Historic Houses & Gardens of Yorkshire

Fountain Abbey & Studley Royal Water Gardens NT

After inhertiting the Studley Estate in 1693, and retiring to the Estate in 1722 after poltical scandal, John Aislabie spent his time creating one of the most beautiful water gardens in Europe, with the help of his son William. A picturesque landscape spanning the entirity of the River Skell as a vast canvas, natural elements combine with garden features to create beauty at strategic locations around the valley. With features including Anne Boleyn's seat, How Hill Tower and carefully arranged sculptures, the gardens are much as they were when William Aislabie died in 1781. Crowned a World Heritage Site in 1986, Fountain Abbey and Studeley Royal Water Gardens is an excellent display of ancient Abbey ruins and awe-inspiring water gardens. With over 800 acres to explore, as well as places to eat, drink and shop, it makes for a delightful excursion.

Nostell Priory NT

Nostell is a Georgian masterpiece, built on the site of a priory dating back to around 1114. The priory was siezed in 1540 as part of the dissolution of the monastaries. The house, as you see it today, dates back to 1733 and bestows true Paladian beauty. Given to the National Trust in 1953, today you will find a large collection of local luxurues, including a grand collection of Chippendale furniture, a longcase clock, with almost a fully working internal mechanism, and a lovely collection of art. Occupying 300 acres of parkland with views of the druid's bridge on one of the tranquil lakeside walks, and wildflower meadows.

Wentworth Castle Gardens NT

South Yorkshire's only Grade I listed registered landscape, there are 63 acres of gardens and 500 acres of parklife to explore. Born out of family rivalry, Thomas Wentworth created an estate to challenge the family home he thought he would inherit, nearby Wentworth Woodhouse. His landscape vision included the fairy-tale ruins of Stainborough Castle, special monuments and intriguing garden buildings. The Victorian Conservatory is filled with exotic plants, the maze-like Union Jack garden, the Fenery, wilderness paths in the Woodland, and the classic Victorian Garden. 

Nunnington Hall NT

This lovely National Trust country house is situated in the English countryside of North Yorkshire. The River Rye runs past the front of the house, with a stone bridge separating the grounds of the house from the village of Nunnington. Upon entering the house you will be greeted with a variety of high profile art and photography exhibitions that celebrate the best of national works and local artists. The house itself is a combination of rennovation and repurpose, spanning over 450 years and creating a comfortable and atmospheric home. Explore the garden, and the scented rose garden with brightly coloured peacocks relaxing by the river. 

Ormesby Hall & Gardens NT

A Grade I listed building in the heart of industrial Middlesborough, Ormesby Hall & Gardens was the Pennyman family home for over 400 years. The stories of the Pennyman family will excite and intrigue, from the scandalous Sir James to James Stovin and to Jim and Ruth, the last Pennyman's to live here. Originally a single-storey house, Ormesby is the result of 150 years extensions and rennovations, along with the mansion which was built in 1740. The entrance hall is built in grand Palladian style, with the Pennyman coat of arms hanging above the fireplace, and all the other rooms tell a tale of Pennyman life. The garden changes with every season, with colourful wildflowers, roses and an array of botanical delights. You can also visit the second-hand bookshop, one of the most important fundraising events at Ormesby hall, with every pound you spend staying at the hall. 

Treasurer’s House NT

Treasurer's House lies directly to the north of York Minster, and has won Gold for the Yorkshire in Bloom competition for six consecutive years. Take a tour of the house, and be Mr Green's visitor for a short time. Mr Frank Green owned the house, and gifted it to the National Trust but hated museums, and thus decided small groups of visitors may enter 'by appointment' for an exclusive hour long journey around the house. Marvel at his ecclectic collection of period rooms, designed to be what he believed a period house should be. There is a fascinating collection of antiques and art, as well as artefacts to learn more about the intentions behind the man who donated the first house in the collection to The National Trust.

Please note that due to the nature of the house, much of it is only accessible by stairs.

• Dinner, Bed & Breakfast
• 4 nights hotel accommodation at The Queen's Hotel, York
• All rooms ensuite
• Private coach travel
• Services of an experienced driver throughout your stay
• Suggested Excursions from your resort (no extra charge if member of the National Trust)
• Cancellation Protect

Cedar Court Hotel, Harrogate

Overlooking the famous 200 acre Stray parkland, the historic Grade II listed Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate dates back to 1671 and sits on the site of the town's first ever hotel. There are 100 well-appointed spacious bedrooms at the Cedar Court Harrogate many with delightful views over the stray. All bedrooms offer you full en-suite facilities, a hospitality, TV, hair-dryer and telephone. The Porterhouse Restaurant is an exciting new restaurant offering a range of delicious dishes. Sourcing, quality, locally grown ingredients is an integral part of the new menu and the hotel are looking forward to working with local farmers to bring to the table some of the best that Yorkshire has to offer. There is a lift to all floors.

29th April 2024

30th September 2024