Top 10 Historic Sites in Yorkshire, England

We've loved having you back! Please note that you need to pre-book your ticket to visit at the moment via the website. Explore a great abbey and elegant water garden at this World Heritage Site near Harrogate. Cistercian monks chose this place to establish Fountains Abbey in 1132, and the walls echo with centuries-old stories. Follow the riverside path to Studley Royal, a playful water garden designed by visionaries John and William Aislabie in the 18th century. You can spend a day amongst statues, follies and cascades before venturing beyond the lake to Studley Royal deer park, with ancient lime tree avenues and red, fallow and sika deer. Eat, shop, stay Restaurant serving select range of hot food. Picnics welcome but please leave BBQs at home. Large shop with gardening section. Stay at one of 14 holiday cottages, including a cosy waterside lodge and elegant apartment inside Jacobean Fountains Hall. No drones please. Bikes and scooters welcome for children under 5.

Selby Abbey has served the local community for over 950 years. Welcoming to all, the Abbey has a rich and diverse heritage waiting to be explored. Hosting regular services, as well as cultural events, concerts, children's activities and tours there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Following a multi-million pound transformation project, Britain's last surviving cloth hall, featuring independent shops, cafes and bars, heritage visitor centre, art gallery and a spectacular events programme is now open seven days a week.

Set in the picturesque Shibden valley, a mile from Halifax, Shibden Hall dates back to 1420 and offers visitors a fascinating journey through the lives of the people who lived and worked here. Shibden Hall's architecture is a mix of styles reflecting its interesting and varied history. The adjacent 17th century aisled barn and workshops house a carriage collection and displays relating to different crafts, including a blacksmiths, coopers, wheelwrights and saddlers. Shibden even has a recreated brewhouse and inn. The Hall is surrounded by the beautifully restored gardens and estate that forms Shibden Park. There are a range of features and attractions, including a cafe and visitor facilities, miniature railway, boating lake, pitch & putt course as well as trails, play area, orienteering course and woodland in which to roam.

Imagine stepping 400 years back in time into the home of a 17th-century cloth merchant. See the changes that he made and discover why these were sadly never completed. Take a step away from the hectic everyday and experience the tranquillity that is East Riddlesden Hall. In contrast to the atmospheric exterior, this friendly house is brought to life through stories told by room guide volunteers. The house is home to a wonderful array of seventeenth century needlework and original exquisite plasterwork ceilings created by local craftsmen.

* 17th March - we have closed the museum due to the C-19 outbreak. Check website for the latest information.* The Bronte Parsonage is the former home of the world's most famous literary family and the place where Charlotte, Emily and Anne wrote some of the greatest novels in the English Language. The house evokes the atmosphere of the Brontes' time and offers visitors an unique insight into their day - to - day lives and varied interests. The rooms the Brontes' used are largely unchanged and are filled with a world-class collection of furniture, clothes and personal possessions. Whether you are a fan of the Brontes' writing or simply intrigued by remarkable people and their stories, you will find visiting the Parsonage an absorbing and unforgettable experience. The museum offers an ever-changing programme of exhibitions, events, and activities for the whole family. Listed opening hours reflect first and last entry to the Museum (Last entry 4.30, shop remains open until 5.00pm).

Castle Howard is one of England's finest historic houses, set in a thousand acres of sweeping parkland dotted with statues, temples, lakes and fountains. Inside discover world-renowned collections gathered by succeeding generations of the Howard family. Built over 300 years ago, today it still remains a family home.

Uncover the history of one of the best preserved medieval Cistercian abbeys in Britain. With its beautiful and iconic ruins, award-winning Park and interactive visitor centre Kirkstall Abbey is a place that visitors of all ages can enjoy. The ruins are a unique example of early Christian architecture. From the majesty of the church to the peace of the cloisters enjoy exploring this iconic Leeds landmark. The story of the abbey and its community is explored in the Visitor Centre. Founded over 800 years ago in 1152 discover more about what life was like for the Cistercian monks who lived here for nearly 400 years. Enjoy the abbey's parkland setting next to the River Aire. Take a walk along the river or enjoy a picnic in our spacious grounds. There is also a small playground near to the car park for the little ones to enjoy. The ruins of the abbey provide a breath-taking background to your wedding photography, blessings, vow renewals and baby naming ceremonies.

After completing our exciting four-million-pound redevelopment, we can’t wait for visitors to explore our new galleries. Follow the story of medicine as you wander through the grimy streets of Victorian Leeds, watch gruesome operations taking place in our 19th-century operating theatre, visit a 70s-style sexual health clinic, chart how well the world responds to crisis, and discover the medical innovations that changed the world. We’ll be operating a timed entry system so booking is essential.