History & Heritage

The rich history and heritage of North Yorkshire means there are a myriad of historic buildings and sites to see, whether you’re visiting a museum, stately home, abbey or castle to feel the history of our place.

Grand stately homes are reminders of an opulent time gone by where wealthy landowners and lords once lived and where you can now walk in their footsteps and see the grandeur for yourself.

The many museums in North Yorkshire tell the stories of the people who lived in this area from the time of the Romans and Vikings, through the upheaval of the medieval period to the expansive Industrial Revolution. Find out how people lived during these times and hear stories of wartime, industry and smuggling.

The area’s industrial past is evident by the many industrial heritage sites across the county including iron ore mines on the North York Moors and lead mining in Nidderdale. Living museums where the past comes alive are the best way to learn the history of the area.

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Abbey and castle ruins stand tall on the horizon, their silhouettes a testament to their once important seats of power and Anglo-Saxon churches sit at the heart of picturesque villages. Heritage railways crisscross the countryside, cutting through stunning scenery and taking you back in time as you travel back to the golden age of steam.

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Ripon - Heart

Ripon Cathedral

Ripon Cathedral is a medieval marvel boasting a…

Boroughbridge - Heart

Beningbrough - National Trust

The National Trust cared for Beningbrough, North…

Knaresborough - Heart

Mother Shipton's Cave

Mother Shipton’s is a beloved Knaresborough…

The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous…

Harrogate - Heart

Turkish Baths Harrogate

The Turkish Baths Harrogate is the flagship…

Take an immersive glimpse into the past and…

Whitby - Coast

Whitby Museum

Whitby Museum is in beautiful Pannett Park, right…

Housed within the buildings and grounds of a…

Adventure! Endurance! Extraordinary Seamanship!…

Step aboard the Nao Victoria and embark on a…

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the…

Pateley Bridge & Nidderdale - Dales

Nidderdale Museum

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the…

Scarborough - Coast

Woodend Gallery and Studios

A short walk from the town centre, you'll find a…

Weave together the history of the notorious…

Whitby Museum is a treasure trove of local…

Harrogate - Heart

Royal Pump Room Museum

Discover Harrogate's connection to Russian…

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View across Nidderdale - trees, fields, drystone walls and blue sky