Houses and Gardens
The Land of the White Rose is an area of outstanding beauty and great heritage. Stately homes, landscaped gardens, abbeys and castles all form part of a county which, under different names, has a history going back more than 2,000 years.
Information is accurate at the time of developing this website. Prices change with the seasons, as do opening times.
Castle Howard, approximately 15 miles from Pickering (Tel: 01653 648333)
The grandest 17th century house in the North of England. Built by Vanbrugh in 1699, it stands within 1,000 acres of landscaped gardens with lakes and fountains. Wonderful for its antique furniture, statuary, painting and porcelain, and famous as the setting for TV's Brideshead Revisited. Amenities include cafeterias, craft and gift shops, a children's adventure playground and one of the best garden centres in the area. Open air concerts highly popular. Open March to November. Visit website.
Duncombe Park, approximately half a mile from Helmsley Market Square (Tel: 01439 770213)
The family home of Lord and Lady Feversham. Lovingly restored house with conducted tours. Beautiful 18th century garden and parkland. Amenities include a Parkland Centre, licensed tea room and shop, with nearby children's playground and picnic area. Open April to October. Visit website.
Nunnington Hall, York, a National Trust property south-east of Helmsley (Tel: 01439 748283)
A delightful 17th century manor house, and a family home for over 400 years. Situated within a lovely walled garden on a quiet riverbank, there is an impressive clematis collection and orchard. Peacocks roam the gardens. Another feature is the Carlisle Collection of miniature rooms. Open April to October. Visit website.
Sledmere House, Sledmere, Driffield, between York and Bridlington (Tel: 01377 236637)
Built by Sir Christopher Sykes 2nd Baronet in 1751 and boasting wonderful plasterwork, Chippendale furniture, and a library measuring 100ft by 30ft with magnificent parquetry floor. There is also the Capability Brown parkland, 18th century walled rose gardens, and knot garden. Sledmere's famous pipe organ is played for visitors on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Open Easter Weekend and April to October. Visit website.
Rievaulx Abbey, two miles west of Helmsley (Tel: 01439 798228)
North England's first Cistercian monastery set in the beautiful valley of the River Rye. The majestic ruins are in peaceful surroundings. There is also an exhibition giving the history of the monks and the life and works of St Aelred. Free parking. Open April to September. Visit website.
Byland Abbey, Coxwold, off the A170 between Thirsk and Helmsley (Tel: 01347 868614)
A hauntingly lovely ruin in the peaceful surrounds of Hambleton Hills. Worth visiting for its medieval floor tiles in their original setting, thought to be the largest collection anywhere. Open April to September. Visit website.
Hovingham Hall, near York (Tel: 01653 628206)
The childhood home of HRH The Duchess of Kent, and the family home of the Worsley family for over 400 years. The house, designed by architect Thomas Worsley, was built in 1750 in the style of Italian architect Palladio. The impressive gardens include 18th century yew trees giving a framework to the lawns and borders. There is an ornamental orchard and hop garden. Open April to September for pre-booked parties, or by prior arrangement. Visit website.
Pickering Castle, Pickering town centre (Tel: 01751 474989)
English Heritage site. This well-preserved motte-and-bailey castle has views from its tower over the surrounding countryside. It is open all year and there is a small shop and picnic area. There is also disabled access to the grounds. Visit website.
Helmsley Walled Garden, Cleveland Way, Helmsley, 14 miles away (Tel: 01439 771427)
A five-acre walled garden built in 1756, situated beneath Helmsley Castle. Its restoration programme began in 1994 and the garden and its historic features are now coming back to life. Over 150 clematis varieties, fruit garden, greenhouses and ponds. Fresh eggs sold. Open April to October. Visit website.
Kirkham Priory, Whitwell on the Hill, south-west of Malton (Tel: 01653 68768)
Enter through the magnificent carved stone gatehouse and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this priory in its beautiful location by the River Derwent. Parking available and suitable for disabled visitors. Dogs allowed. Hours are 10am to 6pm April to September, closing an hour earlier in October. Visit website.