From Ancient Ruins to Historic Treasure Houses – Discover the Most Fascinating Corners of Yorkshire

Get ready to explore some of Yorkshire’s most iconic spots with National Trust.

Yorkshire is bursting with stunning landscapes, historic gems and hidden corners just waiting to be explored – they don’t call it God’s Own County for nothing. You can discover some of the region’s best bits with National Trust, taking you from sweeping abbey ruins to grand houses and peaceful gardens.

If you’ve been thinking about becoming a member of the National Trust, now might just be the time to join and help support Europe’s leading conservation charity. Or you can dip your toe in with a National Trust Explorer Pass, valid for 4, 8 or 14 days.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

© Copyright National Trust Images/Paul Harris

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water garden is one of the most significant National Trust sites in the country, and you’ll find it right here in Yorkshire. Fountains Abbey combines medieval ruins with Georgian landscape design for a walk-through experience of British history. The vast Cistercian abbey is staggeringly intact, with soaring stonework and hidden corners to uncover.

Once you’ve explored the abbey, move onto the ornamental lakes and surprise viewpoints of Studley Royal Water Garden. Summer brings daily guided tours, and the deer park offers serene wanders under ancient trees. You can even stay the night at one of the 14 on-site National Trust holiday cottages for the ultimate experience.

Find it: Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY.
Best bit: It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it as internationally significant as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids.

Day two: Nostell

© Copyright National Trust Images/John Millar

Situated just outside Wakefield, Nostell is made up of 300 acres of parkland surrounding a grand 18th-century house. Head inside and you’ll find Chippendale furniture and striking interiors. Make sure to time your visit to explore the house – the last entry is at 3:15pm.

Outside, you’ll find peaceful lake walks, vibrant borders, a working kitchen garden and a beautiful rose garden – all fantastic places to get lost. And don’t forget your bike, because there’s a purpose-built trail ready to take you through woodland, pleasure gardens and the tranquil menagerie garden.

Find it: Nostell, Doncaster Road, Nostell, Wragby, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF4 1QE.
Best bit: It combines art, architecture and lakeside cycling, all in one place.

East Riddlesden Hall

© Copyright National Trust Images/Trevor Ray Hart

Keighley’s East Riddlesden Hall is perfect for a relaxed morning or afternoon visit. Once a prosperous farming estate, the 17th-century manor was almost demolished in the 1930s – you can learn all this and more as you explore the historic house, which delights with its oak-panelled walls and intricate plaster ceilings.

The gardens are a joy whatever time of year you visit, with cottage garden flowers in summer and apple-laden trees come autumn. Afterwards, settle in at the cosy tearoom or browse the shelves of the second-hand bookstore. Small but packed with charm, it’s ideal when you’re not looking for a full day out.

Find it: East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Road, Riddlesden, Keighley, West Yorkshire, BD20 5EL.
Best bit: Uncovering the fascinating history of the historic estate.

Treasurer’s House & Beningborough

© Copyright National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

If you’ve got an Explorer Pass, you can make the most of it by tackling two sites in one day. Begin in York city centre with a guided tour of Treasurer’s House, learning all about former owner Frank Green. The wealthy industrialist transformed the house into a glorious showhome of different periods of history – even hosting royalty.

In the afternoon, head just outside the city to Beningborough. The gardens are a real highlight – be sure to take the time to explore the climate-resilient Mediterranean Garden, which is thriving one year after it was opened. You can even stay overnight in the Laundry Flat, a charming on-site National Trust cottage.

Find it: Treasurer’s House, Minster Yard, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 7JL & Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD.
Best bit: The chance to discover two different sides of York.

Nunnington Hall

© Copyright National Trust Images/John Millar

Picturesque Nunnington Hall sits quietly beside the River Rye in Ryedale and still exudes the warmth of a lived-in family home. Explore its period rooms, learn its fascinating stories and discover one of the world’s finest collections of miniature rooms in the attic.

Step outside and you’ll find a riverside haven, with plenty of hidden spots for you to while away a slow afternoon. Our tip? Pack a picnic, or enjoy a spot of tea in the Walled Garden. With peacocks strutting past and the river flowing lazily by, it’s somewhere you’ll want to linger.

Find it: Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5UY.
Best bit: It still feels like you’re stepping into someone’s home.

Wentworth Castle Gardens

© Copyright National Trust Images/Chris Lacey

South Yorkshire’s only Grade I-listed landscape, Wentworth Castle Gardens is a sprawling site with formal planting, playful follies and woodland walks. Start early, lace up your walking boots and set out on a trail that takes you past the castle folly, grand avenues and more.

With 500 acres of parkland to roam around, you can really take your time. And while there’s plenty for families throughout the summer months, the garden’s scale and beauty makes it a standout stop for solo explorers, couples or groups looking to reset.

Find it: Wentworth Castle Gardens, Park Drive, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 3EN.
Best bit: With incredible views and peaceful walks, it’s a place where you can really unwind.