HALLS, CASTLES, RUINS & STATELY HOMES

The information on this page was believed to be correct at the time of compilation. Dalesman cannot be held responsible for any errors or changes. Contact numbers are given where known so that details can be checked before embarking on any journey.

BARDEN TOWER
Nr Bolton Abbey, Skipton
Tel: (01756) 720616
Former 12c Hunting Lodge that was extensively enlarged first by Henry
Clifford "The Shepherd Lord" and then by Anne Clifford. Now a ruin but still
makes for an imposing spectacle on the valley approaches. Information point
and tea room / restaurant on site. Free viewing and open all year round.
Public toilets available.

BARLEY HALL
Coffee Yard, Off Stonegate, York, YO1 2AW
Tel: (01904) 610275
A well restored 15th century home which features superb hangings and beautiful furniture. Opening Times: Daily April-31 October. At other times by arrangement only. Admission: Adult £3.50, Children/Concession £2.50. Public toilets available.

BENINGBROUGH HALL
Shipton-by-Beningbrough, York, YO6 1DD
Tel: (01904) 470666
This exquisite Georgian Hall was built in 1716 by John Bourchier. It boasts beautiful carving, furniture, procelain, a splendid cantilevered staircase, pictures on loan from the National Portrait Gallery, and an impressive Victorian laundry. Opening Times: Saturday to Wednesday, Good Friday & Friday in July and August. House 11am-5pm, last admissions 4.30pm. Gardens 11am - 5.30pm, last admissions 5pm. Admission: house, garden & exhibition adult £5, children £2.50, family £12.50, Garden & Exhibition adult £3.50, children £1.70, family £8.70. Facilities for the disabled, Restaurant and Public Toilets available.

BOLLING HALL
Bowling Hall Road, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD4 7LP
Tel: (01274) 723057
The interior of the house alternates from a medieval tower to an 18th century wing. The rooms contain period furniture and furnishings. One of its most celebrated features is the central hall with gallery and early stained glass window. Opening Times: Wednesday-Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday 10am-5pm. Sunday 12noon-5pm plus Bank Holiday Mondays. Mondays 11am-4pm. Admission: No Charge. Parking and Public toilets available.

BOLTON CASTLE
Wensleydale
Famous for its use as a prison for Mary Queen of Scots (1568-9). This building was primarily a fortified manor house, but its beneficial hilltop location suggested its conversion to a small fortress in the fourteenth century. Opening Times: March to November Daily, March-April 10am-4pm, May-November 10am - 5 pm./Dusk. Admission: Adult £4, Children/OAPs £4, Family £10.

BOLTON PRIORY
Bolton Abbey, near Skipton
The majority of this magnificent building was constructed by 1220, but some of its superb features were later additions; the west tower dates from 1520, and the impressive gateway is 14th century. The Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1535 led to the destruction of the priory, but the original nave survived to be incorporated into the existing Priory church.Opening Times: Daily 7.30am-9.00pm. Admission: £3 per vehicle.

BRAITHWAITE HALL
East Witton, Leyburn, DL8 4SY
Tel: (01969) 640287
Once a 17th century hall, but now a family home and working farmhouse. Opening Times: By arrangement with the Tenant. Admission: £1.00 including leaflet. No reduction for children. No accesss for coaches, and no WCs.

BRODSWORTH HALL
English Heritage, Brodsworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN5 7XJ
Tel: (01302) 722598
This Victorian House has magnificently restored gardens and an unforgettable drawing room with Corinthian columns, glittering chandeliers and walls of red silk damask. Opening Times: 1 April - 31 October Tuesday-Sunday & BH Monday, 1pm-6pm Last admission 5pm. Gardens, Shop & Tearooms 12pm-6pm (11am-4pm Winter.) Admission: House & Garden Adult £4.70, Concession £3.50, Children £2.40. Parking, Refreshments, Public Toilets and Facilities for the disabled available.

BURNBY HALL GARDENS
Tel: (01759) 302068
Spectacular gardens, celebrated for their display of hard water lilies, also a small museum. Open: April-October daily 10am-6pm Admission: Please telephone for accurate details.

BURTON AGNES HALL & GARDENS
Estate Office, Burton Agnes, Driffield, YO25 0ND
Tel: (01262) 490324 Fax: (01262) 490513
This Elizabethan Hall is graced by Impressionist paintings and treasures collected over four centuries. The walled garden also captivates with its assortment of flowers and plants. Opening Times: 1 April - 31 October 11am - 5pm. Admission: Hall & Gardens Adults £4.50, OAPs £4, Children £2.25, Gardens only Adult £2.25, Concessions £2, Children £1. Parking, Refreshments, Public Toilets and Facilities for the disabled available. Dogs on lead allowed.

BURTON CONSTABLE HALL
Tel: (01964) 562400
A 16th century hall in a superb location with Capability Brown landscaped grounds also magnificent interiors. Opening Times: Easter-October Sunday-Thursday Grounds & Tearooms 12pm, Shop 12.30pm and House 1pm - 5pm, Last Admissions 4.15pm. Admission: Adult £4, Child £1.50, OAP £3.70, Family £9.

BYLAND ABBEY
Tel: (01347) 868614
The remains of this ruined monastery and a comprehensive collection of medieval floor tiles survive amidst a beautiful country setting. Opening Times: 1 April - 30 September daily 10am-6pm, 1-31 October daily 10am-5pm, Closed 1-2pm. Admission: Adults £1.60, Concessions £1.20, Children 80p Parking and Public Toilets availiable. Location: By Car 2 miles south of A170 between Helmsley and Thirsk, near Coxwold Village.

CANNON HALL
Cawthorne, Bransley, S75 4AT
Tel: (01226)790270
This country house built by a Yorkshireman, John Carr, is now a museum containing pottery, pewter, glass and paintings; for example items by Constable. The Regimental Museum of the 13th/18th Hussars is also incorporated at Cannon Hall. The beautiful grounds, which include a walled garden with a 200 year old vine, perfectly accentuate this historic building. Opening Times: Gardens+ All Year round, Museum: Tuesday-Saturday 10.30am-5.00pm, Sunday 12.30pm-5.00pm, Open Bank Holiday Mondays 10.30am-5pm. Admission: Gardens: Free of Charge, Museum: Adults £1, Children/OAP 50p, Groups over ten 50p.

CASTLE HOWARD
York, YO6 7DA
Tel: (01653) 648333 Fax: (01653) 648501
Email: admin@castlehoward.demon.co.uk
The film location for 'Brideshead Revisited' offers not only a splendid 18th century palace, but exquisite grounds and gardens which incorporate lawns, scenic lakes, rose gardens and woodland. Opening Times: Daily from 12th March - 31st October, Castle Howard from 11am, Ground & Gardens 10am, last admissions 4.30pm. Admission: Adult £9.50, Senior Citizen & Students £6.50, Children £4.50. Parking, Refreshments, Public Toilets and Facilities for the Disabled. Dogs on leads allowed in grounds only.

CLARKE HALL
Aberford Road, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF1 4AL
Tel: (01924) 375598
A late 17th century yeoman farmer's home built for Benjamin & Priscilla Clarke. The Hall is furnished corresponding to the period, and is set within beautifully maintained grounds. Opening Times: It is open to the public for several special living history events per year. Please telephone for a list of events. Parking, Public toilets, Refreshments and Facilities for the disabled available.

CLIFFORD'S TOWER
York
Tel: (01904) 646940
Originally the central Keep of York Castle, Clifford's Tower, built in the thirteenth century, stands on the site of a previous wooden tower. The latter was destroyed by fire in1190 during the massacre of York's Jewish community. Children and the partially sighted will also enjoy the 'hands on' 3-dimensional model of the original castle. Opening Times: 1 April - 30 September daily 10am - 6 pm, 9.30am-7pm in July and August, 1-31 October daily 10am-5pm, 1 November - 31 March 1999, daily 10am - 4pm. Admission: Adults £1.80, Concessions £1.40, Children 90p. Parking and Public Toilets in York centre.

CONINGSBROUGH CASTLE
Tel: (01709) 863329
This castle has a wonderful Norman Keep within which there is an audiovisual presentation. There is also a visitor centre and a tea room. Opening Times: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-6pm, Winter Monday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Admission: Adult £2.80, Concessions £1.80, Children £1, Family £6.75.

DUNCOMBE PARK
Helmsley, York, YO62 5EB
Tel : (01439) 770213 Fax: (01439) 771114
Duncombe park includes a finely restored North Yorkshire house amidst an exquisite 18th century landscaped garden. Opening Times: House & Garden 10.30am - 6.00pm April & October = Sunday to Thursday, May to September = Sunday to Friday. Admission: Adults £5.75, Concessions £4.75, Children £2.75, Family £13. Refreshments and Shop available.

DRUIDS TEMPLE
Masham
Built in 1800 under the influence of William Danby who aimed to provide employment for local workers. This building is a fantasy temple situated perfectly amidst a wooded landscape.

EAST RIDDLESDEN HALL
Bradford Road, Keighley, BD20 5EL
Tel: (01535) 607075
This 17th century manor house set amidst an attractive garden boasts not only splendid architectural features, but also embroidery, pewter, Yorkshire oak and a wooden Great Barn holding an assortment of traditional implements. Opening Times: 27 March - 31 October Saturday to Wednesday, Good Friday , Sunday-Wednesday 12-5pm, Saturday 1-5pm. Thursdays in July and August 12-5pm. Last Admission 4.30pm. Admission: Adult £3.30, Children £1.80, Family £8.50. Parking, Refreshment, Shop and facilities for the disabled available. Dogs on leads allowed in grounds.

EPWORTH OLD RECTORY
The Old Rectory, 1 Rectory Street, Epworth, Doncaster, South Yorkshire, DN9 1HX
Tel: (01427) 872268
This 18th century Queen Anne House is the home of the methodists John and Charles Wesley. Epworth Old Rectory contains period furniture, methodist memorabilia and portraits. Opening Times: Daily 1 March to 31 October. March, April & October Monday to Saturday 10am - 12 noon. 2pm - 4pm. May to September Monday to Saturday 10am to 4.30pm, Sunday 2pm - 4.30 pm. Admission: Adults £2.50, Concessions £2, Children in full time education £1. Parking, Public Toilets, Refreshments and Facilities for the disabled available.

FAIRFAX HOUSE
Castlegate, York, Y01 1RN
Tel: (01904) 655543 Fax: (01904) 652262
A fine 18th century town house with superb plaster work, wood, wrought iron and a spectacular collection of 18th century furniture and clocks. Opening Times: Monday-Thursday and Saturday 11am-5pm, Sunday 1.30-5pm.Last Admission 4.30pm. Admission: Adult £4, Concessions £3.50, Children £1.

FOUNTAINS ABBEY & STUDLEY ROYAL WATER GARDENS
Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY
Tel: (01765) 608888/601005 Fax: (01765) 608889
This site in all its splendour includes the ruin of a 12th century Cistercian abbey, a Jacobean mansion, a Georgian Green Water Garden, and also St Mary's Church located amidst the deer park. Opening Times: Open all year daily except Friday in November, December, January, and 24/25 December. April - September 10am-7pm. October - December 10am-5pm. Deer Park open daily during daylight hours. Floodlighting: Abbey is floodlit on Friday and Saturday evenings until 10pm. 23rd August to 5 October. Admission: Adukt £4.30, Children £2.10, Family £10.50. Facilities for the disabled availiable. Dogs on leads allowed.

HAREWOOD HOUSE & BIRD GARDEN
Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LQ
Tel: (0113) 2886331 fax: (0113) 288 6467
Email: business@harewood.org
This superb eighteenth century house combines both an exquisite interior with an impressive surrounding. Harewood contains Chippendale furniture, a contemporary art gallery and English watercolours. The grounds were developed by Capability Brown and the Victorian Terrace Garden has been restored. Opening Times: 9 March - 31 October 7 days a week. Closed Friday 11 June. (Open = Grounds & gardens and church 10am, House and Terrace Gallery 11am, Old Kitchen in House open every weekend from 2 April - 30 August 2pm and Bank holiday mondays. Closed = House last admission 4pm, Terrace Gallery last admission 4.45pm, Old Kitchen in House last admission 4.45pm, Bird Garden and Grounds last admission 4.30pm or One hour before dusk. Adventure playground and grounds close 6pm. Grounds and Bird Garden also open winter weekends from November 6/7 to december 11/12 inclusive. ) Admission: Freedom = Adult £6.75, OAPS £6.25, Children, Student, UB40 £4.75, Family £22.50. Grounds = Adult £5.75, )APs £4.75, Children. Student, UB40 £3.25, Family £17.50. Group rate (min 15) = Adult £5.75, OAPs £5.25. Harewood Card (entry to all attractions during the open season) Family: £45.00, Couple: £30.00, Individual: £20.00 Parking, Refreshments, Public toilets and Facilities for the disabled available. Dogs on lead allowed, but not in the bird garden.

HELMSLEY CASTLE
Tel: (01439) 770442
Begun in 1186 it illustrates the evolution of the 'castle' from a series of defences to a building of all round strength. Helmsley is thus noted for its Keep which is not in the centre, but in the outer wall as well as its interlocking earthworks and Tudor range. In late spring the castle walls are beautifully decorated with pink fairy foxglove. Opening Times: 1 April - 30 September daily 10am - 6pm (Or dusk if earlier in October.) 1-31 October 10am-5pm, 1 November to 31 March 10am - 4pm Wednesday to Sunday, Closed 1-2pm. Admission: Adults £2.30, Concessions £1.70, Children £1.20. Parking and Public toilets available in Helmsley.

LOTHERTON HALL
Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, LS25 3EB
Tel: (0113) 281 3259
The coal and land owning Gascoignes also had the pleasure of inhabiting Lotherton hall and filling it with treasures. The Hall contains furniture, paintings, sculpture and pottery. Colonel Gascoigne was a great collector and this can be seen in his collections of costume and oriental art. The grounds are beautiful and you may even be able to see herds of red or fallow deer. The bird garden also displays many interesting species. Opening Times: April-31 October Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm, Bank Holiday Monday 10am-5pm.1 November - 28 December & March Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm and Sunday 12-4pm. Closed January & February. Admission: Adult £2, Concession £1, Accompanied Children 50p.

MANOR HOUSE
Castle Yard, Ilkley
Tel: 01943 600066
Dating from the 16th and 17th centuries this house stands upon the site of a Roman Fort built in about AD79. It may have been the vicarage or a yeoman farmer's house. It has a splendid 17th century king post roof and wall privy. There is also a Museum and Art Gallery exhibiting typical yeoman's furniture, a display documenting the history of Ilkley and a frequently changing exhibition. Opening Times: Wednesday-Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays 11am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm. Admission: No charge.

MANSION HOUSE
High Street, Doncaster
Tel: (01302) 734032
This building was designed by James Paine and finished in 1748. It is one of only three civic mansion houses in England. It is open to groups by appointment only.

MERCHANT ADVENTURER'S HALL
Fossgate, York, YO1 2XD
Tel/Fax: (01904) 654818
The finest medieval hall in Europe which is still used by a guild. The Great Hall was where the merchants' conducted their business, there is also a hospital where they cared for the poor and a chapel. Also collections of early furniture, paintings and silver. Opening Times: Summer 9.00am-5pm, Winter 9.00am-3.30-pm. Admission: Adults £1.90, Concessions £1.60, Children 60p. Public toilets and Facilities for the disabled.

MIDDLEHAM CASTLE
Wensleydale
Tel: (01969) 623899
Otherwise Known as the "Windsor of the North" because of its connections with Richard III; he married Lady Anne Neville whose family lived in the castle. Richard III added to the building by constructing thick sonewalls with turrets and towers, and his son Edward was born at Middleham. After Richard's death at Bowsworth the castle fell into decline and was further destroyed in the civil war. However, the ruins are well worth visiting. Opening Times: 1 April - 30 September daily 10am-6pm, 1-31 October 10am-5pm daily. 1 November - 31 March 10am - 4pm Wednesday to Sunday. Closed 1-2pm in winter. Admission: Adults £2.30, Concessions £1.70, Children £1.30.

MONK BRETTON PRIORY
near Barnsley
Established in 1153 by Cluniac monks, but fell into decay during the Dissolution. However, extensive ruins remain including a 15th century gatehouse and a 14th century guesthouse.

MOUNT GRACE PRIORY
Saddlebridge, Northallerton, North Yorkshire, DL6 3JG
Tel: (01609) 883494
This beautifully situated Carthusian monastery provides a realistic vision of monastic life with its restored two storey cell and herb garden. Opening Times: 1 April - 30 September 10am - 6pm daily, 1-31 October 10am-5pm daily. 1 November - 31 March 10am-4pm Wed-Sun Closed 1-2pm. Admission: Adult £2.80, Concession £ 2.10, Child £1.40. Parking, Public toilets and facilities for the disabled available, Dogs on lead admitted.

NAPPA HALL
Swaledale
This 15th century fortified house is NOT open to the public and from the road little of it can be seen except for the castellated parapet. Nappa Hall, once the residence of the Metcalfe family, is said to be haunted by the ghost of Mary Queen of Scots.

NEWBY HALL AND GARDENS
Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE
Tel: (01423) 322583 Fax: (01423) 324452
www.yorkshire-co.uk/newby-hall.
Newby Hall, an Adam house with superb furniture, tapestries and exquisite interior decoration, is located within 25 acres of beautiful gardens. Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays. Gardens 11am-5.30pm. House 12 noon - 5pm. Admission: House & garden Adult 36.30, OAP £5.20, Child/Disabled £3.80, Family £19-22.80. Gardens only Adult £4.50, OAP £3.90, Child/Disabled £3.50, Family £14-17.00. (1997 Prices.). Parking, Refreshment, Public Toilets and Facilities for the disabled available.

NOSTELL PRIORY
Doncaster Road, Nostell, Nr Wakefield, WF4 1QE
Tel: (01924) 863892
Mainly built in the eighteenth century for the Winn family this palladian house had additional features constructed by Adam. Nostell Priory also contains fine Chippendale furniture carved especially for the house. Opening Times: 27 March to 12 September. Thursday-Sunday 12-5pm, Also Wednesdays in July & August, Bank Holiday Monday 12 to 5pm. Closed Good Friday. Last Admission 4.30pm. Admission: House & Grounds Adults £4, Children £2, Family £9.50. Grounds: Adult £2.50, Children £1.50, Family £6.50. Refreshments, Facilities for the disabled, Shop and Parking available. Dogs on leads allowed in grounds only.

NUNNINGTON HALL
Nunnington, York, YO6 5UY
Tel: (01439) 748283.
The 17th century manor house contains impressive rooms such as the oak-panelled hall, the nursery and the attics with their Carlisle collection of fully furnished miniature rooms. The idyllic walled garden on the riverside is inhabited not only by beautiful clematis, but also ducks and peacocks. Opening Times:27 March to 31 October daily except Monday and Tuesday, but open Bank Holiday Monday and every Tuesday in June, July and August 1.30-6pm. Last admissions 5pm. End March, April & October 1.30-5.30pm, last entry 4.30pm. School parties Tuesday & Wednesday by arrangeme.50nt. Admission: House & Garden £4, Children £2, Family £10. Garden only: Adults £1, Children Free. Parking, Facilities for the disabled, and Refreshments available. Dogs on leads in car park only.

OAKWELL HALL & COUNTRY PARK
Nutter Lane, Birstall, Batley, WF14 9LG
Tel: (01924) 326240
This Elizabethan manor house was constructed in 1583, but it is decorated as it would have been in the 1690's in order to illustrate 17th century life. The house is located within 11 acres of the original estate and it also has period gardens. Opening Times: Monday-Friday 11am-5pm. Saturday & Sunday 12-5pm. Admission: 1 March-31 October Adult £1.20, Children 50p, Family £2.50. 1 November- 28 February free

PONTEFRACT CASTLE
Castle Chain, Pontefract, West Yorkshire, WF8 1QH
Tel: (01977) 723440 Fax: (01977) 722742 Minicom: (01924) 305769
The ruins of an 11th century castle which was both the scene of Richard II's death and a Royalist Stronghold in the Civil War. Opening Times: Please telephone for accurate details. Parking, Public toilets and Facilities for the disabled.

RED HOUSE
Oxford Road, Gomersal, BD19 4JP
Tel: (01274) 335100
Dating from 1660 this house is decorated to reflect middle class life in the 1830's. Charlotte Bronte is connected with the Red House because she used to visit her schoolfriend Mary Taylor here; the Taylor family owned the Red House. Opening Times: Monday-Friday 11am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 12-5pm. Admission: Free

RIEVAULX ABBEY
Rievaulx, Helmsley, North Yorkshire, YO6 5LB
Tel: (01439) 798228
An audio tour and exhibition are available at Rievaulx Abbey, the unforgettable ruin situated amidst a timbered valley. Opening Times: 1April-30 September 10am-6pm daily (9.30am - 7.00pm July and August) 1-31 October 10am-5pm daily, 1 November - 31 March 10am-4pm daily. Admission; Adult £3, Concession £2.30, Child £1.50. Parking, Public toilets and facilities for the disabled available. Dogs admitted on lead.

RIPLEY CASTLE
near Knaresborough
Ripley Castle has been home to the Ingilbys for 600 years and is also the site of numerous tales of daring and intrigue; for example Sir Richard Ingleby supported Guy Fawkes.The castle also contains numerous articles of interest such as the pig made from Dales lead. The walled garden and the deer park also provide areas of interest. Opening Times: Gardens = 10am-5pm, Castle Tours = 10.30am-3pm November - March Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, April/May/June/September & October Thursday-Sunday, July & August Daily. Admission: Adult £5, OAPs £4, Children £2.50, Family: £12.50.

SANDAL CASTLE
Manygates Lane, Sandal, Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Tel: (01924) 305351 Fax: (01924) 305353 Minicom: (01924) 305769
Spectacular views of the Calder valley are provided by the location of the remains of this 13th century stone castle. Finds from the excavations can be viewed at the Wakefield Museum. Opening Times: Daily dawn to dusk. Parking available.

SCARBOROUGH CASTLE
Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1HY
Tel: (01723) 372451
This is a huge 12th century construction and the remains of its keep tower over three storeys high. Walks along the walls provide spectacular coastal views, and the audio tour is very informative. Opening Times: 1 April - 30 September Daily 10am-6pm. 1-31 October daily 10am-5pm. 1 November - 31 March 10am - 4pm Wednesday to Sunday. Admission: Adult £2.30, Concession £1.70, Child £1.20. Public Toilets available and dogs on leads allowed.

SEWERBY HALL & GARDENS
Tel: (01262) 673769
There are many fine period rooms in this 18th century hall. There is also the East Yorkshire Museum and Showcase gallery as well as beautiful gardens, a playground and a zoo. Gardens opan all year incl. zoo. Opening Times: Hall = Easter to End October 10am-6pm daily. Reduced hours winter months. Admission: Adults £2.90, Concessions £2.15, Children £1, Family £7.50.

SHIBDEN HALL
Listers Road, Halifax
Tel: (01422) 352246 Fax: (01422) 348440.
This 15th century house is half-timbered and contains a magnificent collection of 17th and 18th century furniture and household objects. Shibden Hall, home to the Lister family, never loses its personal, family feel. The cobbled courtyard is arranged as a 19th century village and the sevententh century barn has a fine collection of carriages. Opening Times: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12-5pm. Admission: Adult £1.90, Concession £1, Family £5.

SION HILL HALL & BIRDS OF PREY CENTRE
Kirkby Wiske, Thirsk, North Yorkshire, YO7 4EU
Tel: (01845) 587206 Fax: (01845) 587486
This Edwardian mansion has 20 period rooms with 'Members of the Household' in costume and a doll exhibition. The Bird of Prey & Conservation Centre also operates daily flying demonstrations. Opening Times: Hall: Tel: (01845) 587206. Birds: 1 Mar - 31 Oct daily 10.30am - 5.30pm. Admission: Hall: £4, Concessions £3.50, Children £2. Birds Adults £4, Concessions £3.50, Children £2. Combined Adults £7, Concessions £6, Children £3. Parking, Refreshments, Public Toilets and Facilities for the Disabled available. Dogs on leads allowed.

SKIPTON CASTLE
Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1AQ
Tel: (01756) 792442 Fax (01756) 796100 www.skiptoncastle.co.uk
One of the best-preserved and most complete medieval castles in England,despite enduring a three-year siege in the Civil war. Tour sheets can be obtained in nine languages or an experienced guide can be provided for pre-booked parties. Visitor amenities include a tea room, shop, indoor and outdoor picnic areas. There is no wheelchair access to the ancient castle. Opening Times: Daily from 10am, Sunday 12 noon. Last admission 6pm (Oct-Mar 4pm). Closed 25 December. Admission: Adults £5, Over 60's £4.40, Under 18's £2.50, Family ticket £13.90. large car park off the High Street nearby. Dogs on leads allowed.

SLEDMERE HOUSE
near Driffield, East Yorkshire
Tel: (01377) 236637
Located in parkland this 18th century house has a fine collection of furniture. Opening Times: Easter Weekend 2-6 April, Saturday 1st May - Sunday 26th September. Also Bank Holidays 11.30am-4.30pm. Closed Monday & Friday. Admission: Adult £4, Concessions £3.50, Children £2.

STATIONS OF THE CROSS
Middleton Lodge
The stations of the Cross are composed of fine Italian statues situated in the grounds of Middleton Lodge, a catholic retreat house.

STEWART'S BURNBY HALL GARDENS & MUSEUM
The Balk, Pocklington, York, YO4 2QF
Tel: (01759) 302068
Major Stewart participated in seven world tours and the house displays the items he brought back; for example animals, weapons and art. Opening Times: 1st Saturday in April- Last Sunday in September daily 10am-6pm, October-March by appointment with the warden. Parking, Public toilets and Facilities for the disabled available.

TEMPLE NEWSAM
Temple Newsam Rd, Off Selby Rd, Leeds, LS15 0AE
Tel: (0113) 264 7321
The birthplace of Lord Darnley, one of Mary Queen of Scot's husbands, built around 1500. The interior is spectacular with magnificent rooms containing Chippendale furniture, paintings, silver and porcelain. The grounds themselves are the impressive handiwork of Capability Brown. Additionally Home Farm offers an example of a working Rare Breed Centre. Admission: April - 31 October Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm. 1 November - 28 December & March Tuesday-Saturday 10am-4pm, Sunday 12pm-4pm, Closed January & February. Home Farm Summer 10am-4.30pm, Winter 10am-3.30pm daily. Admission: Adults £2, Concessions £1, Children 50p Refreshment, Shop, Parking and Facilities for the disabled available.

TOP WITHENS
near Haworth, West Yorkshire
Top Withens, a ruined farmhouse, has been suggested as the source for Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights, but this is highly disputed.

WENTWORTH CASTLE & GARDENS
Lowe Lane, Stainborough, Barnsley, S75 3ET
Tel; (01226) 731269
Hidden away in green rolling hills near Barnsley, yet less than an hour from Leeds or Sheffield, this magnificent 18th century parkland estate features over 26 listed monuments as well as a 60-acre garden. The 26 listed monuments include temples, obelisks, statues and an orangery. Also a gothic folly castle and elegant iron conservatory which featured in the BBC series 'Restoration' in September 2003. The gardens care for National Plant Collections of magnolias, rhododendrons, and camellias with spectacular blooms from spring to early summer. In July 2003 the Heritage Lottery Fund announced a £10.3 million lottery grant for the Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park. This, coupled with a £0.3 million English Heritage grant and £1.5 million Learning and Skills Council grant, will enable the Wentworth Castle and Stainborough Park Heritage Trust to complete phase 1 of its ambitious project aimed at restoring and developing Wentworth Castle and its surrounding grounds. Despite the ongoing works to the site the gardens will remain open on weekends from 19 March - 30 October 2005 (2pm-5pm), with guided tours taking place at 2.30pm. Admission costs: £2.50 adults (16 years plus), £2.00 concessions and £1.00 for children over 5 years of age. Visitors wishing to take advantage of the garden tours: £3.50 adults, £3.00 concessions (there is no additional charge for garden tours for children over 5 years of age).

WHITBY ABBEY
Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JT
Tel: (01947) 603568.
The outstanding ruins of Whitby Abbey tower impressively on the cliffs above the city. Opening Times: 1 April - 30 September daily 10am - 6pm, 1-31 October daily 10am-5pm, 1 November - 31 March 1999 daily 10am to 4pm. Admission: Adults £1.70, Concessions £1.30, Children 90p. Facilities: Parking, Public toilets, Gift Shop and Children`s Activity Pack available.

WHITE WELLS
Spa Cottage, Ilkley Moor
Tel: (01943) 608035
These two open air baths were constructed in 1756 by Squire Middleton, and in 1865 roofs and extensions were added by the Wells House Hydropatic Co. It is now a museum exhibiting the stone plunge pool, and information for Victorian cures on gout and melancholia. There are also countryside displays and nature trail maps. Opening Times: Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm, but check before travelling.

WILBERFORCE HOUSE & GEORGIAN HOUSES
High Street, Hull, HU1 1EP
Tel: (01482) 613902
The collections focus primarily upon William Wilberforce the house's most celebrated inhabitant. The house contains furnished rooms of different periods and many items of local interest. Opening Times: Monday-Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 1.30-4.30pm. Admission: Free. Public toilets available.

WORTLEY HALL
Wortley, S30 7DB
Tel: (0114) 288 2100
The grounds are magnificent with 15 acres of formal Italianate gardens, pleasure ares and the sunken garden. Wortley Hall itself can also be used as a residential centre. Opening Times: By Arrangement. Closed 4-10 August and 3-9 November. Admission: £1