Echoes of the Past
Explore the history that runs through North Yorkshire, the legends, the traditions, the local events and the landmarks that make this county
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.
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 and stories of explorers, raiders, and smugglers.
Discover our history and heritage at one of the many museums in the area, where artefacts, interpretation boards, and living re-enactments offer a vivid understanding of different historic periods and the people who lived through them.
Historic Yorkshire Experiences
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…
Guided Walk of Richmond
Join an experienced guide from Richmond Information Centre on an… Join an experienced guide from Richmond Information Centre on an informative (and not too strenuous) walk around Richmond.
Choose from our diverse selection of 15 classic cars, spanning from the… Choose from our diverse selection of 15 classic cars, spanning from the ever-charming classic mini, the timeless elegance of the Jaguar E Type or…
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
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…
Ripon Cathedral
Ripon Cathedral is a medieval marvel boasting a fascinating history all… Ripon Cathedral is a medieval marvel boasting a fascinating history all the way back to the 7th century.
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…
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 Workhouse & Garden Museum
Weave together the history of the notorious Victorian workhouse system and… Weave together the history of the notorious Victorian workhouse system and the natural beauty of its gardens.
Captain Cook Memorial Museum
Adventure! Endurance! Extraordinary Seamanship! Survival against the odds!… Adventure! Endurance! Extraordinary Seamanship! Survival against the odds! Learn about Captain Cook's awe-inspiring voyages.
Eden Camp Modern History Museum
Housed within the buildings and grounds of a former Prisoner of War camp,… Housed within the buildings and grounds of a former Prisoner of War camp, a visit to this unique museum will take you back to wartime Britain.
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
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Join us for an Indian-inspired afternoon tea this October! Enjoy a scenic… Join us for an Indian-inspired afternoon tea this October! Enjoy a scenic journey through the Yorkshire Dales whilst being served a glass of prosecco…
Brian will present an examination on the past, present and future… Brian will present an examination on the past, present and future relationship between Scotland and Wales, Ireland and England with a strong focus on…
Dive In! is a brand new exhibition celebrating 400 years since… Dive In! is a brand new exhibition celebrating 400 years since Scarborough’s famous spa water was discovered. It opens on 26 September as part of the…
Ian Curteis was a playwright, dramatist, television director and… Ian Curteis was a playwright, dramatist, television director and meticulous historical researcher and, crucially, one of the many significant…
