Historic Yorkshire
Explore the history that runs through North Yorkshire, the legends, the traditions, the local events and the landmarks that make this county special
If you enjoy discovering stories of smugglers and sailors, knights and kings, Romans and Vikings—and love exploring the remnants of an earlier time—then let your curiosity loose in North Yorkshire.
Stories of the past
The region’s history stretches back to when dinosaurs roamed what is now the North Yorkshire coast. Castles standing watch over towns and countryside speak of a turbulent past, marked by war and power struggles. Spot clues from the English Civil War, the dissolution of the monasteries, and tales of coastal smugglers.
By day, explore remarkable ruins in glorious locations, well-preserved monuments, fortified castles, and elegant stately homes of the landed gentry. Impressive abbeys, churches, and monastery ruins highlight the church’s historic importance, with centuries-old ceremonies still taking place today. Heritage steam railways transport you to a bygone age. The Yorkshire coast, known as the ‘Dinosaur Coast’, is rich in fossils as well as dramatic stories of explorers and smugglers.
Discover our history and heritage at one of the many historic sites, museums and monuments in the area, and learn the North Yorkshire of today came to be.
Historic Yorkshire Experiences
Historic Skipton Walking Tour
A one hour guided walk through nine centuries of Skipton, led by a… A one hour guided walk through nine centuries of Skipton, led by a professional archaeologist. The medieval High Street, the castle, Holy Trinity…
Teacups to Treasures: Collections Care Tour
Join our collections care team to find out what it takes to look after… Join our collections care team to find out what it takes to look after Harewood house and its collections.
Knaresborough Trails and Tales Walk
Join our fabulous Knaresborough Heritage Walking Tour on Saturday… Join our fabulous Knaresborough Heritage Walking Tour on Saturday afternoons and see Knaresborough in a new light. Assemble at 1:50pm at the Heritage…
Historic Tea & Tour of Carlton Towers
Step into history with a guided tour of Carlton Towers. Explore grand… Step into history with a guided tour of Carlton Towers. Explore grand staterooms, hidden secrets & family stories, then relax with a delicious cream…
Historic Yorkshire Stories & Inspiration
Local ghostly folklore in Harrogate, the tragic story of a woman called… Local ghostly folklore in Harrogate, the tragic story of a woman called Alice who will forever call Harrogate Theatre home...
North Yorkshire’s rich history makes it ripe for spooky tales from the… North Yorkshire’s rich history makes it ripe for spooky tales from the past – from haunted halls and whispering tunnels to headless ghosts and spectral monks. If you’re brave enough, join us on a…
Take time to find peace and tranquility in the gardens and outdoor spaces… Take time to find peace and tranquility in the gardens and outdoor spaces of some of North Yorkshire’s best-loved historic sites.
Historic Yorkshire Businesses
Turkish Baths Harrogate
The Turkish Baths Harrogate is the flagship Harrogate spa… The Turkish Baths Harrogate is the flagship Harrogate spa experience, offering genuine Victorian Turkish baths surroundings and contemporary…
Ripon Cathedral
Discover the beauty and heritage of Ripon Cathedral, an active place of… Discover the beauty and heritage of Ripon Cathedral, an active place of worship with over 1,350 years of history, stunning architecture, daily…
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Holiday Cottages
Holiday cottages situated in the shadow of the abbey and the impressive… Holiday cottages situated in the shadow of the abbey and the impressive Choristers’ House in the depths of the deer park.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest… The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous Fountains Abbey, the largest monastic ruins in the country, sit alongside a Georgian water garden that…
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Experience 24 miles of scenic steam or diesel travel on the North… Experience 24 miles of scenic steam or diesel travel on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a historic, volunteer-run attraction. Explore the stations…
Beningbrough - National Trust
The National Trust Beningbrough, North of York, with its eight acres of… The National Trust Beningbrough, North of York, with its eight acres of gardens, historic rooms and changing art, is a real treat to enjoy all year…
Bolton Castle
Award winning Bolton Castle is a stunning Medieval family owned castle,… Award winning Bolton Castle is a stunning Medieval family owned castle, opening to visitors for eight months a year. Offering family events, garden…
Free Walking Tour Harrogate
Enjoy a FREE walking tour of the town, Thursdays to Sundays at 10.30am &… Enjoy a FREE walking tour of the town, Thursdays to Sundays at 10.30am & 12 noon. Starting at the War Memorial opposite Bettys, Harry’s fun,…
Historic Yorkshire Itineraries
3 days
Escape to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales for a weekend to remember.… Escape to the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales for a weekend to remember. Experience hilly landscapes, rolling fields, and waterfalls, discover what…
3 days
Explore this part of North Yorkshire with its dramatic moorland landscape,… Explore this part of North Yorkshire with its dramatic moorland landscape, market towns, villages and attractions. The Moors will leave you wanting…
Historic Yorkshire Events
Start Date
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The Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally returns. This event is a… The Masham Steam Engine and Fair Organ Rally returns. This event is a fabulous celebration of our heritage with over 800 glorious entries. Something…
Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day and Pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey,… Eucharist for St Stephen’s Day and Pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey, retracing the steps of the abbey’s founders centuries ago.
An evening of traditional Christian music drawn from Celtic corners of the… An evening of traditional Christian music drawn from Celtic corners of the British isles, including hymns, chants, carols and seasonal folk songs,…
A special exhibition explaining the past 400 years of Scarborough Spa and… A special exhibition explaining the past 400 years of Scarborough Spa and the town.
