A selection of some of the county's glorious stately homes nestled in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
1. Markenfield Hall Ripon
A family home that has remained largely untouched, one of a handful of moated medieval manor houses that could still be recognised by their original owners.
The hall’s fortunes were entwined with those of nearby Fountains Abbey prior to the Reformation and acted as one of the most important centres of the Rising of the North in 1569.
The act of treason by Sir Thomas Markenfield saw the estate confiscated. It slumbered on in relative obscurity until 1761 when it was purchased by Sir Fletcher Norton – later to become Lord Grantley, First Baron of Markenfield – a title still held by the family to this day.
2. Bramham Park Wetherby
Bramham Park was built in 1698 and its famous landscape laid out over the following 30 years by Robert Benson, First Lord Bingley.
After 300 years, which include the South Sea Bubble, the untimely death of the heir, dissipation by illegitimate children, crippling gambling debts, devastating fire, ravages of two World Wars and death duties, the same family still lives at Bramham and cares for its heritage.
3. Burton Agnes Hall near Bridlington
Built between 1598 and 1610 by Sir Henry Griffith, Burton Agnes Hall is an Elizabethan stately home that has stayed within the family for more than 400 years.
Simon Cunliffe-Lister now lives there with his family, hosting a jazz festival each year.
Some 15 generations have filled the hall with treasures from magnificent carvings commissioned when it was built to French Impressionist paintings, contemporary furniture, tapestries and other modern artwork in recent years.
The ghost of Katherine (Anne) Griffith, who died at Burton Agnes Hall in 1620, is reputed to haunt the Queen’s State Bedroom.
Anne was the youngest of three sisters. While out on a carriage ride, she was attacked and robbed by ruffians. Brought home, Anne was so badly hurt she died a few days later.
4. Castle Howard near Malton
Castle Howard is arguably one of the most recognised stately homes in Yorkshire, having featured in several versions of film and TV adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited.
Built during the 1700, it contains both Baroque and Palladium architecture, beautiful rooms including Grand Hall with its painted domed ceiling.
The house is set in magnificent grounds in the Howardian Hills with many of the restored rooms, open to the public, styled to look as they would have done in Castle Howard’s heyday.
5. Scampston Hall near Scarborough
The 17th century Scampston Hall is a wonderful example of a Regency country house.
It is first and foremost a family home, although you can arrange a tour. The house has many fine works of art, furniture and porcelain to discover, the venue often used as a wedding venue and setting for corporate events.
6. Duncombe Park near Helmsley
A historic house set in 450 acres. The land comprises gardens, 300 acres of parkland and nature reserve so there’s plenty to see and do on a visit.
It is the seat of the Duncombe family, whose senior members assumed the title Earl and Countess of Feversham until 1963. Events throughout the year include steam, country and antique fairs. The park is also home to the National Centre for Birds of Prey.