Castle Howard

Welcome to Yorkshire's finest historic house & estate. Home to the Howard family for over 300 years, Castle Howard is a magnificent 18th-century residence set within 1,000 acres of breathtaking landscape. Visit and enjoy world-renowned collections, stunning architecture and inspiring family stories. Relax amid idyllic gardens, enjoy woodland and lakeside walks, and let off steam on the adventure playground. Castle Howard's changing programme of events and exhibitions offers something for all the family, as well as an excuse to visit time and time again
Opening times - Open from 26th March to 30th October, open daily: 10am - 5pm.

http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/

Yorkshire Lavender

Yorkshire's Premier Triple Award-Winning Lavender Farm, Lavender Gardens and Specialist Plant Nursery set in a spectacular hillside farm of nearly 60 acres, within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

We have hundreds of different lavender and herbs for sale, EJ's Tea Room/Restaurant to enjoy delicious food, a Gift Shop with lavender oil, dried lavender and natural lavender and herb products, award-winning lavender gardens, deer park and sculpture park. Our panoramic view over the Vale of York is said to be one of the best in Yorkshire!

Opening times - Open from 7th April - 30th October, open daily: 10am - 4.30pm.

http://www.yorkshirelavender.com/

Fairfax House

Fairfax House is one of the finest mid-eighteenth century town houses in England and a classical architectural masterpiece of it's age. Come and unlock the splendour within the finest Georgian town house in England. A classical architectural masterpiece of its age, Fairfax House was originally the winter home of Viscount Fairfax. Its richly decorated interior was designed by York's most distinguished eighteenth-century architect, John Carr.

With an exciting programme of special events and changing exhibitions, there is always a reason to visit Fairfax House.

Opening times - Open from 12th February to 31st December 2011, Tuesday to Saturday: 10am - 4.30pm, Sunday: 12.30pm - 3.30pm.

http://www.fairfaxhouse.co.uk/

Sledmere House & Gardens

There is something about the charm of Sledmere which has captivated visitors for over 200 years. Carefully designed by Sir Christopher Sykes 2nd Baronet and nurtured by succesive generations, this very special place brings new devotees every year. Jelously guarded, but not hard to share, the atmosphere is informal, the landscape breathtaking and the welcome warm and friendly. Garderners, antique and architecture lovers, walkers, birdwatchers, military enthusiasts, photographers, painters and music buffs all seem instantly at home.

A great place for real country house cream tea, a game of hide and seek, a little indulgent shopping, a brisk walk in the dear park... you decide.

Opening times - Open from 22nd April - 25th September, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri & Sun: 10am - 5pm.

http://www.sledmerehouse.com/

Sutton Park

Sutton Park was built in the eighteenth century by Philip Harland. It is now the family home of Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield. When the Sheffields bought the house in 1963 they moved much of their collection from Normanby Park in Lincolnshire. Large parts of this collection were originally from Buckingham House, the family's London home built by John Sheffield, 1st Duke of Buckingham, now known world-wide as the Queen's official residence - Buckingham Palace.

The award winning gardens attract visitors from both home and abroad, and have been featured in many prestigious publications. In fact Sutton Park is a frequent winner in the “Yorkshire In Bloom” Competition in the category “Yorkshire Tourist Board Award” recently winning the Silver Award in 2010. The gardens featuring herbaceous rose borders are full of rare and interesting plants laid out with great care over the past thirty five years. In the grounds are a Georgian Icehouse and woodland walks.

Opening times - Open from April to the end of September, The House is open every Wednesday & Sunday & all Bank Holidays for guided Tours: 1.30pm - 5pm. The Gardens are open daily: 11am - 5pm.

http://www.statelyhome.co.uk/

Helmsley Walled Garden

Welcome to a beautiful garden in the heart of North Yorkshire. Dating back to 1759, Helmsley Walled garden nestles between the Grade One listed landscape of Duncombe Park and the scheduled ancient monument that is Helmsley Castle. The garden was a major employer during most of its history, but following the First World War, it was leased as a commercial enterprise and was run as such until 1984.

The garden has many historic features to restore over the future years with the aid of grants and donations. Spring 2001 saw the opening of the newly restored Vivtorian Glasshouses. £1m has now been spent on the building restoration of the Vinery Orchard house, shop and outbuildings. Other recently completed schemes include a , hot border, peony garden, trained fruit trees, community allotments, cottage flower garden, and the creation of many tranquil corners.

Opening times - Open from April to October, open daily: 10.30am - 4.30pm.

http://www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk/

The Walled Garden at Scampston

To be found in peaceful North Yorkshire, the Walled Garden is a stunningly beautiful, contemporary garden, quite unlike any other. Designed by the Dutch plantsman, Piet Oudolf, and featuring modern, perennial meadow planting, alongside more traditional areas, the garden has been open to the public as a tourist attraction since 2004. It is already one of Yorkshire's finest gardens to visit and it has been received with great acclaim.

The combination of period house and gardens set in an 18th Century 'capability' Brown landscape, together with the 21st Century planting in the Walled Garden and an excellent restaurant, make for a wonderful day out.

Opening times - Open from 12th April - 30th October, Tuesday - Sunday & Bank Holidays: 10am - 5pm.

http://www.scampston.co.uk/metadot/index.pl

Hovingham Hall

Mr and Mrs William Worsley invite you to visit their historic 18th Century house set in beautiful Ryedale countryside, open to the public 1st to 28th June 2011 inclusive. For over 400 years Hovingham has been the home of the Worsley family. The Palladian house was built between 1750 and 1770 by Thomas Worsley to his own design and is unique being entered through The Riding School.

Opening times - Open from 1st - 28th June, open daily: 12.30pm - 4.30pm.

http://www.hovingham.co.uk/home.html