Heritage & Historical Ripon

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
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Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
Cistercian abbey, Georgian water garden and medieval deer park. World Heritage Site     World Heritage Site     Monumental ruins of a 12th-century Cistercian Abbey     Elegant ornamental Georgian water garden and medieval deer park     St Mary's Church, a William Burges masterpiece...
ST MARY'S CHURCH, STUDLEY ROYAL
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ST MARY'S CHURCH, STUDLEY ROYAL
The magnificent St Mary's Church is one of the finest examples of High Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in England. It was designed in the 1870s by the flamboyant architect William Burges. Set within Studley Royal Park, a World Heritage Site which also includes the ruins of Fountains Abbey, the church has been called Burges's 'ecclesiastical...
Newby Hall & Gardens
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Newby Hall & Gardens
Built under the guidance of Sir Christopher Wren in 17 Century, the superb contents of the house, collected by William Weddell, ancestor of the Compton family, include the Gobelins Tapestry Room, a renowned gallery of classical statuary and some of Chippendale's finest furniture. 25 acres of award-winning Gardens are full of rare and beautiful...
MARMION TOWER
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MARMION TOWER
Near the village of West Tanfield in North Yorkshire is this fine 15th-century gatehouse, three storeys high and with a beautiful oriel window. It belonged to a now-vanished manor house beside the River Ure. The monuments of the manor's Marmion family owners grace the adjacent church. BEFORE YOU GO Opening Times: Open daily, 10am-6pm from...
ALDBOROUGH ROMAN SITE
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ALDBOROUGH ROMAN SITE
FURTHER PRICING DETAILS: Prices are valid from 1 April 2017 to 29 March 2018. ABOUT GIFTAID The Gift Aid admission price includes a voluntary donation of 10%. Provided you have paid enough UK Income or Capital Gains Tax * (to cover all of your Gift Aid donations in this tax year), English Heritage is able to reclaim tax on the whole amount you...
Ripley Castle
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Ripley Castle
 Ripley Castle and Gardens, situated 3 miles from Harrogate in North Yorkshire on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, is an historic attraction open to the  public all year round and makes for a fascinating and entertaining day out, in a beautiful location, with memorable surroundings.
Mother Shiptons Cave
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Mother Shiptons Cave
Mother Shipton is England’s most famous Prophetess. She lived some 500 years ago during the reigns of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Her Prophetic visions became known and feared throughout England, with many of them still proving uncannily accurate today. The Cave, her legendary birthplace is near to the famous, unique,...
Knaresborough Castle
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Knaresborough Castle
A stronghold of Medieval Kings, Knaresborough Castle still stands towering over the River Nidd. A visit to the site includes a tour to discover what Royalty got up to in the King's Tower, get a glimpse of the dungeon and walk through the underground sallyport. Visit the Courthouse Museum, housed in one of the Castle's oldest surviving buildings....
SPOFFORTH CASTLE
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SPOFFORTH CASTLE
Spofforth was the main seat of the Percy family - one of the most important and influential families in northern England - until the late 14th century. William de Percy, a favourite of William the Conqueror, built a manor house here in the 11th century, and it was reputedly here that rebel barons drew up Magna Carta in 1215. The surviving remains...
BYLAND ABBEY
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BYLAND ABBEY
Byland Abbey is the perfect place to stop on a family day out, or if you’re walking or cycling in the North York Moors National Park. Once one of the greatest monasteries in England, Byland Abbey inspired the design of church buildings throughout the North. A truly outstanding example of early gothic architecture, it inspired the design of...
Harewood House - Leeds
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Harewood House - Leeds
Harewood House, home to the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood, provides a great day out for all the family. The House, with its outstanding art collections, splendid State Rooms and fascinating 'Below Stairs' exhibition, is set in spectacular landscaped grounds, which include formal gardens and gentle woodland walks, a Bhutanese Stupa,...
Bolton Castle
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Bolton Castle
Bolton Castle is a spectacular mediaeval fortress, situated in the heart of the beautiful Yorkshire Dales, on the boundary of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. It was built in 1399 by Richard le Scrope, 1st Lord Scrope of Bolton and Lord Chancellor of England. Bolton has never been sold, and remains in the private ownership of Lord Bolton,...
MIDDLEHAM CASTLE
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MIDDLEHAM CASTLE
No day out in the Yorkshire Dales would be complete without a visit to Middleham Castle. Once the childhood home of Richard III, you can relive the Castle’s illustrious history and unlock the deeds of its great owners. Although roofless, extensive remains of the fortified palace still survive, making Middleham a fascinating castle to...
MOUNT GRACE PRIORY
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MOUNT GRACE PRIORY
Set amid woodland in North Yorkshire, this unusual monastery is the best preserved Carthusian priory in Britain. Mount Grace Priory is the perfect tourist attraction for a relaxing and peaceful day out. Discover how the monks lived 600 years in the reconstructed monk’s cell and herb plot.  The crumbling masonry and open...
Nunnington Hall
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Nunnington Hall
We are a charity and rely for income on membership fees, donations and legacies, and revenue raised from our commercial operations. We have over 3.7 million members and 61,000 volunteers. More than 17 million people visit our pay for entry properties, while an estimated 50 million visit our open air properties. We protect and open to the...
HELMSLEY CASTLE
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HELMSLEY CASTLE
Unlock 900 years of life at Helmsley Castle, a must-see for any visitor to the picturesque market town of Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park. Discover how the castle evolved over the centuries, from a mighty medieval fortress to a luxurious Tudor mansion, to a Civil War stronghold and a romantic Victorian ruin. Why not also visit...
RIEVAULX ABBEY
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RIEVAULX ABBEY
Escape to this tranquil valley of the North York Moors and discover the impressive ruins of one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries. Our new visitor experience shines a light on Rievaulx Abbey's fascinating past and the lives of the monks who called Rievaulx Abbey their home. Explore our elegant museum displaying previously...
Richmond Castle
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Richmond Castle
 With its breathtaking views of the Yorkshire Dales, Richmond Castle fully deserves its place as one of the finest tourist attractions in North Yorkshire. The castle was originally built to subdue the unruly North of England it is one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain. Learn all about the castle’s past in the interactive...
National Railway Museum
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National Railway Museum
Welcome! The National Railway Museum in York, England, is the largest railway museum in the world, responsible for the conservation and interpretation of the British national collection of historically significant railway vehicles and other artefacts. The Museum contains an unrivalled collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment,...
YORK COLD WAR BUNKER
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YORK COLD WAR BUNKER
The most modern and spine-chilling of English Heritage’s properties, the York Cold War Bunker uncovers the secret history of Britain’s Cold War. Enter the blast-proof doors and investigate the more unusual side of York’s heritage. In active service from the 1960s–1990s the bunker was designed as a nerve-centre to...
Viking Walk
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Viking Walk
The York Viking Walk is a fascinating tour of Viking York. Time travel back to the 9th century and see where the Vikings fought to take the city in a bloody battle in 867. Find out how the Vikings' cunning and ferocity overcame the resistance of the Saxon kings who desperately defended the city! You will also see where the Vikings lived and worked...
Yorkshire Museum
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Yorkshire Museum
The Yorkshire Museum is home to some of Britain's finest archaeological treasures and the history of England until 1550 can be traced through its galleries. It also specialises in geology and biology and its rocks, fossils, animal and plant materials are often used in our special exhibitions.   The Roman Gallery Many of the...
York Minster
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York Minster
Experience one of the top visitor attractions in York with a trip to York Minster. Regularly voted one of the most popular things to do in York, the Minster is not only an architecturally stunning building but is a place to discover the history of York over the centuries, its artefacts and treasures. York Minster is one of the great cathedrals of...
Yorks Chocolate Story
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Yorks Chocolate Story
York’s Chocolate Story is an entertaining and informative guided tour through the history of York’s most famous chocolate-making families and their finest creations. You’ll discover chocolate’s origins, how to make it, how to taste it like an expert and even the sustainable future of chocolate. You’ll also uncover...
York Pass
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York Pass
See the best of York with this mega-value sightseeing pass What's included Free entry to attractions, museums and tours in York City and the York area (only with the York and Beyond Pass) Free access to the Hop-on Hop-off City Sightseeing buses of York for 1 day (operates only April - October) Free guidebook with helpful information and maps ...
Jorvik Viking Centre
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Jorvik Viking Centre
Explore Viking history on the very site where archaeologists discovered the remains of the Viking city of Jorvik. Meet resident Vikings (staff), and see 800 of the items found during the dig. You can even journey back to a reconstruction of York in the year AD 975, complete with the sights, sounds and smells of the Viking-Age.
York Dungeon
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York Dungeon
Take a trip into the past and discover Europe's darkest moments. Blood-curdling screams, groans and clashes of steel ring through the York Dungeon. Investigate if you dare! Dick Turpin Discover the true story behind the world's most famous highwayman, Dick Turpin, at The York Dungeon. Find out why the infamy of this daring criminal has lasted...
York Castle Museum
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York Castle Museum
York Castle Museum is one of Britain's leading museums of everyday life. It shows how people used to live by displaying thousands of household objects and by recreating rooms, shops, streets - and even prison cells. Kirkgate: It is best known for its recreated Victorian street, Kirkgate, which combines real shop fittings and stock with...
CLIFFORD'S TOWER, YORK
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CLIFFORD'S TOWER, YORK
The stunning panoramic views over Old York from the top of Clifford's Tower, make it the ideal starting point for any visit to the city. There's plenty to discover at this imposing tower standing proud on its high mound. It is almost all that remains of York Castle built by William the Conqueror, and has served as a prison and a royal mint in its...
Lotherton Hall - Leeds
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Lotherton Hall - Leeds
Enjoy a fantastic day out at Lotherton Hall, a charming Edwardian house and country estate once home to the Gascoigne family.  There is something for everyone to enjoy here; from the country house to the bird garden, the gardens and exhibitions, the shop and stables to the woodland walks and playgrounds.?? The present house has evolved over...
Abbey House Museum - Leeds
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Abbey House Museum - Leeds
William the Conqueror gave the Kirkstall area to one of his Norman followers, Ilbert de Lacy in the 11th century. A descendent of Ilbert, Henry de Lacy, made a grant of land to the Cistercian monks who started building Kirkstall Abbey in 1152. The monks built a gatehouse to the north west of the Abbey, which is the oldest part of Abbey House...
Thackray Museum Leeds
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Thackray Museum Leeds
Step back in time and explore how medicine has changed with our brilliant hands-on exhibitions! Get the most out of your trip with fun activities, fantastic games and resources for teachers. Our unique medical library and archive is open for anyone to use. Find out more about it here. Hold a fully-catered conference or event in stunning museum...
Leeds City Museum
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Leeds City Museum
Experience a world of discovery.. explore four floors of interactive and exciting galleries.  Come face to face with the Leeds tiger, step into Ancient Worlds to meet Nesyamun, the Leeds mummy, and dig for fossils in the Life on Earth gallery. Visit Leeds City Museum and come face-to-face with the Leeds Tiger, step into 'Ancient Worlds' and...
Skipton Castle
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Skipton Castle
At the top of Skipton's main street stand the massive twin towers of Skipton Castle... Over 900 years old, Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in England and is well worth a visit at any season of the year. Visitors can explore every corner of this impressive history-rich castle, which...
Temple Newsam House Leeds
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Temple Newsam House Leeds
Temple Newsam is one of the great historic estates in England. Set within over 1500 acres of parkland, woodland and farmland landscaped by Capability Brown in the 18th century, it is a magnificent Tudor–Jacobean mansion. Famous as the birthplace of Lord Darnley and home to the Ingram family for over 300 years, the mansion houses rich...
Castle Howard
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Castle Howard
"Castle Howard is one of Britain's finest historic houses and is still home to my family whose forebears conceived, designed, and built it over three centuries ago. In this, the 21st century, the business flourishing on the estate means we are able to preserve, conserve, restore and improve not only the many fine buildings, but also the...
KIRKHAM PRIORY
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KIRKHAM PRIORY
Beautifully placed between the city of York and the town of Malton , the riverside ruins of Kirkham Priory are set in the beautiful Derwent valley near the Yorkshire Wolds. At this peaceful tourist attraction, learn all about the secret visit of Winston Churchill during the Second World War and unlock the connection between Helmsley Castle and...
Yorkshire Museum of Farming
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Yorkshire Museum of Farming
Welcome to the Yorkshire Museum of Farming, a thriving 16 acre site with events and activities throughout the year. Based at Murton Park just outside York this is also your gateway to the Danelaw Centre for Living History.
Bolling Hall Museum - Bradford
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Bolling Hall Museum - Bradford
Bolling Hall offers visitors a fascinating journey through the lives and times of the Bradford families for whom it provided a home over five hundred years. Situated just a mile from Bradford city centre and situated in a quiet, leafy garden, Bolling Hall was for many years the seat of two important land-owning families, the Bollings...
Royal Armouries Leeds
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Royal Armouries Leeds
The Royal Armouries is Britain’s national museum of arms and armour. At the Leeds Museum there are over 8,500 objects on display in five galleries: War; Tournament; Oriental; Self Defence and Hunting. Visit the newly refurbished Tournament Gallery and experience the might of the Henry VIII – king and sportsman. Visitor...
Yorkshire Air Museum
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Yorkshire Air Museum
T he Yorkshire Air Museum is the largest independent air museum in Britain and is also the location of  The Allied Air Forces Memorial.  Situated in a 20 acre parkland on the former World War II RAF Bomber Command Station at Elvington near the City of York, it is the largest and most original WWII station open to...
Red House
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Red House
Red House offers insights into Bronte-era middle-class life including a childrens bedroom to explore with toys to play with, gardens to view and an interactive visitors' centre with telephones to pick up to listen to commentary. In the old Barn a fascinating exhibition called "The Secret's Out" tells of Charlotte Bronte's connections...
Eden Camp
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Eden Camp
A visit to our unique Museum at EDEN CAMP will transport you back in time to wartime Britain. You will experience the sights, sounds, even the smells of those dangerous years. This is no ordinary Museum - Not another Military Museum - Not a glass showcase Museum - We have reconstructed scenes using movement, lighting, sound, smells, even smoke...
Raby Castle
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Raby Castle
Every room in Raby Castle, from the magnificent Barons' Hall, where 700 knights gathered to plot the 'Rising of the North', to the Mediaeval Kitchen which was used until 1954, gives an insight to life throughout the ages. Despite its powerful exterior of towers and fortifications, Raby houses a fabulous art collection and splendid interiors....
WHARRAM PERCY DESERTED MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
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WHARRAM PERCY DESERTED MEDIEVAL VILLAGE
Wharram Percy is one of the largest and best preserved of Britain's 3,000 or so known deserted medieval villages. It is also undoubtedly the most famous. For over 60 years, archaeologists have pioneered new techniques here to understand what life was like in the village and why it was eventually deserted. Perched on the side of a remote and...
Preston Park and Museum
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Preston Park and Museum
With 100 acres of parkland overlooking the River Tees, a range of permanent attractions and an exciting programme of special events & activities, a visit to Preston Park offers a great day out for all the family. At the centre of the Park is the Preston Hall Museum with displays of art, armour and social history. Visitors can discover life in...
Shibden Hall - Halifax
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Shibden Hall - Halifax
Shibden Hall, set in 37 hectares of the Shibden valley, is a six hundred year old medieval timber-framed manor house. This Grade II* Listed 15th century house is one of England’s oldest and was built in 1420, five years after the Battle of Agincourt.
PICKERING CASTLE
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PICKERING CASTLE
Set in the attractive Moors-edge market town of Pickering; discover how this splendid 13th century castle was used throughout the centuries. This tourist attraction in the heart of the North York Moors National Park has been a royal hunting lodge, holiday home and a stud farm by a succession of medieval kings. Why not also visit Whitby Abbey or...
Dorman Museum
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Dorman Museum
The Dorman Museum forms part of Middlesbrough Council's 'Museums & Galleries Service' along with its sister venues - the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, situated in Stewart Park and Mima - Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art - sited opposite the Town Hall. The museum offers a great range of eight themed display galleries, full disabled...
Otter Trust’s North Pennines Reserve
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Otter Trust’s North Pennines Reserve
(NOW CLOSED) A branch of the famous Otter Trust. Visitors can see Asian and British otters, red and fallow deer and several rare breeds of farm animals in this 230-acre wildlife reserve. If this venue re-opens we will update! 
Barnard Castle
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Barnard Castle
Set on a high rock above the River Tees, imposing Barnard Castle was the stronghold of the Balliol family. Taking its name from Bernard de Balliol, who rebuilt it in the 12th century, it includes a fine great hall and a dominating round-towered keep. Unsuccessfully besieged by the Scots in 1216, it was confiscated when John de Balliol, briefly...
Egglestone Abbey
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Egglestone Abbey
English Heritage cares for over 400 historic buildings, monuments and sites - from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, from Roman forts on the edges of the empire to a Cold War bunker. Through these, we bring the story of England to life for over 10 million people each year. We are a charity, no. 1140351, and a company, no....
Bowes Castle
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Bowes Castle
 The impressive ruins of Henry II's 12th century keep, on the site of a Roman fort guarding the approach to strategic Stainmore Pass over the Pennines. Read more about the history of Bowes Castle. Before You Go Parking: Parking is available in the village. Access: The rubble pathway to the castle is unsuitable for wheelchairs. ...
Sandal Castle - Wakefield
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Sandal Castle - Wakefield
Sandal Castle stands in a commanding position overlooking the River Calder. The castle is best known for the famous Battle of Wakefield which was fought nearby in 1460 during the Wars of the Roses. Richard, Duke of York was killed in the battle. During the English Civil War in the 1640s Sandal Castle was besieged twice by Parliamentary...
The Bowes Museum
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The Bowes Museum
The Bowes Museum is a hidden treasure, a jewel in the heart of beautiful Teesdale. The magnificent building stands proud in the historic market town of Barnard Castle housing internationally significant collections of fine and decorative arts
Burnby Hall Gardens
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Burnby Hall Gardens
These delightful Gardens, close to the centre of Pocklington (a thriving market town in the County of the East Riding of Yorkshire , England), are home to a National Collection of Hardy Water Lilies - the biggest such collection to be found in a natural setting in Europe.
Real Aeroplane Company
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Real Aeroplane Company
Breighton Airfield, a former Second World War heavy bomber base and cold-war nuclear missile launch site, is now home to the classic aircraft collection of the Real Aeroplane Company and the Real Aeroplane Club, an active flying club whose members own and operate many unusual, classic and ex-military aircraft. The Real Aeroplane Company aircraft...
Locomotion
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Locomotion
Opening Times Daily 10:00 to 17:00 (Summer: 4 Apr - 2 Oct). (Catering is limited on Monday 11 July) Daily 10:00 to 16:00 (Winter: 3 Oct - 3 Apr). During Winter, building 8 (Collections) is open daily; buildings 1 to 4 are open Wed - Sun. Closed 22 Dec - 3 Jan FREE ENTRY
Yorkshire Sculpture Park
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Yorkshire Sculpture Park
The only one of its kind, Yorkshire Sculpture Park is an international centre for modern and contemporary art, experienced and enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year. Explore open-air displays by some of the world’s finest artists, enjoy fascinating exhibitions throughout four stunning galleries, be inspired by the natural...
National Coal Mining Museum
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National Coal Mining Museum
Welcome to the National Coal Mining Museum for England . Underground Tour  To discover the depths descend 140 metres underground down one of Britain's oldest working mines. Your guide will take you around the workings, sharing his mining experiences with you. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Each visitor is...
Saltburn Cliff Lift
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Saltburn Cliff Lift
Saltburn by the Sea as a dignified Victorian resort grew up around the former smuggling village of Old Saltburn, when the industrialists of Middlesbrough needed somewhere to escape the dirt & grime and the railways could transport them easily to the coast. By 1870 Saltburn was a fashionable resort rivalling other well known Victorian watering...
Auckland Castle - Bishop Auckland
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Auckland Castle - Bishop Auckland
This historic castle has been the home of the Bishops of Durham for over 800 years, and today is the Bishop's official residence. The historic building, with its magnificent Chapel, Throne Room and Long Dining Room, is already the administrative centre for the Diocese, and a notable tourist attraction, as well as being the Bishop's home. Now,...
Auckland Castle Deer House
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Auckland Castle Deer House
Opening Times 30 April 2017 - 24 March 2018 The park is open 1 April - 30 September, daily from 10:00 - 18:00, and 1 October - 29 March, daily from 10:00 - 16:00. Closed 24 - 26 December 2017 and 1 January 2018.
Binchester Roman Fort
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Binchester Roman Fort
Binchester Roman Fort gives you an insight into what life was like for the Romans in County Durham. Explore the impressive remains of a Roman bath house with its amazing 1,700 year-old under floor heating system. Find out why taking a bath in Roman times was about more than just getting clean! Walk in the footsteps of the soldiers around the...
Towneley Hall Museum
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Towneley Hall Museum
Burnley's Art Gallery & Museum set in the town's largest park provides a wonderful day out for all the family. With an extensive range of events, activities and exhibitions Towneley provides something for every visitor. There are exhibitions, woodland walks, sculpture trails, an organic community garden, play areas, sports pitches and two...
SAWLEY ABBEY
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SAWLEY ABBEY
The remains of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1148, set against a backdrop of dramatic hills. After its dissolution in 1536, the monks were briefly returned to the abbey during the Pilgrimage of Grace. They remained in possession until the insurrection's collapse and the execution of their abbot. Read more about the history of the...
Kirkleatham Museum
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Kirkleatham Museum
Local & social history museum for the Borough of Redcar & Cleveland. Collections and displays representing local domestic & working life, including fishing, sea rescue, ironstone mining, iron and steel making, transport and much more. Also photographs, paintings, drawings, costume, personal possessions, etc.
HOWDEN MINSTER
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HOWDEN MINSTER
The elaborately decorated ruins of a 14th century chancel and chapter house, attached to the still operational cathedral-like minster church. BEFORE YOU GO Parking: On street pay and display parking is available in the town. How to Find it: Follow signs for the market place in Howden. Facilities: There are public toilets and plenty of...
Zetland Lifeboat Museum
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Zetland Lifeboat Museum
The museum houses the worlds oldest lifeboat The Zetland. Built in 1802 The Zetland has saved over 500 lives. Other displays include replica fishermens cottage, gallery and local maritime history. Over 200 years ago, 7th October 1802 marked a very important event in the history of maritime rescue. On that date, the Zetland lifeboat...
Whitworth Hall - Spennymoor - Durham
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Whitworth Hall - Spennymoor - Durham
Recently refurbished, the Lakeside restaurant offers a fantastic menu at excellent prices and the children can play in the indoor or outdoor play area. In the summer months you can dine on our patio at the lakeside and watch the deer and the ducks at play. The park abounds with wild life with squirrels, wild geese, swans and even the odd heron.
Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
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Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum
The Museum today offers visitors an opportunity to experience the underground world of a real ironstone mine and to explore the skills, customs and life of the Cleveland miner. It was these miners that helped make Cleveland the most important Ironstone mining district in Victorian and Edwardian Britain
Clitheroe Castle Museum
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Clitheroe Castle Museum
The museum stands high on Castle Hill, in the shadow of the Castle Keep, an image which has dominated Clitheroe's skyline for over 800 years. The historic landmark of Clitheroe, in the heart of the Ribble Valley offers a day of exploration for all the family. Our intriguing galleries will take you on a journey through 350 million years of...
This section covers the history of the Ripon Region, these historic buildings usually date back hundreds even thousands of years and are real educational experiences for the whole family. Topics covered include the middle ages, political and royalty evolution spanning time and history. Or just a great day out at lush tree lined grounds and flowered gardens and take in the sights of wonderful buildings and castles. Tours of these buildings are widely available and worth consideration for an in depth knowledge of the sites you wish to visit. Some sites like stately homes have gardens, animals and lots of other things to see and do.