Top Things to do in North Yorkshire
What to do and see in North Yorkshire, England: The Best Ancient Ruins
Discover the best top things to do in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom including Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Thornborough Henge, York City Walls, Whitby Abbey, Byland Abbey, Easby Abbey, Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens, Mulgrave Castle, St Mary and St Laurence, St Robert's Cave.
Restaurants in North Yorkshire
1. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,875 reviews
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.
Reviewed By Sal7thomp - Leeds, United Kingdom
Fantastic grounds, amazing view, wonderful gardens and lake with a great deer park and lovely abbey and great gift shop
2. Thornborough Henge
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
3. York City Walls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,565 reviews
No visit to York is complete without a stroll along part of the 2 miles of historic walls that have protected the city for nearly 2000 years. The walls are completely free to walk, however bespoke guided tours can be booked with your own personal tour guide, meeting you at a time and place to suit you, and showing you the extensive hidden history to be found along the walls.
Reviewed By MKing1982 - Colchester, United Kingdom
One of the best preserved city walls we've been to. Well maintained and well marked - the York city wall walk provides a great progression around the city with plenty to look at (both old and new). The walk is atop the walls themselves and along the kings' pond/moat. The walk goes past the Minster and Shambles for a quick detour. Although there are benches along the walk, the wall portion requires the use of stairs. May be a consideration.
4. Whitby Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,473 reviews
Reviewed By lawlieh - Rugby, United Kingdom
We were lucky enough to stumble across a Dracula play at the Abbey, amazingly talented actors and so very funny set in the best surroundings too !
5. Byland Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
OPENING TIMES: 3rd November 2014 - 29th March 2015: 10am - 4pm Saturdays and Sundays ONLY. 30Th March 2015 onwards: opening times available nearer the time. Along with Rievaulx and Fountains Abbeys, Byland Abbey was once one of the greatest Cistercian monasteries in the north of England. It boasts some of the earliest Gothic architecture in northern England as well as internationally significant medieval floor tile pavements. Much of the church survives to a great height, including the fantastic rose window, and the remains of the domestic buildings are extensive. There is also a museum packed with artefacts found on site and beautifully illustrated interpretation panels, which give visitors an insight into monastic life. There is also much to interest nature lovers as many varieties of wild flowers grow on the ruins of the abbey and a multitude of birds and small mammals can be seen around the site, including kestrels, buzzards and hedgehogs.
Reviewed By jaxm2019 - Rugby, United Kingdom
By pure chance we passed this place on our way to thirsk, very beautiful to walk around and see. Had a wonderful couple of hours taking it all in, would definitely recommend a visit
6. Easby Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 457 reviews
Reviewed By J7733ZVjonathanc
Fabulous setting, the grounds are well maintained and presented.There are plenty of information boards giving excellent detail about the Abbey. Great place to sit and contemplate. Best of all it is free!
7. Mount Grace Priory, House and Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Reviewed By Mobile35942195053 - Bristol, United Kingdom
Free entry for English Heritage members, easy to find just off the main road, plenty of parking and a new independent cafe on site. Very friendly and informative welcome and excellent EH guidebook. Fabulous place to explore, the priory has a fascinating history, just how the monks lived, the historic house and the perfectly kept gardens. Dating from 1398 and you can immerse yourself to live like a hermit or to be lord of the manor, such a beautiful paradox. Delightful gardens, wonderful all round visit.
8. Mulgrave Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 54 reviews
Reviewed By 411dianeo
Lovely walk through Mulgrave woods up to the castle ruins once there if you stand & look out over the valley you may be lucky enough to spot the deer. Good place for a picnic on a nice day too
9. St Mary and St Laurence
10. St Robert's Cave
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 33 reviews
Reviewed By Rossergruffydd - Glasgow, United Kingdom
The town map is very vague as to where the cave is and some of the locals had never heard of it. Don't expect any of the signs to tell you where it is. It's easy to miss as it lies right next to the river very close to a weir and an old mill, not on the crags as you might expect. The interpretation boards give you a good break down of the history and the new statue adds to the site's feel and significance. In a lovely spot and sadly prone to flooding. Well worth a look and the long walk was a pleasure given the scenery.
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