What to do and see in Yorkshire, England: The Best Castles

May 11, 2022 Agatha Simes

Yorkshire (/ˈjɔːrkʃər, -ʃɪər/; abbreviated Yorks), formally known as the County of York, is a historic county of Northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Due to its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform. Throughout these changes, Yorkshire has continued to be recognised as a geographical territory and cultural region. The name is familiar and well understood across the United Kingdom and is in common use in the media and the military, and also features in the titles of current areas of civil administration such as North Yorkshire, South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and East Riding of Yorkshire.
Restaurants in Yorkshire

1. Castle Howard

York YO60 7DA England +44 1653 648333 [email protected] http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/
Excellent
61%
Good
24%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,482 reviews

Castle Howard

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.

Reviewed By 684bruced - Sydney, Australia

We spent a couple of hours at castle Howard and enjoyed the garden, fountain and the grandeur of this stately home....the TV history was also fascinating...

2. Ripley Castle and Gardens

Ripley, Harrogate HG3 3AY England +44 1423 770152 [email protected] http://www.ripleycastle.co.uk/
Excellent
56%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,026 reviews

Ripley Castle and Gardens

Reviewed By frankart_10 - Lymington, United Kingdom

We visited the castle on a rather wet day, and strangely, as part of a holiday mostly looking at steam railways. But no matter. I'm so very pleased that this visit was fitted into the schedule. The castle is still in private ownership, it's a very fine building, dating back several hundred years, where it's been in the ownership of the same family. The rooms are well stocked with fine family portraits and the furniture and possessions, and are well worth taking a long look at. There's a good collection of curios, guns and armour, and the grounds are extensive, supporting a large heard of deer, which can often been seen as you wander around the deer park The walled garden could do with a bit of attention, but there are also two excellent shops and a very good tea room. But for me the highlight was the guided tour. The lady who took us round was full of information, interspersed with some extremely witty anecdotes about the family. Just so highly entraining as well as informative. I though this a most excellent visit.

3. Helmsley Castle

Helmsley Castle Castlegate, Helmsley YO62 5AB England +44 1439 770442 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/helmsley-castle/
Excellent
53%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 749 reviews

Helmsley Castle

Reviewed By KarenC1806 - Evanston, United States

A visit to Helmsley isn’t a true visit if you don’t visit Helmsley Castle - a truly wonderful place, full of history and a great place for the kids to roam, climb, play games, dress up and have fun We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and the kids loved it ages ranging from 2 to 11 all had fun Absolutely well worth a visit

4. Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle High St. The Bailey, Skipton BD23 1AW England +44 1756 792442 [email protected] http://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/
Excellent
54%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,895 reviews

Skipton Castle

Where better to experience almost a thousand years of British history than by visiting Skipton Castle. Open all year round, tours are popular with visitors who come from far and wide to explore what some consider to be, a castle jewel of the North. Overlooking an intriguing market town, this remarkable 900 year old fortress is one of the best preserved and most complete medieval castles in England. The history is inseparable from the Clifford family. During the Civil War, Skipton Castle was the last Royalist bastion in the North, yielding only after a three-year siege in 1645. ‘Slighted’ under the orders of Cromwell, the Castle was skilfully restored years later by the indubitable matriarch and egalitarian, Lady Anne Clifford (1589-1676) who was born here. Today the dedicated team at Skipton Castle follow in her footsteps in its preservation. It is the focal point at the top of the High Street, so after a visit, it is fun and easy to take a stroll around the lovely shops, old mark

Reviewed By 425trician - Baildon, United Kingdom

Despite living nearby this was my first time actually inside the grounds of the Castle! It is well worth a visit if you like history and the castle is a wonderful building with some wonderful views and extremely well preserved. All grounds are also very well kept and pretty. All staff go out of their way to be helpful and friendly, giving directions and extra info which is really nice and was appreciated. A handy free tour sheet is included with ticket price with a suggested anti clockwise route suggested so you don’t miss anything. There’s also more background and historic information in each room which I enjoyed reading. There is a cafe for drinks or lunch and a church you could have a look round. Also there is a woodland walk which looks to give amazing views of the exterior. We vowed to try this another time as that is open and accessible to the public. I found the entrance fee slightly expensive as it only takes 1-2 hours maximum so isn’t a full day out. We were happy to pay it and glad we did but we probably wouldn’t again. I also think the price may put off some people especially with families which is a shame. But overall we really enjoyed looking round the castle we’re very lucky to have such a lovely piece of history on our doorstep.

5. Richmond Castle

Richmond Castle Tower Street, Richmond DL10 4QW England +44 1748 822493 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/richmond-castle/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=richmond%20castle
Excellent
51%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,005 reviews

Richmond Castle

Reviewed By JBlargo - Wimborne Minster, United Kingdom

Visited here why looking round Richmond Town. As English Heritage members got in for free. It is a great castle, you can climb right to the top and get fantastic views of the town and surrounding countryside. Knowledgable staff and good gift shop as well, definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

6. Bolton Castle

Nr Leyburn, Leyburn DL8 4ET England +44 1969 623981 [email protected] http://www.boltoncastle.co.uk
Excellent
53%
Good
31%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,104 reviews

Bolton Castle

Now one of the country’s best preserved medieval castles, Bolton was originally built, by Sir Richard Le Scrope, to rival the finest and most luxurious homes in the land. Completed in 1399, its scars bear testament to over 600 years of fascinating history including involvement in the Pilgrimage of Grace, Mary Queen of Scot’s imprisonment and a Civil War siege. Bolton Castle was a luxurious family home as well as a defensive fortress and, despite being partially ‘slighted’ by Cromwell’s’ men during the Civil War, the Castle is preserved in outstanding condition with many interesting rooms and features to discover including the Old Kitchens, Dungeon, Solar, Nursery, Armory, Great Chamber and Mary Queen of Scots’ bedroom. About one third of the rooms are fully intact and the rest of the Castle is almost completely accessible giving visitors great insight into its turbulent past. You will find a raft of sights, sounds and smells which bring the castle to life and make for a truly memorable visit. There is something for everyone to enjoy as you discover what life was really like during the Castle’s heyday through our authentic room displays, wonderful falconry experience, archery demonstrations, children’s trails and costumes and hands on medieval games and activities. Daily Activities 11.30: Bird of Prey Display 13.45: Archery Display 15.00: Bird of Prey Display 16.00: Wild Boar Feeding Time Tea Room Situated in the beautiful and atmospheric Guest Hall, our tea room serves a selection of homemade and locally produced hot meals, soups, sandwiches, snacks and freshly baked cakes. Afternoon tea is served from 2.30pm and our Yorkshire Tapas board is always a popular choice with visitors. Experience a friendly welcome and excellent service in the castle’s impressive Guest Hall, where visitors have enjoyed hospitality for over six hundred years. Gardens The Castle gardens have been restored along medieval lines and include a well-stocked herb garden, rose garden, walled vineyard, bowling green and maze as well as the birds of prey on their weathering ground and our bee observation hive (seasonal). Children will love finding the centre of the maze or trying our Garden activity trails.

Reviewed By GailW2100 - Norwich, United Kingdom

We loved our visit to Bolton Castle, it really is like stepping back in time with certain parts feeling as if very little has changed for hundreds of years. It’s unusual that so many floors and rooms of a castle are intact. We found that this really was a full day out with lots to explore inside and outside the castle, medieval dancers, a really interesting interactive archery demonstration and informative falconry display. We enjoyed a light lunch of homemade soup and cakes in the in castle cafe. Highly recommended to anyone wanting to visit an historic building in a beautiful location.

7. Cliffe Castle Museum & Park

Spring Gardens Lane, Keighley BD20 6LH England +44 1535 618231 [email protected] http://www.bradfordmuseums.org/venues/cliffe-castle-museum
Excellent
65%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 371 reviews

Cliffe Castle Museum & Park

Reviewed By ruthcD9844LV - Skipton, United Kingdom

Beautifully landscaped park with lovely water features. The museum is free and well worth a visit. The house itself is stunning and retains its original furnishings. The museum has an extensive rock collection plus works of art and objects from local industrial history. The newly renovated cafe offers really yummy freshly baked home made cakes plus a selecion of food and drink and ice creams. The park houses small animals such as birds and rabbits which seem to be very popular with children and also a greenhouse with a collection of interesting plants and cacti. There is also a playground for the children. The park has lots of events throughout the year such as concerts and a garden party so it's worth checking on line to see what's going on. Last year I attended a free willow weaving course which was amazing and we got to take home the things we made. I would say cliffe castle is the best feature of the town and not to be missed.

8. Knaresborough Castle

Castle Yard, Knaresborough HG5 8AS England +44 1423 500600 [email protected] http://www.harrogate.gov.uk/pos/Pages/KnaresboroughCastleGrounds.aspx
Excellent
45%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,264 reviews

Knaresborough Castle

Knaresborough Castle is a Scheduled Ancient Monument which is owned by the Duchy of Lancaster and maintained by Harrogate Borough Council. While the castle is open seasonally, the grounds are open as a public park all year round and provide a haven in the centre of the town. The castle stands on top of a high cliff and has dramatic views across to the viaduct and the River Nidd. The grassed areas are enhanced with mature trees and flowerbeds.

Reviewed By neebee2018 - Chester, United Kingdom

A well laid out and interesting museum though small it tells the civil war history of the area it also houses an original oak Court room from the 12century great castle ruin to explore too well worth a visit.

9. Scarborough Castle

Scarborough Castle Castle Road, Scarborough YO11 1HY England +44 1723 372451 [email protected] http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/scarborough-castle/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=scarborough%20castle
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,131 reviews

Scarborough Castle

BLUE BADGE PARKING ONLY IS AVAILABLE. OTHER PARKING PLEASE USE LOCAL PAY & DISPLAY. Head through the imposing gatehouse and step into 3,000 years of history. Explore the castle headland with one of our experienced guides for FREE or embark on your own journey through history with one of our audio tours and gain a fascinating insight into its past, from Iron Age settlements, to the Roman signal station and medieval chapel. The castle's heyday was in the 12th century when it was developed by Henry II and King John. This mighty castle has seen action in some of England's most defining battles. It was twice besieged by Parliamentarians in the Civil War, and has defended king and country from the Jacobites, Napoleon and the German Kaiser, when it came under bombardment during the First World War.

Reviewed By ArianneWolf - Kingston-upon-Hull, United Kingdom

Scarborough Castle is steeped in history and the dominant landmark over this lovely seaside town. It is owned by English Heritage and so is free to members. I would advise that it is best visited on a lovely, bright blue sky day (any time of year though) to get the best ambience. The sun lighting up the stonework is awesome and we saw enjoyed it today on a lovely winter outing! You only need to spot the castle as you approach Scarborough to realise that there is a bit of a pull to get up there, but the paths are good. A lovely very unspoiled historical site with no gimmicks - bliss! There are picnic tables and light refreshments available. Dog friendly too. Whether local or a visitor do take a look. We love it.

10. Middleham Castle

Castle Hill, Middleham DL8 4RJ England +44 1969 623899 http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/middleham-castle/?utm_source=Trip%20Advisor&utm_campaign=Local%20Listings&utm_medium=Trip%20Advisor%20Profiles&utm_content=middleham%20castle
Excellent
52%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 589 reviews

Middleham Castle

Reviewed By mand - Caistor, United Kingdom

This was a lovely place in a very quaint Yorkshire Dales village. The castle is right in the heart of the village with a few car parking spaces right next to it. There seemed to be just the one lady who was in that day (August 12th) and she was great. Very friendly, approachable and informative. We are English Heritage members and our 12 year old daughter was very pleased to be able to add to her badges collection, all set out on the table when you entered. More importantly, the castle, though not that big, is an intriguing place with lots to see and set in glorious countryside...we enjoyed climbing up the steps up to great views and seeing inside the kitchen and so on as well as spotting (and take photos next to!) a small monument of Richard III. We had our picnic inside the castle and together with a small but perfectly formed gift shop, the 1 and a half hours we spent there was lovely! The mini museum sneeked into the shop was a nice touch and we enjoyed listening to the lady tell us about the jewel! The coffee machine was great too!

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