Historic Houses and Sites

Byland Abbey
One of the three great monasteries of the North, it's design inspired an entire school of English gothic, influencing Rievaulx Abbey and York Minster.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire

Castle Howard
One of the most beautiful houses in England, famous, of course, for it's part in the TV adaptation of Evelyn Waugh's Brideshead Revisited. Over 1,000 acres of breathtaking Yorkshire parkland and landscaped gardens.
www.castlehoward.co.uk

Duncombe Park
A beautiful house, just a stone's throw from the hotel and home to the Earls of Feversham.
www.duncombepark.com

Helmsley Castle
Built as a formidable fortress against the invading Scots, the castle has awesome defensive earthworks and a new visitor centre. Walking distance from the hotel.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire

Pickering Castle
Built on William the Conqueror's orders to command the surrounding territory, it still has wonderful views of the North Yorkshire Moors.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire

Mount Grace Priory
The best preserved Carthusian monastery in Britain a haven for wildlife, including the famous Priory Stoats and bats.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire

Newby Hall
Still the home of the Compton family, the house was designed under the guidance of Sir Christopher Wren. Wonderful gardens to see our Gardens section.
www.newbyhall.com

Rievaulx Abbey
Also walkable from the hotel but three miles through Ryedale, Rievaulx was the first Cistercian Abbey to be founded in Northern England. Abbott Saint Aelred's 800 year old description "everywhere peace, everywhere serenity and a marvellous freedom from the tumult of the world" still holds true today.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/yorkshire

Nunnington Hall
The perfect 17th Century manor house, with an amazing collection of doll's houses.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Sledmere House
A stunning 18th Century house, beautifully furnished and preserved, with Capability Brown landscapes. Opening times are quite restricted.
T 01377 236637

Burton Agnes Hall
A magnificent example of late Elizabethan architecture with a long gallery and great hall.
www.burton-agnes.com

Sutton Park
The home of Sir Reginald and Lady Sheffield, a fine example of early Georgian architecture with lovely gardens. www.castelsandgardens.co.uk

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
Started in 1132 by Cistercian Monks, the abbey became one of the most powerful in the country. So much so that it was destroyed by Henry VIII. Two hundred years later, the magnificent gardens of Studley Royal were built around the ruins see our Gardens section.
www.fountainsabbey.org.uk