the medieval period with arrow slits and was bombarded during the Civil War.
Another important Roman site in Yorkshire is Aldborough, which was the capital of the Romanised Brigantes, the largest tribe in Britain at that time. Today, visitors can view two mosaic pavements in their original positions and explore the Victorian arboretum that surrounds the site.
York Minster, one of the most iconic landmarks in Yorkshire, also has strong ties to the Roman era. The original church on the site was built by the Romans in the 3rd century AD, and you can see the Roman ruins and archaeological finds, in The Undercroft. York Minster including entry to The Undercroft is free for York City Pass Holders.
Museums and Art Galleries in Yorkshire
If you’re a history buff or an art enthusiast, Yorkshire has plenty of museums and art galleries to satisfy your cravings. Here are some of the must-visit places in the region:
Museums in Yorkshire
National Railway Museum: Located in York, this museum is a paradise for train lovers. The museum has an extensive collection of locomotives and carriages, including the famous Flying Scotsman. You can also learn about the history of railways in Britain and their impact on the country’s development.
York Castle Museum: This museum is housed in a former prison and tells the story of York’s social and cultural history. You can explore recreated streets and rooms from different eras, including a Victorian street and a World War II-era kitchen. York Castle Museum is free for York City Pass holders.
Thackray Medical Museum: This museum in Leeds takes you on a journey through the history of medicine. You can learn about the gruesome practices of the past and marvel at the advancements in modern medicine.
Art Galleries
- York Art Gallery: This free gallery has an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 14th century to the present day. You can see works by famous artists such as L.S. Lowry, David Hockney, and Bridget Riley.
- The Hepworth Wakefield: This gallery in Wakefield is dedicated to the work of Barbara Hepworth, one of Britain’s most important sculptors. You can see her sculptures and drawings, as well as works by other modern and contemporary artists.
- The Henry Moore Institute: Also in Leeds, this gallery is dedicated to the work of Henry Moore, another famous British sculptor. You can see his sculptures and drawings, as well as works by other artists who were influenced by him.
Museums and Exhibitions in Yorkshire
- The Yorkshire Sculpture Park: This outdoor sculpture park in Wakefield is a must-visit for art lovers. You can see sculptures by world-renowned artists such as Ai Weiwei, Anish Kapoor, and Henry Moore, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Yorkshire countryside.
- The Brontë Parsonage Museum: This museum in Haworth is dedicated to the Brontë sisters, who lived and wrote their famous novels here. You can see their personal belongings and learn about their lives and works.
- The Royal Armouries Museum: This museum in Leeds has a vast collection of arms and armour from around the world. You can see everything from medieval swords to modern firearms, as well as learn about the history of warfare.
