North Yorkshire
Castles, Abbeys and Historic houses are in abundance in North Yorkshire. Fountains Abbey is a World Heritage site near Ripon and is Yorkshires 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.
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. The stillness and serenity of Rievaulx Abbey with Temples and Terraces, Kirkham Priory in the peaceful Derwent Valley, Byland with its Medieval floor tiles and Jervaulx near Ripon guarantee a tranquil and atmospheric visit.
Castle Howard, the setting 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 1250 roses and the Venus garden with 700 roses.
Kiplin Hall, Richmond, is a Jacobean house built in 1620 and offers house tours, gardens and childrens activities. Duncombe Park, Helmsley, is the home of Lord and Lady Feversham and has 35 acres of landscaped grounds and further dramatic parkland.
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 Treasures House built in the early 17C is open to the public during the summer and hosts various exhibitions. Ripon's medieval Cathedral contrasts starkly with the peaceful and atmospheric St Gregory's Minster at Kirkbymoorside on the North Yorks. Moors which has a Saxon sundial and 7thC Celtic crosses.
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 out.
Richard III had his childhood home at Middleham Castle and at Bolton Castle, Leyburn you can see the battlements, dungeons and a recreated 15C garden.
Ripley Castle has been home to the Ingilby family since the 1320's. Oliver Cromwell stayed here, as did James 1 in 1603, a mere 2 years before the Gunpowder Plot in which the Ingilbys were implicated.
Lovers of historic houses will be spoilt for choice with wonderful properties like Newby Hall, Ripon, Shandy Hall near Thirsk, Scampston Hall near Malton and Beningborough Hall near York to name but a few. Come and see for yourself, you won't be disappointed.
