A Guide to Exploring Yorkshire’s Castles

Yorkshire has a vast array of castles, with many of them being situated in the most stunning areas of the county. From the grandeur of medieval towers to the romance of country manors, Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s most impressive castles. Whether you’re looking for a day out with the family or a romantic break away, Yorkshire has something for everyone. This guide will provide an overview of some of the most impressive castles in Yorkshire, exploring the history and architecture of each castle.

So, grab your walking boots and let’s get exploring!

Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle is a medieval fortress in the town of Skipton, North Yorkshire. Built in 1090 by Robert de Romille, Skipton Castle has seen its fair share of battles and conflicts over the centuries. It is one of the most visited and best preserved medieval castles in England, and is a great example of a motte-and-bailey castle. The castle was built as a defence against the Scots, and the walls, gatehouse and keep are all still standing today. Inside, there are a number of rooms and chambers to explore, and a guided tour of the castle is available for visitors.

Outside the castle, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the castle, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

Bolton Castle

Bolton Castle is a stunning medieval castle located in North Yorkshire. Built in the 14th century by Richard le Scrope, Bolton Castle was once one of the largest and most powerful castles in the area. The castle is a great example of a fortified manor house, and the walls, towers and gatehouse are all still standing today. Inside the castle, there are a number of rooms to explore, including the great hall, chapel and kitchen. The castle also contains a number of artifacts, including weapons and armor.

Outside the castle, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the castle, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

Helmsley Castle

Helmsley Castle is a stunning medieval castle located in North Yorkshire. Situated on the edge of the North York Moors National Park, Helmsley Castle is an impressive example of a medieval castle. The castle was built by Walter l’Espec in the 12th century, and is a great example of a motte-and-bailey castle. The walls, towers and gatehouse are all still standing today. Inside, there are a number of rooms and chambers to explore, and a guided tour of the castle is available for visitors.

Outside the castle, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the castle, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

Ripon Castle

Ripon Castle is a stunning medieval castle located in North Yorkshire. Built in the 11th century by the Archbishop of York, Ripon Castle is an impressive example of a moated castle. The castle is situated in the town of Ripon, and the walls, towers and gatehouse are all still standing today. Inside, there are a number of rooms and chambers to explore, and a guided tour of the castle is available for visitors.

Outside the castle, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the castle, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

Knaresborough Castle

Knaresborough Castle is a stunning medieval castle located in North Yorkshire. Built in the 10th century by the Normans, Knaresborough Castle is an impressive example of a motte-and-bailey castle. The walls, towers and gatehouse are all still standing today. Inside, there are a number of rooms and chambers to explore, and a guided tour of the castle is available for visitors.

Outside the castle, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the castle, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

Richmond Castle

Richmond Castle is a stunning medieval castle located in North Yorkshire. Built in the 11th century by the Normans, Richmond Castle is an impressive example of a stone castle. The castle is situated in the town of Richmond, and the walls, towers and gatehouse are all still standing today. Inside, there are a number of rooms and chambers to explore, and a guided tour of the castle is available for visitors.

Outside the castle, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the castle, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

Middleham Castle

Middleham Castle is a stunning medieval castle located in North Yorkshire. Built in the 12th century by the Normans, Middleham Castle is an impressive example of a concentric castle. The walls, towers and gatehouse are all still standing today. Inside, there are a number of rooms and chambers to explore, and a guided tour of the castle is available for visitors.

Outside the castle, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the castle, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The castle is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey is a stunning abbey located in North Yorkshire. Built in the 12th century by the Cistercian monks, Fountains Abbey is an impressive example of a monastic complex. The abbey is situated in the town of Fountains, and the walls, cloisters and gatehouse are all still standing today. Inside, there are a number of rooms and chambers to explore, and a guided tour of the abbey is available for visitors.

Outside the abbey, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the abbey, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The abbey is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

Beningbrough Hall

Beningbrough Hall is a stunning stately home located in North Yorkshire. Built in the 18th century by the Watson family, Beningbrough Hall is an impressive example of a country manor house. The house is situated in the town of Beningbrough, and the walls, towers and gatehouse are all still standing today. Inside, there are a number of rooms and chambers to explore, and a guided tour of the house is available for visitors.

Outside the house, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the house, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The house is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

York Castle Museum

York Castle Museum is a stunning museum located in North Yorkshire. Built in the 19th century by the York Corporation, the museum is an impressive example of a Victorian museum. The museum is situated in the city of York, and the walls, towers and gatehouse are all still standing today. Inside, there are a number of rooms and chambers to explore, and a guided tour of the museum is available for visitors.

Outside the museum, visitors can explore the extensive grounds, which contain a number of gardens, ponds and statues. There are also a number of trails and walks around the museum, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The museum is open to the public, and tickets can be purchased on the day.

Summary

Yorkshire is one of the most beautiful counties in the UK, and its castles are no exception. From the grandeur of medieval towers to the romance of country manors, Yorkshire is home to some of the UK’s most impressive castles. Skipton Castle, Bolton Castle, Helmsley Castle, Ripon Castle, Knaresborough Castle, Richmond Castle, Middleham Castle, Fountains Abbey, Beningbrough Hall and York Castle Museum are just some of the stunning castles that can be visited in Yorkshire. So, grab your walking boots and let’s get exploring!