The Top 6 Castles around Ampleforth

Great history

Duncombe Park is a 300-acre (120-hectare) country estate and one of Yorkshire’s finest historic homes. It is the current home of the Duncombe family, or Baron Feversham. The estate sits in a beautiful setting above the meandering River Rye and is noted for its woodland walks and wildlife. It has been designated a National Nature Reserve due to the rare insects and fungi that thrive in the ancient woodlands. The trails in the park itself are open to the public seven days a week, and tickets can be bought from the Birds of Prey Centre for a nominal fee of £1 at the time of writing. The house itself, however, is closed to the public but does host public events such as weddings.

If you are an English Heritage member, admission is free!!

Helmsley is a market town and civil parish in North Yorkshire, England. Historically part of the North Riding of Yorkshire.

Helmsley Castle is a medieval castle situated in the market town of Helmsley, within the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire,

A quaint market town with interesting monuments and great shops and places to eat.

The charming town of Helmsley is nestled in the heart of the picturesque North Yorkshire Moors. Helmsley offers plenty to do and see. You could visit the imposing Helmsley Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress that offers a glimpse into the town's past, wander through the vibrant Helmsley Walled Garden, or take a leisurely stroll through the bustling streets.

Helmsley Castle is a medieval castle situated in the market town of Helmsley. It is positioned on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Rye. Featuring double ditches surrounding a rectangular inner bailey, the castle bears little resemblance to the motte and bailey castles built at the time.

Slingsby Castle was never actually a castle, but a home built in 1620s for Sir Charles Cavendish. It is still quite impressive (particularly in the right light!). It is now a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled Monument. You will have to admire it from afar, though, as it is not open to the public.

Slingsby Castle was never actually a castle, but a home built in 1620s for Sir Charles Cavendish. It is still quite impressive (particularly in the right light!). It is now a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled Monument. You will have to admire it from afar, though, as it is not open to the public.

The castle has stood on this site for over 900 years. During this time, it's been a medieval fortress, luxury Tudor manor house, an English civil war stronghold and a romantic Victorian ruin. Now managed by English Heritage it's paid entry for non-members and open Fri to Sun 10:00 - 16:00.

The overgrown and ruined Slingsby Castle is a Jacobean mansion house built in the 17th century. It is thought that the castle was never completed or inhabited due to the English Civil War. Sadly, due to its state of disrepair, Slingsby Castle is not open to the public but there is a good view from the road here.

Crayke is a small village with a great vantage point over the Vale Of York. Climbing up here beings great views to the south and it a little taster of the Howardian Hills to the north and east. Crake has its own castle which is a grade I listed building. It is privately owned and on the site of a Norman Motte and Bailey Castle. It is believed there has been a fortress on this high position since the Roman times. Crayke Castle is not the only interesting building though, this small village has 28 grade II listed buildings. The local pub, the Durham Ox is 300 years old and is beautiful inside with flagstone floors and ornately carved oak panelling.

Historical site that was first erected in the 12th Century and has been added to over the years. Besieged and destroyed during the English Civil War, the site has loads of history.

Lovely part of the world. Well to do with expensive shops etc.

There is a charge for entry!

If you're in the picturesque market town of Helmsley, it's well worth a visit to this historic castle. Boasting more than 900 years of history, you can learn how the castle has evolved from a mighty medieval fortress to a luxurious Tudor mansion, to a Civil War stronghold and a romantic Victorian ruin. As you saunter through the ruins, it's amazing to imagine all the people who have trodden in your exact footsteps throughout the centuries. There is ample parking nearby in the town and at the castle. The castle is run by English Heritage and you have to pay to enter.

Lovely little Town, with lots of quaint shops to browse round, if you have time. There is wide range of places to eat, ranging from Cafes to Pubs & Hotels. Duncombe Park and Castle are also well worth a visit. The entrance to Duncombe Park is in Helmsley itself along Castlegate.