Located in the heart of North Yorkshire, our holiday parks provide the perfect base for those looking to explore this stunning county. Among the many treasures it has to offer, it is home to a number of impressive historic houses and gardens, which open their doors and allow visitors to admire their beauty and delve into the rich history of the area. We have put together our pick of North Yorkshire’s best stately homes – which just so happen to be on our doorstep!
Castle Howard Near York
Castle Howard is one of the finest historic houses in Britain, located just outside York in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Built over 300 years ago by Sir John Vanbrugh, today it remains home to the Howard family. The house has something to offer visitors of all ages, including beautiful architecture, interiors and world-renowned collections.
Castle Howard’s 1,000 acres of parkland are a mixture of sweeping vistas, lakeside terraces, woodlands, temples and statues and formal gardens. Children will love the lakeside adventure playground and can run wild in the gardens. Remember to leave time to browse the shops and cafes, including farm shop, gift shop and garden centre.
A number of events are also held throughout the year, including the famous proms in summer.
Newby Hall Near Ripon
Newby Hall, the family home of Mr and Mrs Richard Compton, is an exceptional example of 18th century interior decoration.
Built in the 1690s in the style of Sir Christopher Wren, the house was later enlarged and adapted by John Carr and subsequently Robert Adam.
Visitors to Newby Hall can enjoy the 25 acres of award-winning gardens full of rare and beautiful plants. There are numerous compartmented gardens, such as the rose and autumn gardens and the water garden.
Newby Hall boasts a huge children’s adventure garden with a moated fort and water play features, as well as a miniature railway to ride and a woodland discovery walk. It is also home to a huge teddy bear collection and dollshouse exhibition.
Nunnington Hall Near Helmsley
The sheltered walled garden, with spring-flowering organic meadow, orchards and colourful peacocks, complements this beautiful former family home, which is situated on the quiet banks of the River Rye.
Visitors can explore period rooms while hearing the hall’s many tales, and then discover one of the world’s finest collections of miniature rooms in the attic. The hall also holds a series of art and photography exhibitions during the year.
Nunnington Hall, a National Trust property, has a licensed tea-room, but there are also plenty of spots for picnics, as well as a tea garden.
The hall’s events programme, which runs throughout the year, also includes family activities, food events and concerts.
Scampston Hall and Walled Garden Malton
Scampston Hall, with its opulent regency interior and impressive collection of art and antiques, opens for tours in the early summer.
The regency country house was recognised as the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year in the White Rose Awards 2017 and was a winner of a Yorkshire in Bloom Gold Award in 2018.
Visitors can admire striking contemporary planting, complete with dramatic grasses and unusual shrubs within the numerous garden rooms. The ‘Capability’ Brown parkland provides beautiful walks and glorious views out to the rising Wolds. A nature trail is also available for young children.
In the Walled Garden a welcoming café serving delicious cream teas and lunches can be found.
Kiplin Hall Richmond
Kiplin Hall was built in the early 1620s for George Calvert, Secretary of State to James I and founder of Maryland, USA.
In the 20th century, the once beautiful gardens were in decline but these ‘lost’ gardens are now being sensitively restored, gradually re-emerging to their former glory.
Visitors can explore this fascinating Jacobean family home and its fabulous grounds, with changing exhibitions, beautiful walks and a busy calendar of events and activities.
Enjoy 90 acres of woodland, gardens and parkland and the fabulous views across the lake to the Yorkshire Dales. Seasonal fruit and vegetables are used in the tea room and are on sale to visitors. A small garden museum tells the history of the gardens, and a collection of horticultural equipment is on display.
For children there is everything from a play ship to a bog garden, pond dipping to giant garden games, trails and fun in the families’ activity room.
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