Yorkshire is a region that never disappoints. It’s vast, varied, and deeply rooted in history — a place where moorland meets coast, abbey ruins whisper stories from centuries ago, and gardens burst into colour beneath grand old houses. The National Trust has preserved some of the very best of this landscape, and exploring these Yorkshire sites is like paging through a living history book.
If you love grand architecture, tranquil gardens, or wild countryside, Yorkshire’s National Trust sites will more than deliver. Below, I’ve rounded up fifteen of the very best — plus a few honourable mentions — to help you plan your next outing.
Why Yorkshire Is a Treasure Trove of National Trust Sites
The beautiful county of Yorkshire is vast and wide and has so much to offer. The North York Moors, the Dales, and the Yorkshire coast all tell different stories. One day you might wander through an ancient abbey, the next you could be walking through windswept heather or sipping tea in the gardens of a Georgian manor. Many National Trust sites here aren’t just about beauty — they reflect the region’s social history: farming traditions, the wool trade, the rise of industry, and the decline of monastic life after Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries.
Visiting with that sense of context — imagining who built, worked, or worshipped in these places — turns every trip into a richer experience.
1. Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden (North Yorkshire)
Let’s start with what might be the crown jewel of Yorkshire’s National Trust sites. It’s a place where I regularly took my children when they were small. Fountains Abbey is a breathtaking medieval ruin — one of the best-preserved Cistercian monasteries in England — set within a vast World Heritage Site. The sheer scale of the abbey, with its arches and echoing stone corridors, feels humbling.
Beside it lies Studley Royal Water Garden, an 18th-century masterpiece of landscape design. Lakes, cascades, temples, and follies unfold as you walk, each view carefully composed. Deer roam the adjoining park, and in autumn the colours are spectacular. It’s a place where you can easily spend a whole day — pack a picnic and take your time.
2. Rievaulx Terrace (North Yorkshire)
A quieter companion to Fountains, Rievaulx Terrace is an elegant 18th-century landscape perched above the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey. A long grassy terrace leads between two small classical temples, and from the edge you get a sweeping view of the valley below.
It’s a place for slow wandering and reflection, especially on a sunny afternoon when the light catches the stone. Less crowded than some of the larger estates, it’s ideal if you prefer peace and quiet over grand crowds.
3. Brimham Rocks (North Yorkshire)
Brimham Rocks is like nature’s playground — a wild moorland dotted with gigantic weathered rock formations that look almost sculpted. Some resemble animals, others strange towers or balancing boulders.
Families love it because children can scramble, explore, and invent games among the stones, while photographers come for the dramatic views. On a clear day, you can see for miles across Nidderdale. Go early or late in the day to catch softer light and fewer visitors.
4. Hardcastle Crags (West Yorkshire)
Nestled in a wooded valley near Hebden Bridge, Hardcastle Crags offers something different: dense woodland, waterfalls, and the sound of water rushing over stone. Gibson Mill, a restored 19th-century cotton mill, sits by the river and now houses a small café and exhibition.
The area is atmospheric in all seasons — lush in spring, golden in autumn — and its walking trails suit every level, from short woodland loops to longer rambles. If you like your history mixed with nature, this is perfect.
5. Roseberry Topping (North Yorkshire)
Easily one of the most distinctive landmarks in the county, Roseberry Topping rises sharply above the surrounding landscape. The climb to the top is short but steep, rewarding you with panoramic views across the moors and, on a clear day, the coast.
It’s a great choice if you fancy a brisk walk with a spectacular payoff. In summer, wildflowers dot the paths; in winter, the stark beauty of the moorland is equally striking.
6. Nostell (West Yorkshire)
Nostell is an 18th-century mansion set in beautiful parkland, filled with art, craftsmanship, and ornate detail. The interiors are elegant but warm — a testament to the skill of designer Robert Adam and cabinetmaker Thomas Chippendale.
Outside, the lakes, woodland walks, and landscaped gardens invite hours of exploration. It’s family-friendly, with trails and picnic spots, but also full of quiet corners for anyone wanting a more reflective visit. Spring and early summer show the gardens at their best.
7. Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens (North Yorkshire)
Beningbrough Hall combines art, architecture, and horticulture in one elegant package. The Georgian mansion houses a rotating selection of portraits and exhibitions, while the surrounding gardens are a delight: walled gardens bursting with fruit and flowers, long lawns, and views across the River Ouse.
There’s a welcoming, relaxed feel to Beningbrough — it’s the sort of place where you can easily lose an afternoon between the galleries, the gardens, and a leisurely café stop.
8. Wentworth Castle Gardens (South Yorkshire)
Once the grand seat of an ambitious family rivalry, Wentworth Castle Gardens now feel like a serene retreat. The estate is vast, with formal gardens, parkland, woodland walks, and scattered monuments. The views from the higher paths are stunning, especially in late afternoon light.
Because the site is large, even busy days feel spacious. Look out for the Victorian conservatory and the castle folly perched on the hill — both make wonderful photo stops.
9. Goddards House and Garden (York)
Tucked on the edge of York, Goddards offers a more intimate experience. Once the home of the Terry family (of chocolate fame), the house is surrounded by beautifully kept gardens — formal borders, a lily pond, and a greenhouse brimming with seasonal colour.
It’s ideal if you’re visiting York and want a quieter, more personal National Trust visit. The garden is particularly lovely in late summer when it’s full of scent and bees.
10. Ormesby Hall (Near Middlesbrough)
Ormesby Hall is a fine example of a classic Georgian home with a strong sense of place. The interiors reflect the life of a landed family through generations, while the gardens outside are traditional and peaceful.
The hall often hosts small exhibitions and family events, but the best part is simply walking the grounds and enjoying the changing light on the house’s red brick façade.
11. Nunnington Hall (North Yorkshire)
Few places in Yorkshire feel as instantly charming as Nunnington Hall. This manor by the River Rye has centuries of layered history — Tudor, Stuart, Georgian — yet still feels like a lived-in home. Inside, you’ll find panelled rooms, antique furniture, and a quirky collection of miniature rooms that always fascinate visitors.
Outside, the garden is informal and lovely: wildflower meadows, orchards, and paths leading down to the river. It’s one of those houses that feels personal, full of warmth rather than grandeur.
12. East Riddlesden Hall (West Yorkshire)
A 17th-century manor built of sturdy local stone, East Riddlesden Hall has an air of quiet dignity. It’s less imposing than some grander houses, but rich in atmosphere — mullioned windows, oak beams, and stories of the people who lived and worked there.
The gardens are peaceful and beautifully maintained, and there’s a large tithe barn nearby that often hosts events. It’s a great stop for those who appreciate history that feels grounded and local.
13. Treasurer’s House (York)
Right in the heart of York, just behind the Minster, lies the elegant Treasurer’s House. Its history spans centuries, and its interior is a mix of eras carefully stitched together by a passionate collector. The rooms are full of character — ornate furniture, tapestries, and curiosities at every turn.
The garden, though small, is a haven of calm amid the bustle of the city. If you enjoy stories, the guides here are full of them, including a few ghost tales that have become local legend.
14. Yorkshire Dales National Trust Sites
The Trust manages many pockets of land throughout the Dales — stretches of river, woodland, and moorland that together form one of England’s most loved landscapes. Whether you’re walking in Upper Wharfedale, near Malham, or exploring the limestone pavements, you’ll often be crossing National Trust ground.
These areas are perfect for walking, picnicking, or simply breathing in the fresh, open air. Keep an eye out for traditional dry-stone walls, wildflowers, and the sound of curlews echoing across the hills.
15. The Yorkshire Coast
The National Trust also cares for parts of the Yorkshire coastline, including stretches of dramatic cliffs, bays, and headlands. Walks here bring sea air, seabirds, and some of the county’s most exhilarating views.
It’s worth planning a coastal day — perhaps walking between Robin Hood’s Bay and Whitby or exploring smaller coves where fossils hide in the rocks. On a fine day, few things beat the combination of sea breeze and open space.
Honorable Mentions
- The Gardens and Orchards at Nunnington Hall: A haven for wildlife, pollinators, and those who appreciate more natural planting styles.
- Treasurer’s House in Winter: The Christmas decorations transform it into something magical.
- Wentworth Castle Gardens in Early Morning: Mist over the parkland gives it an almost otherworldly atmosphere.
Tips for Visiting Yorkshire’s National Trust Sites
- Plan your timing. Many houses close or reduce hours in winter, so check before travelling. Gardens, on the other hand, can be wonderful in early spring or autumn when they’re quieter.
- Bring good shoes. Moorland paths like those at Brimham Rocks or Hardcastle Crags can get muddy after rain.
- Combine sites. Yorkshire is large, but some attractions sit conveniently close together — Fountains Abbey and Rievaulx Terrace, or Nunnington Hall and Beningbrough Hall, make ideal pairings.
- Consider the weather. The moors and coast are spectacular in sun but wild in wind — check forecasts before long hikes.
- Pack for the day. Many sites have excellent cafés, but picnics are part of the fun, especially in the parklands.
Suggested Itineraries
- A Weekend of Ruins and Gardens: Base yourself near Ripon and visit Fountains Abbey, Studley Royal, and Rievaulx Terrace, then drive through the Dales.
- A City and Country Combo: Stay in York, tour the Treasurer’s House and Goddards, then take a short trip to Nunnington or Beningbrough.
- Family-Friendly Day Out: Try East Riddlesden Hall or Hardcastle Crags — both offer safe, open spaces and plenty of things for children to explore.
Personal Favourites
If pressed to choose, I’d return again and again to these:
- Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal – sheer history, beauty, and atmosphere.
- Brimham Rocks – wild, untamed fun, and endlessly photogenic.
- Nunnington Hall – personal, intimate, and utterly charming.
- Treasurer’s House – a hidden gem in the middle of a busy city.
Yorkshire’s National Trust sites capture the essence of what makes this county so beloved — its mix of grandeur and simplicity, of human stories set against big, open landscapes. Whether you’re an art lover, a walker, a family adventurer, or simply someone who enjoys a peaceful garden, or even a blogger looking for some great photo opportunities, there’s a place here that will feel like your own discovery.
Take your time, wander slowly, and let Yorkshire’s beauty unfold — one National Trust gate at a time.
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