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[allaboutsomething]

My Favorite Places to Visit in North Yorkshire, England

Almost 10 years ago I had an awesome opportunity to move and live in North Yorkshire, England for a few years.  What normal person would pass up an opportunity like this?  Not this girl… so off I went on an adventure of a lifetime.  Being a history buff, I made sure to visit as many historical sites as possible.  Churches, cathedrals, castles, ruins, and stately homes were on the list of places to see.  

***Helpful tip***

If you’re a history buff life me and have a list a mile long of places you NEED to visit, look into sign up for historical societies like The National Trust or English Heritage.  For less than 100 GBP you can get a year’s worth of access to over 500 different properties National Trust properties.  Plus, the National Trust covers you for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.  My membership more than paid for itself in a couple of months.  

North Yorkshire is full of historical places to see.  Throw a stone and you’re bound to hit something historical.  Listed below are some of my all-time favorite places to visit.  PS They are in no particular order…

Bolton Abbey A river runs next to the abbey and there are steppingstones placed for you to cross the river.  Watch your steps though, the last time I went there was a stone or two missing.

Castle Howard Several movies have filmed at Castle Howard.  Brideshead, Brideshead Revisited, Garfield: A Tail of Tow Kitties, and Victoria.

Fountains Abbey In 1986, Fountains Abbey was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization).

Helmsley Castle

Richmond Castle

Rievaulx Abbey

Ripley Castle Ripley Castle is still privately owned but open for tours and can be rented for private events.  I was fortunate enough to attend a work Christmas party there.

Skipton Castle

Whitby Abbey Whitby Abbey was mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.  Dracula, looking like a large dog came ashore near the abbey and climbed the 199 steps leading up to the ruins.

York Minster

All of these places have something special to offer if you take the time to look.  From glorious views, to rich history, to quiet solitude to think and dream.  This is only a small handful of what England, more specifically North Yorkshire, has to offer.  There is something for everyone, no matter your interest.