Yorkshire boasts the highest concentration of stately homes, castles and gardens in England and this breadth of offer ensures that there are a whole host of ideas for great days out with something to suit everyone. Taking you back to a glorious era of hospitality, culture and learning, our great houses are a treat to savour and enjoy.
Barley Hall is a stunning medieval townhouse, once home to the Priors of Nostell and the Mayor of York. Until the 1980s the house was hidden under the relatively modern façade of a derelict office block. Only when the building was going to be destroyed was the amazing medieval building discovered and its history revealed. The building has now been restored to its original splendour, with stunning high ceilings, exposed timber frames, and possibly the only horn window in England. It has been decorated to replicate the Snawsell home around 1483 and boasts a magnificent Great Hall. Visitors to Barley Hall can make themselves at home, sit on the chairs, handle the objects and experience what it would have been like to live in medieval England.
Contact - Tel: 01904 610275
Inside this beautiful Victorian Country House time really stands still. Almost everything has been left exactly how it was when it was still a family home.
Brodsworth's Gardens are a plant-lovers paradise. Whatever time of year you visit, there will always be something to catch your eye. Wonderfully restored to their original horticultural splendour explore the magnificent fern dell, stunning displays of roses and immaculate lawns.
Visitors can share lazy summer Sunday afternoons by enjoying the sounds of local brass bands, while children can let off steam in the adventure playground. Let them embark on a world of imagination aboard the Thellusson Explorer, before climbing the play frame and having fun on the mini rockers and swings.
Contact - Tel: 01302 722598
Simon Jenkins, author of 'England's Thousand Best Houses', described Burton Agnes Hall as 'the perfect English house' and one of England's finest houses. To the Cunliffe-Lister family the Hall is home, which is filled with treasures collected by the family over the centuries and they delight in sharing it with their visitors.
Outside, the gardens offer a feast for the senses. There is a classical pong, Woodland Walk and through the seasons, the Elizabethan walled garden contains a magnificnet floral display with several thousand plant varieties. Many treats await visitors in the courtyard. Unique, handcrafted gifts and souvenirs can be found in our 'Home and Garden' Shop and Gift Shop and the Cafe offers home-made meals using the garden's fruit and vegetables and local ingredients.
Contact - Tel: 01262 490324
Burton Constable is one of the best places to visit in East Yorkshire and offers lots to see and do for the whole family. This truly hidden gem set in 300 acres of natural parkland offers unrivalled access to more than 30 rooms with interiors of faded grandeur, a library of 5,000 books and a remarkable 18th century ‘cabinet of curiosities' containing fossils, natural history specimens and the most important collection of scientific instruments to be found in any country house. Light refreshments are available in our Stables Tea Room or you could bring your own picnic and play draughts or croquet on the Orangery lawns or explore our magnificent parkland and lakes.
Contact - Tel: 01964 562400
Magnificent 18th-century house built by Sir John Vanbrugh for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle. Today Castle Howard remains home to the Howard family, its dramatic interiors filled with world-renowned collections, including furniture, porcelain, sculpture and paintings, gathered by succeeding generations. Discover the house, as guides share the stories of the house and family, and explore the monumental parkland, dotted with statues, temples, lakes and fountains. Attractions include the 18th century walled garden; woodland trails; a free illustrated trail booklet for children, land-train rides, summer boat trips and adventure playground; a changing programme of exhibitions and family events; a choice of cafes and shops, including garden centre, farm shop and gift shops.
Contact - Tel: 01653 648333
Fairfax House is one of the finest eighteenth century townhouses in England. With magnificent stucco ceilings, grand staircase and Venetian window this is a classical architectural masterpiece of its age. Originally the winter home of Viscount Fairfax and his daughter, the richly decorated interior was designed by York's most distinguished architect, John Carr. Today it is home to the superb Noel Terry collection of Georgian furniture, clocks, paintings and decorative arts, described by Christie's as one of the best collections formed in the 20th century. The collection perfectly complements the House, bringing it to life and creating a special lived-in feeling. Let Fairfax House transport you to the splendour of city-living in Georgian York.
Contact - Tel: 01904 655543
One of the treasure houses of England set in beautiful Yorkshire countryside, Harewood is the family seat of the Earl and Countess of Harewood. The house has magnificent interiros by Robert Adam, furniture by Thomas Chippendale and paintings by Turner, Reynolds, Titian and El Graco, contemporary art exhibitions and fascinating insights into the servants' domain 'Below Stairs'. Enjoy the Bird Garden with penguins, flamingos and more, and there's an adventure playground! Harewood has exquisite gardens; a plant-hunters paradise in the Himalayan garden, working kitchen garden and stunning parterre terrace. But that's not all. There are events and themed weekends, and don't miss our annual Medieval Faire! Visit the House and its wonderful collections or enjoy the Gardens, come to Harewood for a day of discovery...
Contact - Tel: 0113 2181010
Jacobean country seat of founder of Maryland, George Calvert. 'Gothic' wing added in the 1820s and redesigned in 1887 by W.E. Nesfield. This intriguing house is now furnished as a comfortable, late Victorian home with 17 rooms open to the public. The Hall is crowed with an eccletic mix of previous owners' furniture, paintings, portraits and personalia. Among numerous original paintings from the 16th-19th centuries are works by Beukelaer, Carlevarijs, Kauffman and Watts. New Commemorative Exhibition - Kiplin Hall in Times of War.
Ornamental Gardens, productive Walled Garden, Woodland and Lakeside Walks. Varied programme of events including outdoor theatre, plant and book fair, garden workshops, torchlight ghost tours and children's actiivty days.
Plants and garden produce for sale. Award-winning Tea Room.
Contact - Tel: 01748 818178
Enjoy a fantastic day out at Lotherton Hall, a charming Edwardian house and country estate once home to the Gascoigne family. The entrance price allows access to everything including the house, estate, car parking and most events and activities.
There is something for everyone to enjoy including: the Bird Garden, formal gardens, woodland walks & trails, historic stables & carriage houses, special exhibitions, playgrounds, deer park, Stables Cafe and the gift shop. Please see the website for details of the exciting events programme. This year you can see the new Country House in Time of War exhibition running until January 2014.
Contact - Tel: 0113 281 3259
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Newby Hall is one of England's renowned Adam houses, an exceptional example of 18th century interior decoration. The superb contents of the house include a rare set of Gobelins Tapestries, a renowned gallery of classical statuary and some of Chippendale's finest furniture. The 25 acres of award-winning Gardens are full of rare and beautiful plants. Newby's famous double herbaceous borders form the main axis; off this central walk are formal compartmented gardens such as Sylvia's Garden, a species Rose Garden, Water Garden and Autumn Garden. The National Collection of CORNUS (dogwoods) is also held at Newby. Other attractions include the Miniature Railway, Children's Adventure Garden, Contemporary Sculpture Park, Shop and Plant Centre, Licensed Restaurant and Picnic Area. Special events throughout the season.
Contact - Tel: 0845 4504068
Normanby Hall Country Park is set amongst 300 acres of gardens, parkland and woodland. The Regency Hall (1825) was designed by Sir Robert Smirke and was home to the Sheffield family, former Dukes of Buckingham and owners of Buckingham Palace. The elegant rooms, with their fine examples of period furniture in Regency, Victorian and Edwardian styles, reflect the long history of the house. Visit the Victorian Walled Garden with its traditionally grown heritage varieties of vegetables and wall-trained fruit, and the Secret Garden and Sunken Gardens with their stunning herbaceous borders. There are superb mature trees in the woodland and wonderful displays of naturalised bulbs in Spring. The Farming Museum gives an insight in to North Lincolnshire's rural past.
Contact - Tel: 01724 720588
Situated in a dramatic cliff-top position with spectacular views
over Bridlington Bay, Sewerby Hall and Gardens boasts 50
acres of stunning early 19th Century parkland. The award-winning gardens are amongst the best in the region.
On-site are a zoo, a pitch and putt golf course,
a putting green and a newly-developed play area. Events include historical re-enactments, magic days, vehicle rallies, art exhibitions, craft fairs and sports and wildlife activities together with the ever-popular weekly Orangery concerts. Sewerby Hall also hosts weddings and civil
ceremonies, conference room hire and corporate hospitality
with on-site catering available from the award-winning Clock
Tower Tea Rooms.
Three luxury self-catering cottages are available to let via www.cottages4you.co.uk.
Contact - Tel: 01262 673769
There is something about the charm of Sledmere which has captivated visitors for over 200 years. Designed by Sir Christopher Sykes 2nd Baronet and nurtured by successive generations this very special place brings new devotees every year. The atmosphere is informal, the landscape breathtaking and the welcome warm and friendly. Gardeners, antique lovers, military enthusiasts, artists and music buffs all seem instantly at home. A great place for a real country house cream tea, a game of hide and seek, a little indulgent shopping, a brisk walk in the deer park. Children's Play Area.
Contact - Tel: 01377 236637
Sutton Park, the Yorkshire home of Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield, is a charming lived in house, built in 1730 by Thomas Atkinson. The House contains beautiful eighteenth century furniture, paintings mostly from Buckingham House, created by Sir John Sheffield, Duke of Buckingham and now Buckingham Palace. Also an important collection of porcelain and magnificent plaster-work by Cortese. The gardens attract visitors from home and abroad and have been featured in many prestigious publications. Herbaceous and rose borders are full of rare and interesting plants, laid out with great care over the past forty years. In the grounds, Edwardian Fernery, Georgian Icehouse, Children's Adventure Playground and Woodland Walk.
Contact - Tel: 01347 810249
A splendid Tudor Jacobean mansion, renowned as birthplace of Henry Lord Darnley infamous husband of Mary Queen of Scots. With over forty restored rooms to view housing outstanding collections of fine and decorative art. Set within an Estate of 1500 acres of "Capability" Brown landscape, including two 18 hole golf courses, with paths and trails for cycling, walking and riding. An 18th century Walled Garden which is now home to a rose garden, stunning herbaceous borders and national plant collections and rare breeds of farm animals is a great treat for the whole family. In the Georgian Stable Courtyard there is a Tea Room serving locally sourced food, a large gift shop and Mrs Pawson's garden and kitchen shop.
Contact - Tel: 0113 336 7560
The first sight of The Bowes Museum, a French style château in the historic market town of Barnard Castle, never fails to astonish. Purpose built in the 19th Century by businessman John Bowes and his French wife Joséphine, it's one of the most important museums outside London. This recently transformed treasure house boasts some of the best examples of European fine and decorative arts in the UK, including paintings by Canaletto, Goya and El Greco. New galleries are dedicated to Fashion & Textiles, Silver & Metals and British Decorative Arts. An acclaimed exhibition programme, Guided Tours and Gallery Talks by specialist curators add to the experience. There is first class dining in Café Bowes, plus a quality shop with a wide range of superb gifts.
Contact - Tel: 01833 690606
Travel through nine centuries of history and discover the magnificent 12th-century abbey ruins, once one of the wealthiest abbeys in Europe. Wander through the Georgian water garden of Studley Royal and find statues, surprise views, hidden temples and a deer park home to over 500 wild deer.
The children's play area and school holiday trails make a great family day out. Enjoy events and activities year-round, from open-air theatre to medieval re-enactments. A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
When to visit: Please check website or call for opening information as days and times may vary.
Contact - Tel: 01765 608888
Experience Georgian life within the grand house and gardens, and discover the faces of the 18th century portraits displayed through our partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. Explore acres of beautiful gardens on a guided walk, or bring the family and go wild in the wilderness play area. Taste fruit and vegetables fresh from the garden as we serve up the day's harvest in the Walled Garden Restaurant. Look out for family events and activities all year including Artrageous! workshops.
When to visit: Please check website or call for opening information as days and times may vary.
Contact - Tel: 01904 472027
Visit the former gardens of Noel Goddard Terry, of the famous York chocolate-making firm. Stroll through the formal terraces and wilderness gardens, past herbaceous borders and along winding pathways to the ponds and restored greenhouse. The National Trust is delighted to have opened the house at Goddards to the public for the first time. For the latest news, opening times and admission please check the website.
When to visit: Please check website or call for opening information as days and times may vary.
Contact - Tel: 01904 702021
This 17th century merchant's home boasts an excellent story of survival. For generations, the estate was a hive of farming activity. Today, visitors can explore the house, relax and unwind in the gardens or enjoy a stroll on the riverside walk. Families can find fun on a garden trail or let off steam in the natural play areas.
When to visit: Please check website or call for opening information as days and times may vary.
Contact - Tel: 01535 607075
Enjoy the intimate home of Colonel Jim Pennyman and his arts-loving wife Ruth, pioneers of acts of kindness. Discover the stylish legacy of ‘Wicked' Sir James, an 18th-century character with an extravagant lifestyle. See the Victorian laundry and kitchen, follow family trails and enjoy ‘trainspotting' at the model railway layouts.
When to visit: Please check website or call for opening information as days and times may vary.
Contact - Tel: 01642 324188
Nostell is an 18th century house on a grand scale. Built on the site of a medieval priory, it was the home of the Winn family for over 300 years. Inside the house you'll discover fine collections, including Chippendale furniture unique to Nostell and paintings by Brueghel, Hogarth and Kauffmann. Explore 300 acres of parkland with tranquil lakeside walks, garden trails, an orchard and rose garden. The adventure playground and summer Boredom Busting activities make for a great family day out.
When to visit: Please check website or call for opening information as days and times may vary.
Contact - Tel: 01924 863892
A family home with a magical atmosphere, nestled on the quiet banks of the River Rye. Explore period rooms, see our latest art exhibition and discover one of the world's finest collections of miniature rooms. Enjoy a picnic in the sheltered walled garden amongst springflowering meadows, orchards and resident peacocks.
When to visit: Please check website or call for opening information as days and times may vary.
Contact - Tel: 01439 748283
Step inside this elegant town house with a Roman road in the cellar, Edwardian servants' quarters in the attic and the story of Frank Green who created thirteen remarkable rooms in between. See Frank's collection of antique furniture, ceramics and paintings from a 300-year period, or visit the cellar to hear one of the city's most infamous ghost sightings.
When to visit: Please check website or call for opening information as days and times may vary.
Contact - Tel: 01904 624247
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