Yorkshire’s Heritage

Set within the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside, Fountains Abbey is a one-of-a-kind, great day out for all of the family. Now recognised as a world heritage site, visitors are spoilt for choice with the breathtaking landscape along with a Jacobean Manor House, Medieval Deer Park, Victorian church and Cistercian mill.

With over 800 acres of parkland and gardens along with the tranquil water gardens of ponds, statues and follies, Fountains Abbey is a perfect place to take a stroll or pack up some lunch and have a picnic.

Established by devoted monks, the atmospheric ruins that remain are a window into a way of life which shaped the medieval world. Fountains Abbey has become one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England.

Castle Howard is Yorkshire’s finest house and gardens, set within 1000 acres of breath-taking landscape in the Howardian Hills, an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The award-winning grounds feature a walled rose garden, ornamental vegetable garden and woodland. Dotted with statues, temples, lakes and fountains they create an ideal base for a lakeside walk. The Howard family has welcomed visitors inside their home at Castle Howard for over 300 years, with dramatic interiors containing world-renowned collections, stunning architecture and inspiring family stories.

Children can explore the house and grounds, jump on the land train to the lakeside adventure playground, and take boat trips on the Great Lake. After your adventures, there is a great choice of restaurants and cafés to choose from, whether you are looking for bistro-style at the Courtyard Café or self-service at the Fitzroy Room, take away coffees, cakes and ice cream are available at The Boathouse Café or why not buy some local produce to take home at the Farm Shop.

Richmond Castle has been voted one of North Yorkshire’s finest tourist attractions. Standing in a commanding position above the River Swale, it is close to the centre of the market town of Richmond. The best-preserved part of the castle the Keep towers 100 feet above the town. Visitors can climb to the top of the Keep for breath-taking views of the town of Richmond and the Yorkshire Dales or learn all about the castles history in the interactive exhibition before taking a peaceful stroll around the secluded Cockpit Garden.

Why not make a day of it and enjoy the Georgian architecture and cobbled marketplace in Richmond with a wide variety of shops, pubs and restaurants to discover or enjoy a walk from Richmond Castle to explore the remains of Easby Abbey.

If you are looking for peace and tranquillity, set in a remote valley in the North York Moors National Park, Rievaulx Abbey is a perfect choice for a family adventure. It is one of the most stunning days out in Yorkshire all year round.

Learn about the Monks in medieval times or take a stroll around the idyllic landscape of the most complete and atmospheric of England’s abbey ruins. In spring the bank is awash with wildflowers, in summer the lawns are a perfect spot for a picnic, while in autumn the beech woods are a mass of rich hues making this the most popular visitor attractions in the North.

One of the country’s best preserved medieval castles, situated in the heart of Wensleydale with stunning views over the Yorkshire Dales.

The castle was originally built as one of the finest and most luxurious homes in the land and it is still preserved in its outstanding condition with many rooms and features to discover with over 600 years of fascinating history, giving visitors a great insight into its turbulent past.

With 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside and over 80 miles of footpaths, Bolton Castle is a great day for all ages to explore the ruins of the Priory and discover a landscape full of history and legend, wander along the riverside, woodland and moorland paths, enjoy local produce in the restaurants, tea rooms and cafes.

If you are looking for a bit more action you can explore the falconry displays, archery demonstrations, wild boar, bees, rare breed sheep and hands on craft and games.