Houses, castles and gardens

From Iron Age fortifications, through 12th and 14th century monasteries, to Jacobean and Victorian country houses, Richmondshire has fine examples of buildings from many eras of history. 

• Although substantially damaged by the Dissolution, the crumbling walls of the ancient Cistercian monastery of Jervaulx Abbey still offer an interesting history and some beautiful vistas. Open to the public with an honesty box system.
• Famous for its use as a prison for Mary Queen of Scots, Bolton Castle in Wensleydale was converted to a small fortress in the fourteenth century. It is in a stunning setting and also has gardens with a maze, arbours, raised rose-beds and a hazel wattle fence.
• Middleham Castle was the home of Richard III in his youth, and again later after marrying Lady Anne Neville. Originally built in the 12th century, further modifications turned the castle into a fortified palace by the mid-15th century. It is now roofless, after falling into decline then suffering further in the civil war, but has many sections intact, and is well worth exploring. Phone 01969 623899.
• One of the greatest Norman fortresses built to subdue the north is Richmond Castle.  Enjoy amazing views of Richmond and the dales from the keep, and follow the riverside Drummer Boy Walk to nearby Easby Abbey. 
• The substantial ruins of Easby Abbey are in a picturesque setting, around a mile south east of Richmond.
• Moulton Hall is a compact stone manor house 5 miles east of Richmond.  Now owned by the National Trust, the property dates from 1650 and has a very fine carved wood staircase.  Viewing is by arrangement with the tenant, Viscount Eccles, on 01325 377227.
• Millgate House is an award winning town garden with year round interest in the middle of Richmond.
• Constable Burton Hall and Gardens, Leyburn.  Trees, woodland walks, garden trails, carpets of tulips and daffodils in Spring.  Fine collection of maples.
• Braithwaite Hall at East Witton near Leyburn was once a 17th century hall, but now a family home and working farmhouse. It has some fine original features, including fireplaces, panelling and oak staircase. Open to view by arrangement with the tenant. Phone 01969 640287.
• Kiplin Hall, near Scorton is a Jacobean country house in a wonderful setting with views west across the lake to the Yorkshire Dales. Now furnished as a comfortable Victorian home, the house is filled with family paintings and furniture.
• Known as Stanwick Camp, a complex of prehistoric earthworks covers an area of more than 700 acres at Stanwick St John. Enclosed by massive Iron Age ramparts of earth and stone, still standing to a height of about five metres, this was a centre of great importance for the pre-Roman people of northern Britain.