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
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…
Carlton Towers Historic Tea & Tour
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…
Stately Stay at Carlton Towers
Escape the ordinary with an Exclusive Stately Stay at Carlton Towers.… Escape the ordinary with an Exclusive Stately Stay at Carlton Towers. Perfect for a romantic getaway, a catch-up with friends, or simply treating…
Historic Yorkshire Stories & Inspiration
Life can be hectic, and we all need moments to rejuvenate our spirits.… Life can be hectic, and we all need moments to rejuvenate our spirits. Fortunately, the Harrogate area of North Yorkshire offers an array of activities to lift your mood and leave you feeling…
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.
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…
Historic Yorkshire Businesses
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Nidderdale Museum
The award-winning Nidderdale Museum transports you into the past times of… The award-winning Nidderdale Museum transports you into the past times of people in the dale. Ranging across 13 themed exhibition spaces, all aspects…
Goddards - National Trust
Visit the gardens of the former home of the Terry family, part of York’s… Visit the gardens of the former home of the Terry family, part of York’s chocolate heritage and now cared for by the National Trust.
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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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,…
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…
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.
