- Heritage

Burton Constable Hall

One of the most fascinating country houses surviving with its historic collections, Burton Constable is a large Elizabethan mansion surrounded by extensive parkland. The interiors of faded splendour are filled with fine furniture, paintings and sculpture, a library of 5,000 books and a remarkable 18th century ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’…

Duncombe Park

The sweeping grass terraces, towering veteran trees, and classical temples are described by historian Christopher Hussey as ‘the most spectacularly beautiful among English landscape conceptions of the 18th century’. Beside superb views over the Rye valley, visitors will discover woodland walks, ornamental parterres, and a ‘secret garden’ at the Conservatory…

Fairfax House

Fairfax House is one of the finest eighteenth century townhouses in England. With magnificent Stucco ceilings, grand staircase and Venetian window this is a classical architectural masterpiece of its age. Originally the winter home of Viscount Fairfax and his daughter, the richly decorated interior was designed by York’s most distinguished architect, John Carr. Today it is home to the superb Noel Terry collection of Georgian furniture, clocks, paintings and decorative arts, described by Christie’s as one of the best collections formed in the 20th century. The collection perfectly complements the house, bring to life and creating a special lived-in feeling. Let Fairfax House transport you to the splendour of city-living in Georgian York, the centre of polite society…

Hovingham Hall

This attractive Palladian family home, in its beautiful parkland setting, was designed and built by Thomas Worsley, Surveyor General to King George III. It is still lived in by his descendants and was the childhood home of Katharine Worsley, the Duchess of Kent. Hovingham Hall is unique in being entered through a huge riding school and features halls with vaulted ceilings and a beautiful collection of pictures and furniture. The house has attractive gardens with magnificent Yew hedges and the cricket ground in front of the house is reputed to be the oldest private cricket ground in England…

Kiplin Hall

Unusual Jacobean House built by George Calvert, founder of Maryland, USA. ‘Gothic’ Drawing Room wing added in the 1820s, later converted into a Jacobean-style Library designed by W. E. Nesfield. Visitors are now welcomed into a charming Victorian home, furnished with an eclectic mix of furniture, paintings, portraits and personalia, including many Arts and Crafts items, collected by the Calverts, Crowes, Carpenters and Talbots - the families who owned Kiplin between 1620 and 1968. The gardens and pleasure grounds are undergoing restoration. Visitors are delighted by the extent and beauty of the landscape…

Markenfield Hall

"This wonderfully little-altered building is the most complete surviving example of the meduim-sized 14th century country house in England" John Martin Robinson The Architecture of Northern England. Tucked privately away down a mile-long winding drive, Markenfield is one of the most astonishing and romantic of Yorkshire’s medieval houses: fortified, completely moated, and still privately owned. Winner of the HHA and Sotheby’s Finest Restoration Award 2008…

Norton Conyers

Visited by Charlotte Bronte, Norton Conyers is an original of ‘Thornfield Hall’. House and garden have belonged to the Grahams since 1624. The charming and historically important mid-eighteenth century walled garden retains its original design. Herbaceous borders flanked by yew hedges lead to central pavilion with attached peach-house (still in use). Small sales area specialising in unusual hardy plants. PYO fruit, and cut peonies, in season…

Scampston Hall

Scampston is among the best examples of the English country house, combining fine architecture with a wealth of art treasures and set in 18th century ‘Capability’ Brown parkland. The double award winning house was featured in ‘Hidden Treasure Houses’ on FIVE in 2006. Guided tours around this family home are often led by the owner. Restaurant, disabled facilities and shop in The Walled Garden (see separate entry)…

Sion Hill

Sion Hill was designed in 1912 by the renowned York architect Walter H Brierley, ‘the Lutyens of the North’, receiving an award from the Royal Institute of British Architects as being of ‘outstanding architectural merit’. The house is furnished with a fine collection of antique furniture, paintings ceramics and clocks…

Sledmere House

At the heart of the Yorkshire Wolds, Sledmere House is the home of Sir Tatton Sykes, 8th Baronet. Built in 1751 and enlarged by Sir Christopher Sykes, 2nd Baronet, in the 1780s and sympathetically restored after a serious fire in 1911. The house exudes 18th Century elegance with each room containing decorative plasterwork by Joseph Rose Junior, and examples of the finest craftsmen of the period, including Chippendale, Hepplewhite & Sheraton. A tour of the house culminates in the magnificent Library which overlooks the ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped park. Award Winning Garden including Octagonal Walled Garden & Parterre, Wagoners’ Special Reserve Military Museum, In-House Children’s Quiz, Adventure Playground, The Terrace Cafe & Gift Shop, The Triton Gallery, Park Walks, unspoilt Model Estate Village, Famous pipe organ played Weds & Suns 1.30pm-3.30pm…