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Beningbrough Hall and Gardens, near York, YO30 1DD
Managed by the National Trust, Beningbrough Hall is a wonderful Georgian house with a collection of National Portrait Gallery paintings and costume collection. It also has beautiful gardens with Italianate borders and hidden woods, and a popular adventure play area. Closed Monday. Reduced winter opening. Contact: 01904 472027.Castle Bolton, North of Leyburn, DL8 4ET
Located in the heart of Wensleydale, this spectacular medieval fortress was completed by Sir Richard Le Scrope in 1399. It has had a colourful history and Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned here in 1569. Children can have fun dressing up in Medieval costumes before setting off to explore the Castle, which includes a Medieval nursery where you can have a go at some authentic toys and games. There are also regular archery demonstrations and hawk and owl displays. Reduced winter opening. Contact: 01969 623981.Castle Howard, near York, YO60 7DA
Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th century residence set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the heart of North Yorkshire. It is known to many as the backdrop for numerous television and film dramas including Brideshead Revisited. The house closes for winter but the gardens and woodland are open throughout the winter months. Contact: 01653 648333.Easby Abbey, near Richmond, DL10 7JU
The tranquil ruins of Easby Abbey - founded in 1152 by the Premonstratensian monks - are just a short walk from Richmond along the scenic former railway line that hugs the River Swale. Why not combine a visit to the Abbey with a circular walk from The Station (http://www.richmondstation.com/) which is also of great historical interest? The Abbey is open all year round with free admission.Fountains Abbey, near Ripon, HG4 3DY
Yorkshire’s first World Heritage site, Fountains Abbey is a huge 800-acre estate of naturally beautiful countryside, including the largest abbey ruins in the country and one of England’s most spectacular Georgian water gardens. Managed by the National Trust, it is situated nine miles from the A1 near Ripon. Contact: 01765 608888.
Kiplin Hall, near Richmond, DL10 6AT
This striking Jacobean country house – on the road between Richmond and Northallerton – was built in the 1620s for George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I, later 1st Lord Baltimore and founder of Maryland, USA. The Hall is now furnished as a welcoming Victorian family home, with examples of works from the 19th century Arts and Crafts Movement, and fascinating items including Admiral Lord Nelson’s library chair from H.M.S. Victory, and part of the block of wood on which Charles I was beheaded – allegedly! There are also beautiful gardens, lakeside walks and an award-winning tea room. Please check the website for opening times. Reduced opening in the winter months. Contact: 01748 818178.Middleham Castle, Middleham, DL8 4QG
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/middleham-castle/
Once the childhood home of Richard III, Middleham Castle has an illustrious history. Although roofless, extensive remains of the fortified palace still survive, making it an exciting place to explore. Managed by English Heritage, the Castle has an interesting exhibition, containing amongst other exhibits, the beautiful 15th century replica of the Middleham Jewel. Reduced winter opening. Contact: 01969 623899 / 0370 3331181.Richmond Castle, Richmond, DL10 4QW
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/richmond-castle/
With its breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond Castle was originally built to subdue the unruly North of England and is one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain. An interactive exhibition unveils the Castle’s past and guests can also enjoy the secluded Cockpit Garden. Don't miss the conscientious objectors exhibition, which tells the stories of 16 men who were held in the cells at Richmond Castle in 1916. The Castle is managed by English Heritage and has a fun and exciting events programme throughout the year. Reduced winter opening and closed January. Contact: 01748 822493 / 0370 3331181.
