The National Trust is a charity organisation dedicated to preserving Britain’s historic places and spaces. There are many National Trust sites in Yorkshire; here is a selection of our favourites.
We love exploring historical sites and beautiful landscapes. This guide will list the best National Trust sites in Yorkshire. From magnificent stately homes and gardens to rugged coastlines and ancient ruins, these sites offer the perfect opportunity for an unforgettable day out.
Beningbrough Hall, York
- The garden is broadly accessible. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be pre-booked. There are accessible toilets. There is a lift in the hall.
- Even accessible by footpath from York, along River Ouse, 10 miles.
- Free parking close to the visitor entrance.
- Dogs are allowed in all areas except the hall and wilderness play area.
Beningbrough has become what it is today by its inhabitants for over 300 years, from the teenager who inherited it to its time as an RAF billet. The house’s ground floor showcases its architecture and collections, while the Reddihough Galleries on the first-floor host changing exhibitions of contemporary and traditional artwork.
FREE Whitby Mini-Guide
"Get the best from your stay in Whitby." - Everything you need to know about Whitby into a free mini-guide!
The garden has had a transformation by award-winning designer Andy Sturgeon, with a Pergola, ha-ha walk, and a new Mediterranean Garden to open in 2024.
Families can enjoy the wilderness play area and school holiday activities and refuel at the walled garden restaurant or brewhouse. The shop offers plants and a wide range of home and garden items to complete your day out at Beningbrough.
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens, York YO30 1DD.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon
- Main car park at the visitor centre is free of charge.
- A large National Trust gift shop and plant centre is at the visitor centre.
- Dogs are welcome in all outdoor spaces but must be kept on a short lead. They’re also welcome in admissions, the shop, and the visitor centre restaurant.
This magnificent abbey was founded by devout monks who sought a simpler lifestyle. Despite being in ruins, it is still an excellent representation of the medieval era, providing a peek into the way of life that shaped that period.
John Aislabie, seeking social recognition, inherited Studley Royal and transformed it into an elegant water garden featuring mirror-like ponds, beautiful statues, and ornamental buildings. He also incorporated the romantic ruins into his design.
Visitors can enjoy green lawns that extend to the riverbank, making it a perfect spot for a picnic. Following the riverside paths will lead you to the deer park, where you can find Red, Fallow, and Sika deer and ancient trees such as limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts. This unique location is now recognised as a World Heritage Site.
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Ripon HG4 3DY
East Riddlesden Hall, Keighley
- Accessible route and map.
- Plant shop, shop and tea room.
- Licenced for civil weddings.
Once a prosperous farming estate, it tells the stories of the people who lived and worked here, their aspirations, and their failures. The Manor House and Great Barn, both from the 17th century, showcase the remarkable craftsmanship of proud artisans through their 400-year-old markings.
With its peaceful green spaces, the garden is a delight to explore throughout the year. In spring, visitors can enjoy the scented herb border; in summer, the cottage garden flowers; and in autumn, the trees are full of apples, pears, and figs. The play area, mud pie kitchen, and den-building corner are perfect for families enjoying outdoor natural play. We love that there are family activities during school holidays.
East Riddlesden Hall offers more than just history and gardens. In the tearoom, you can indulge in homemade cakes, seasonal lunches, and freshly brewed drinks. The shop sells a variety of plants, gifts, homeware, and local products.
If you love books, you’re in for a treat! The Kitchen Chamber has a second-hand bookshop, and the Discovery Room houses children’s books. A team of volunteers runs these bookshops.
East Riddlesden Hall, Bradford Rd, Riddlesden, Keighley BD20 5EL
Brimham Rocks, Harrogate
- There are many picnic benches, and visitors are welcome to bring refreshments.
- Please note that toilets are located approximately 550 meters from the car park.
- Dogs are welcome at Brimham Rocks but must be kept on short lead everywhere, including the surrounding moorland. This helps protect precious wildlife.
The giant rock formations were created by an immense river 100 million years ago, long before dinosaurs roamed the earth. Over 320 million years, the movement of entire continents and hundreds of thousands of years of ice, rain, and wind have sculpted the rocks into weird and beautiful shapes, resembling familiar creatures with a bit of imagination.
Visitors can explore the site, spotting the Dancing Bear, Gorilla, Eagle, and Turtle, while the more nimble can crawl through the Smartie Tube and balance on the Rocking Stones.
The site is carefully managed. Brimham Rocks and its heather moorland are Sites of Special Scientific Interest and magnets for geologists, naturalists, climbers, and walkers alike.
Families also love the freedom to explore this fantastic place. Some of the most iconic rock formations can be viewed just a 10-minute’ walk from the car park, and it takes around four hours to explore the entire site.
Brimham Rocks, Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge
- Dogs are to be kept under control in the woodland. They must be kept on a lead near livestock, in the cafe, and at Gibson Mill.
- Available for functions, licenced for civil weddings.
- Accessible café, toilet and parking at Gibson Mill.
Covering over 400 acres of unspoilt woodland, it is home to the northern hairy wood ant, tumbling streams, glorious waterfalls, and stacks of millstone grit. With more than 15 miles of footpaths crisscrossing the area, it’s the perfect place for a long walk, where you can discover beautiful spots and wildlife.
At the heart of the woodland, you’ll find Gibson Mill, a 19th-century cotton mill that is now totally off the grid and houses the Weaving Shed Café and regular exhibitions. This unique mill is the Trust’s flagship sustainable building, and it offers stunning views of the Crags from its steep climb.
The Weaving Shed Café is open seven days a week from April to November and Friday – Sunday during the winter months, serving a range of hot and cold drinks, freshly prepared sandwiches, soup, cakes, and ice cream. You can enjoy your food indoors or outdoors. Inside the historic Gibson Mill, you’ll also find the second-hand bookshop, which dedicated volunteers run.
Hardcastle Crags, Hebden Bridge, Gibson Mill, Midgehole Rd, Hebden Bridge HX7 7AW
Yorkshire boasts some of the UK’s most beautiful and historic National Trust sites. So why not plan your next trip to one of these incredible sites and experience Yorkshire’s rich heritage and natural beauty?
Related Posts