Yorkshire is home to some of the most fantastic historical sites in the country
Conisbrough Castle(Image: Photo © Richard Bird (cc-by-sa/2.0))
January is here, and with the rush of the holidays over, it might be time for some day-trips to unwind.
Lucky for us, Yorkshire is home to some of the best protected and historic sites in the country, so you’re spoilt for choice. The National Trust and English Heritage both operate a number of historic sites in our county, from abbeys to castles.
While you can always pay on the door, a membership in either organisation can help reduce on-the-day costs, for a regular fee.
Whether you want a manor or a priory, there’s plenty to see.
Here are some of the best sites in Yorkshire you can visit.
Spofforth Castle
Spofforth Castle is a popular attraction for visitors (Image: Peter Harbour)
Spofforth Castle was once home to one of the most influential noble families in England, the Percys. Now, Spofforth Castle sits as a ruined manor house which dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Today, it is operated by English Heritage, and is a great place to explore.
Aldborough Roman Site
A mosaic at Aldborough Roman Site(Image: English Heritage)
Most historic sites in Yorkshire date back to the Middle Ages, but Aldborough goes all the way back to the Roman Empire. This was once Isurium Brigantum, the capital of the Brigantes tribe, the biggest tribe in Roman Britain.
This site is operated by English Heritage and features mosaic floors and museums.
Whitby Abbey
Whitby Abbey(Image: Terry Blackburn)
By far one of Yorkshire’s most iconic sites, Whitby Abbey was once home to St Hild’s monastery. These days, it is more famous for its association with Irish writer Bram Stoker’s 1897 classic Dracula.
Today, the site, operated by English Heritage, features a museum detailing the building’s long and storied history.
Wharram Percy
St Martin’s Church, Wharram Percy(Image: Dave Himelfield)
For something a little different, you can always trek out to the site of Wharram Percy. Formerly a medieval village, the town now stands empty, and is one of Britain’s largest and best preserved abandoned villages.
It was inhabited for 600 years before being abandoned in the early 1500s. The site today is operated by English Heritage.
East Riddlesden Hall
East Riddlesden Hall(Image: National Trust)
East Riddlesden Hall was once part of a farming estate, but today is open to the public. It features beautiful gardens and information about the building’s history.
Today, it is operated by the National Trust.
York Cold War Bunker
York Cold War Bunker(Image: Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net))
While it seems as though nuclear weapons are in the news every day, there is one nuclear shelter which stands empty, except for visitors. The Cold War bunker in York was closed in 1992, and once had a control room equipped with nuclear monitoring devices, a dormitory for 50-60 staff, and more.
It was restored by English Heritage, and is now open for guided tours.
Conisbrough Castle
Conisbrough Castle(Image: Photo © Richard Bird (cc-by-sa/2.0))
More than 800 years have passed since Conisbrough Castle was first build, and the keep features some great views of the surrounding area. Inside, you can experience the history of the fortress.
Now operated by English Heritage, the Castle was once the setting of Walter Scott’s novel Ivanhoe.
Thornborough Henges
Thornborough Henges(Image: Damian Grady © Historic England)
Before history itself, in the neolithic period 4,500 years ago, henges were constructed across the British Isles. Here in Yorkshire, you can visit Thornborough Henges which remained important into the Bronze Age.
The Northern Henge at Thornborough has recently been acquired by English Heritage, meaning there is even more to see now.
Fountains Abbey and St Mary’s Church
Fountains Abbey(Image: Getty)
Fountains Abbey has long been a site for visitors in Yorkshire after its establishment as a centre for monks in the region. It is even recognised as a World Heritage site.
St Mary’s Church, Studley Royal(Image: English Heritage)
St Mary’s Church, in Studley Royal, North Yorkshire, was designed in the 1870s by famous architect William Burges. Churches across Yorkshire are open for visitors, but St Mary’s is a great example of Victorian style.
It features extravagant decorations, and is managed by the National Trust along with the rest of the Fountains Abbey estate.
Scarborough Castle
Scarborough Castle(Image: George Hoden)
Sat between the two bays of Scarborough, the castle provides a stunning view of hte area. There are Roman and Anglo-Saxon ruins at this site, showcasing its long history.
There is also a grassy headland to explore for those who are looking for nature. The site is managed by English Heritage.
Gibson Mill and Hardcastle Crags
Gibson Mill, Hardcastle Crags(Image: David Zdanowicz)
Located in the South Pennines, just a few miles from Hebden Bridge, Gibson Mill sits in the centre of the 400 acre Hardcastle Crags woodland. There are 15 miles of footpaths to explore at this scenic site.
Gibson Mill is home to the Weaving Shed Café and is the National Trust’s flagship sustainable building, as it remains unconnected to the National Grid.
Byland Abbey
Byland Abbey(Image: English Heritage)
According to English Heritage, who manage ths site, Byland Abbey inspired the design of church buildings across North England. This includes the famous York Minster and its famous rose windo.
Located in the North York Moors, the site is surrounded by beautiful nature.
Rievaulx Abbey
The ruins of Rievaulx Abbey(Image: Getty)
Yorkshire is home to a lot of different abbeys, but Rievaulx is one of the most stunning. It is one of the most complete abbeys in England, and features a museum dedicated to the Rievaulx monks.
The site is today managed by English Heritage.
Clifford’s Tower
Clifford’s Tower, York, after its £5m restoration(Image: Christopher Ison/English Heritage)
One of the most iconic sites in York, Clifford’s Tower has stood above the city for generations. There, you can study the history of York Castle, including the horrific anti-Jewish pogrom of 1190, and the fire of 1684.
The site today is managed by English Heritage.
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