History & Heritage

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

Beningbrough - National Trust

The National Trust cared for Beningbrough, on the…

Harrogate - Heart

Turkish Baths Harrogate

The Turkish Baths Harrogate is the flagship…

The magnificent ruins of the once prosperous…

Whitby - Coast

Whitby Abbey

The moody and magnificent ruins of Whitby Abbey…

Harrogate - Heart

Royal Pump Room Museum

Discover Harrogate's connection to Russian…

Scarborough - Coast

Scarborough Art Gallery

Set in the stunning Crescent Gardens, Scarborough…

Scarborough - Coast

Scarborough Fair Collection

The museum attracts thousands of visitors to view…

Boroughbridge - Heart

Newby Hall & Gardens

Newby Hall is home to a wonderful collection of…

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the…

The Ripon Workhouse & Gardens in the centre…

Scarborough - Coast

Woodend Gallery and Studios

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

Whitby Museum is a treasure trove of local…

Knaresborough - Heart

Knaresborough Castle & Museum

A stronghold of medieval kings, Knaresborough…

Housed within the buildings and grounds of a…

Pickering - Moors

Pickering Castle

Built by William the Conqueror, this Royal castle…

Discover Crime and Punishment in Victorian…

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