- Heritage

Ripon Cathedral

One of the oldest crypts in Europe (672). Marvellous choir stalls and misericords (500 years old). Almost every type of architecture. Treasury…

Ripon Museums & Historic Workhouse Garden

Historic Workhouse Garden and three Museums all within a 5 minute walk of the City Centre! The Workhouse and Prison & Police Museums have both had Heritage Lottery-funded refurbishments, retaining their original atmospheres, while the Georgian Courthouse is virtually unchanged since opening in 1830 - a unique trio of buildings…

Ripon Prison & Police Museum

Sit in a prison cell, hear the door clang, imagine the harsh Victorian regime. Try on uniforms, turn the crank or work the treadmill. Trace policing history through the displays of uniforms and artefacts. Originally the Liberty Prison (1816-76), later the Police Station until 1956, this listed building remains little altered…

Ryedale Folk Museum

13 historic buildings showing the lives of ordinary folk from earliest times to the present day…

The Walled Garden At Scampston

A contemporary garden with striking perennial meadow planting, as well as traditional spring/autumn borders, created by internationally acclaimed designer and plantsman Piet Oudolf. Described in The Times as "a gem". The garden is complemented by an excellent restaurant. "It’s bold and beautiful - a must if you are heading to Yorkshire" Toparius…

Shibden Hall

A half-timbered 15th century manor house, the home of Anne Lister, set in a newly restored historic landscaped park. Oak furniture, 17th century aisled barn containing carriages and a folk museum, make Shibden an intriguing place to visit…

Stockeld Park

A gracious Palladian mansion by James Paine (1763), featuring a magnificent cantilevered staircase in the central oval hall. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and set in 18th Century landscaped parkland at the heart of a 2000 acre estate. Popular for filming and photography. Home of The Christmas Adventure…

Temple Newsam

One of the great country houses of England, this Tudor-Jacobean mansion was the birthplace of Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots and home to the Ingram family for 300 years. Rich in newly restored interiors, paintings, furniture (including Chippendale), textiles, silver and ceramics; an ever-changing exhibitions programme, audio-tours, family activities and children’s trails are also on offer along with one of the largest working rare breed farms in Europe. Temple Newsam sits within 1500 acres of grand and beautiful ‘Capability’ Brown parkland with formal and wooded gardens as well as national plant collections…

Thorp Perrow Arboretum

85 acres of woodland walks. One of the largest collections of trees and shrubs in the north of England, including a 16th century spring wood and 19th century pinetum, and holds five National Collections - Ash, Lime, Walnut, Laburnum and Cotinus. The Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre is a captive breeding and conservation centre. Three flying demonstrations daily throughout the season…

Wassand Hall

Fine Regency house 1815 by Thomas Cundy the Elder. Beautifully restored walled gardens, woodland walks, Parks and vistas over Hornsea Mere, part of the Estate since 1580. The Estate was purchased circa 1520 by Dame Jane Constable and has remained in the family to the present day, Mr Rupert Russell being the great nephew of the late Lady Strickland-Constable. The house contains a fine collection of 18/19th century paintings, English and Continental silver, furniture and porcelain. Wassand is very much a family home and retains a very friendly atmosphere. Homemade afternoon teas are served in the conservatory on Open Days…