Visit Yorkshire's Historic Sites

Yorkshire is the largest historic county in both England and the United Kingdom. In light of this we thought that it was time that we celebrated the monuments of its history. Whether occupied castles or simply ruins the historic sites have stories to tell all who visit Yorkshire.

Marmion Tower Gatehouse, West Tanfield, North Yorkshire.

Marmion Tower

The 15th-century gatehouse remains, even though the riverside manor house is nowhere to be seen, having vanished completely. Based in West Tanfield it is just down the road from our Cedar retreats: it is certainly the closest of them all, if not the fairest of them all.  

Things to see and do: In the gatehouse there remains a beautiful oriel window; why not capture a medieval moment on camera in this unique photo opportunity! 

The famous oriel window at Marmion Tower

As for the legacy of the estate, the monuments of the manor's Marmion family owners grace the adjacent church. All-in-all Marmion Tower is a great place to visit, just down the road from the retreats - perfect for an afternoon walk.

Middleham Castle

Middleham Castle, home of Richard III, Yorkshire.

We are firm believers that no day out in the Yorkshire Dales would be complete without a visit to Middleham Castle.  It is maintained by English Heritage and it really is a spectacular sight. In fact, Middleham Castle’s past is just as awesome: once home to the young Richard III, who grew up here as a child.

Richard III

Middleham Castle today...

Although roofless, extensive remains of the fortified palace still survive, making Middleham a fascinating castle to explore. Why not relive the Castle’s illustrious history and unlock the deeds of its past occupants?

Snape Castle

Snape Castle, Snape Village, North Yorkshire.

Located in the large North Yorkshire village of Snape stands the imposing Snape Castle. It was built between 1420-1450 and today it is a fascinating historic building. Its famous occupants include the widowed Duchess of York and mother of Richard III, as well as Richard's wife, Queen Anne. Catherine Parr also lived here for ten years before becoming Henry VIII's sixth wife in 1543.

The Grade I Listed castle enjoys a prominent south-facing position on the edge of the village of Snape, some two miles west of the popular and well serviced town of Bedale and … miles from West … .

Ripley Castle

The relaxing grounds of Ripley Castle.

This castle has been at the centre of drama, throughout time, although is a harmonious attraction now that James I isn't being plotted against, the Gunpowder Plot conspirators are not in residence and Oliver Cromwell isn't kept prisoner in the castle. Yes. these are facts:

• James I stayed at the castle in 1603
• By 1605 the Ingilbys were plotting to kill him
• Nine of the eleven (known) conspirators of the Gunpowder Plot were close relations or associates of the Ingilby Family.
• Jane Ingilby held Oliver Cromwell prisoner overnight in the castle after the Battle of Marston Moor.
• Sir John Ingilby rebuilt the castle but lost his wife.

Thankfully his son, a notably colourful eccentric, rebuilt Ripley and endowed it with a huge Hotel de Ville.

Children enjoying the grounds at Ripley Castle, recently.

Ripley in recent years.

In 2009 the Ingilby family celebrated 700 years at Ripley Castle. I am sure that you will agree: for any family to occupy the same house for 700 years is truly remarkable. Every letter, deed and documents has survived - giving a unique record of the family's history, births, marriages and deaths, their trials and their tribulations, during the course of the last seven centuries. It helps to give some indication how the family survived, despite plagues, civil wars, attempts at regicide, religious and political conspiracies, broken marriages, inept heirs and multiple periods of economic hardship!

We especially love the deer park at Ripley Castle!

The castle and gardens are open to the public throughout the year.

Ripley host hourly tours (from 11 am to 3 pm) every Saturday and Sunday*

*from April to October. 

As we have shown, your Cedar Retreat can be as dramatic or as restful as you wish with centuries of history on your doorstep!