The north of England was historically disputed territory and so many noble families built fortresses to protect themselves from Scottish border raids and to defend their lands.
Many of these castles are open-year round and all offer the chance to discover what life was like in previous centuries. These castles were once family homes and standing on a castle’s ramparts, it is possible to survey stunning countryside which has changed little over the years.
Skipton Castle, North Yorkshire
Skipton Castle is one of the most complete and best preserved medieval castles in the country. The castle is fully roofed, giving the visitor a good idea of what it would have been like to live here.
Historic features include a dungeon, watch tower, chapel and Conduit Court. Visitors receive a tour sheet to ensure that none of the castle’s features are overlooked. There are far-reaching views from the castle towers across the town of Skipton to the Yorkshire Dales beyond.
Details: Skipton Castle, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1AW, tel: 01756 792442
Open all year
Ripley Castle, North Yorkshire
Ripley Castle has been the home of the Ingilby family for almost seven hundred years. The Ingilbys were Catholics during the time that Catholicism was illegal in England. The castle has many features relating to this period, including a secret priest hole.
Visitors are shown around the castle by a guide and there are specially adapted tours for children. Displays include sixteenth century books and civil war armour.
Details: Ripley Castle, Ripley, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 3AY, tel: 01423 770152
Open All year (weekends only December, January and February)
Bolton Castle, North Yorkshire
A traditional medieval castle in beautiful countryside which can have changed little since the Middle Ages. The castle is more than six hundred years old and was once the prison of Mary Queen of Scots.
The castle also features a medieval garden which is planted with herbs, roses and vines. There is an outdoor maze and the castle rooms are set out as they would have been when the castle was lived in.
Details: Bolton Castle, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4ET, tel: 01969 623981
Open March - October
Richmond Castle, North Yorkshire
One of the UK’s oldest castles, Richmond Castle was constructed in 1071 on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Swale. It was created as a defence shortly after the Norman Conquest and features a majestic 30 metre-high keep.
The town of Richmond developed around the outskirts of the castle and markets are still held in the town square.
Details:Richmond Castle, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4QW, tel: 01748 822493
Open all year
Pickering Castle, North Yorkshire
An ancient earthwork castle which was restored in the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Although much of the castle is in ruins, there is an exhibition in the chapel and information signs which explain the various castle features.
Details:Pickering Castle, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AX, tel: 01751 474989
Open 21 March – 31 October
Helmsley Castle, North Yorkshire
A twelfth century castle which endured a siege during the Civil War. The castle is an impressive site, surrounded by deep earthworks and ditches. The castle has recently been made-over, with a new visitor centre and audio tour.
Details:Helmsley Castle, Helmsley, North Yorkshire YO62 5AB, tel: 01439 770442
Open all year
Resources
The official Yorkshire Tourist Board website has information about all of these properties as well as advice on travel and accommodation in the county. The website lists local tourist information centres which can give more detailed visitor information.
Else, Attwooll, Beech, Berry, Dunford, Symington Lonely Planet Great Britain [Lonely Planet, 2007]
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