Discover Yorkshire's Heritage Sites
13/06/2025
North Yorkshire is home to nearly 30 English Heritage sites, dotted around the county from the moors to the coast. We have put together a complete guide of our top local heritage sites including gothic abbeys, medieval castles and forgotton villages.
Rievaulx Abbey
The extensive and impressive ruins of Rievaulx Abbey sit in the River Rye valley outside the market town of Helmsley. Founded in 1132, it was once one of the most powerful Cisterian monasteries in England and the first to be settled in the north.
During a visit you can learn about the Abbey's history, take a look at medieval artefacts, carvings and more in the museum. Audio tours are also available, perfect for learning all about the ruins and how they once looked while exploring the site.
The Abbey is just two and a half miles from Helmsley, perfect for a gentle stroll through the countryside for those who want to make a day of visiting the ruins.
Helmsley Castle
The 900-year-old Helmsley Castle has evolved from a medieval fortress to a luxury Tudor-era manor to a Civil War stronghold over the centuries since it was built. Now wonderfully preserved ruins, the castle still has some of its 12th-century towers and impressive stonework.
Take a walk around the grounds of the castle remains and the Elizabethan mansion and learn about the five centuries of wartime, peacetimes and turmoil that have taken place here.
Scarborough Castle
The famous ruins of Scarborough Castle sit on the headland between the town's North and South Bays. There's lots to explore at the site of this medieval royal fortress, which was built over 3000 years ago and has since endured a turbulant past. Take time to explore the Inner Bailey and Great Tower with stunning panoramic views out to sea.
The grounds are home to the remains of a Roman signal station and Anglo-Saxon church too. During school holidays such as Easter, family-friendly activities often take place with treasure trails and themed weekends.
Whitby Abbey
Famously known as the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula, the gothic ruins of Whitby Abbey is one of the most spectacular sites in the country. The imposing ruins sit high above the coastal fishing town and has been drawing visitors for over a thousand years. If you feel up to it, take the 199 Steps from the town to the cliff top and take in the stunning coastal views.
The Abbey was originally built in the 7th century as a Christian monastery and was partly destroyed in the 16th century during King Henry VIII's reign. You can learn all about the great myths and legends surrounding the ruins whilst visiting.
Clifford's Tower
Clifford's Tower is the largest surviving part of York Castle, once the greatest medieval fortress in the north of England. Originally built by William the Conqueror, the tower has been burned to the ground twice and the current one rebuilt by Henry III in the 13th century. Explore the grisly history of the tower and the ancient castle on your visit and learn how it once played a crucial role in the histories of northern England.
The top of the tower offers 360 degree sweeping views of the City of York - don't miss out on having a look from the platform.
Wharram Percy
This well-preserved medieval village is one of the largest in Britain. Located in the Yorkshire Wolds, the village was occupied for six centuries before being mysteriously abandoned around 1500. Today you can see the remains of the village church, mill pond and locals houses.
The site can be found in a remote area of the Wolds, around a mile walk from the car park. The trail is great for walkers but has some steep inclines and is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
Kirkham Priory
Situated on the banks of the River Derwent, this Augustinian priory dates back to the 1120s. The well-preserved gatehouse is the most stunning part of the remains, decorated with the heraldry of the De Roo family, lords of Helmsley Castle.
The Priory has an interesting history to learn about whilst visiting, with stories from its times as a D-Day training base to visits from the likes of Winston Churchill and King George VI.
The riverside site is the perfect spot for a picnic with idyllic views from the grassy banks.
Byland Abbey
The beautiful ruins of Byland Abbey are a stunning example of early gothic architecture, for which it became the inspiration for hundreds of churches across England and Europe as well as for the Rose Window at nearby York Minister.
Byland was once one of the largest monasteries in northern England and houses the largest collection of medieval floor tiles in Europe. A visit to the Abbey is a must for those interested in learning about the monks who once lived here and the history of the building from construction to ruin.
Pickering Castle
Standing on the outskirts of the popular market town, Pickering Castle has had many uses over its long history, from a royal hunting lodge to a holiday home for past kings. Explore the imposing towers of the outer walls and visit the chapel exhibition to learn more about the castle's story.
