Top 20 Castles in Yorkshire And The Humber
Best castles in Yorkshire And The Humber are found across a diverse landscape, from the North York Moors to the Wensleydale valley and coastal headlands. The region's history is reflected in its numerous fortifications, offering insights into medieval life and strategic importance. These structures are often situated amidst varied natural scenery, including rolling hills, river valleys, and dramatic coastlines. Yorkshire And The Humber provides a rich historical and geographical context for exploring these ancient sites.
Best castles in Yorkshire And The Humber
- The most popular castles is Bolton Castle, a castle that is a magnificent 14th-century quadrangular castle. It is known for having held Mary, Queen of Scots captive for 6 months.
- Another must-see spot is Spofforth Castle Ruins, a castle. Visitors can explore the remains of this small fortified manor house, which was once the primary residence of the powerful Percy family.
- Visitors also love Mulgrave Castle Ruins, a castle. These romantic ruins have a history dating back to around 1214 and have served various purposes, including a prison and a hunting lodge.
- Yorkshire And The Humber is known for medieval fortresses, Norman strongholds, and fortified manor houses. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from well-preserved structures to atmospheric ruins.
- The castles in Yorkshire And The Humber are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 160 upvotes and over 120 photos shared across more than 60 highlights.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
Bolton Castle
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Clifford's Tower
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Spofforth Castle Ruins
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Middleham Castle
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Helmsley — Market Town
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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.
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Historic Centre of York
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Castle Howard Obelisk
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Helmsley Castle
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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.
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Mulgrave Castle Ruins
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It served as a prison for the unhappy captives of the de Mauley's master, King John, and as a base for widespread poaching, cattle raiding, and worse. The last Peter de Mauley left the Castle to his wife, Matilda; it was said at the time to be worth nothing. Lord Sheffield, in about 1600, converted the neglected buildings into a hunting-lodge which, over forty years later, he was called upon to re-fortifiy against a Royalist force. The Castle was besieged twice during the Civil War and then blown up.
In 1743 the Mulgrave Estate was inherited by the Phipps familiy and in 1792 the Castle and the sourrounding woodland were viewed by the landscape architect Humphrey Repton. At his suggestion the ruins were romanticised by the Earl of Mulgrave. In order to halt the steady disappearance of the Castle, a programme of repair and consolidation was begun in 1995 and finished in 1999.
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Richmond Market Town and Castle
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Boasting a fine example of a Norman castle, Georgian architecture, a traditional cobbled market place, the beautiful River Swale, and with plenty of museums, cafes, and restaurants, there is plenty for you to explore here.
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Popular around Yorkshire And The Humber
Adventures with a Purpose – our A-TEAMers’ best routes
Second City Divide — Rough Stuff Of The North
Peak District National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Yorkshire Dales National Park – A Walk in the Parks
North York Moors National Park – A Walk in the Parks
Ebor Way – Discover Yorkshire's scenic splendour
Sheffield Country Walk – A varied hike around the Steel City
A Dales High Way – Hiking in winter
GB Divide — Great Britain end to end off-road on GBDURO
Viking Way — A historic hike in the footsteps of Norse invaders
Other adventures in Yorkshire And The Humber
Tips from the Community
The A170 is a busy road so if cycling try to minimise the distance you have to ride along it
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Welcome to the most popular city in the UK in 2025 (if you believe YouGov polls... https://yougov.co.uk/ratings/travel/popularity/cities/all). Staggering amount of fascinating history and Wikipedia does a decent job of making it accessible, or you can go really deep into something like the five-volume "An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in City of York": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_York https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eboracum https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scandinavian_York https://www.british-history.ac.uk/rchme/york/vol1
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Great place to stop for a break when out cycling. Richmond market place has plenty of cafes and pubs, for bite to eat and a refreshing drink.
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I started the walk from the church in ugthorp. The route goes through muddy farm fields eventually entering a wood.
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Great castle/palace also wilde boar in roaming free behind it
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical events are associated with castles in Yorkshire and The Humber?
The region's castles have witnessed significant historical events. Bolton Castle famously held Mary, Queen of Scots captive for six months. Spofforth Castle Ruins is said to be where insurgent barons met to draft the Magna Carta in 1215. Richmond Castle served as a strategic stronghold and a prison during World War I, while Scarborough Castle has a history dating back to Roman times and played a role in medieval warfare and the Civil War.
Which castles are particularly well-preserved or offer extensive remains to explore?
Bolton Castle is a remarkably well-preserved 14th-century fortress where you can explore its Great Hall and climb battlements. Helmsley Castle, an English Heritage site, features double earthworks and an impressive stone keep. Middleham Castle, the childhood home of King Richard III, boasts one of the largest castle keeps in the North of England.
Are there castles with unique architectural features in the region?
Yes, several castles stand out for their architecture. Conisbrough Castle in South Yorkshire features a distinctive 12th-century cylindrical keep. Clifford's Tower in York is the stone remains of what was once a wooden keep built by William the Conqueror. Pickering Castle is a well-preserved motte and bailey castle with 13th-century remains.
Which castles are best for a family day out?
Many castles in Yorkshire and The Humber are family-friendly. Bolton Castle offers bird of prey displays and archery demonstrations, along with a maze and gardens. Scarborough Castle has 16 acres of grounds perfect for picnics and walks. Helmsley Castle provides a museum with hands-on exhibits and free audio tours, making it engaging for all ages.
Do any castles offer special events or demonstrations?
Bolton Castle is known for its engaging bird of prey displays and archery demonstrations, providing an interactive experience for visitors.
Can I find walking or cycling routes near these castles?
Yes, the region offers numerous outdoor activities near its castles. You can find various cycling routes, including gravel biking and mountain biking trails. For example, there are routes like the 'East Bolton Moor loop from Fremington' near Bolton Castle, or the 'Rievaulx Raider' gravel route near Helmsley. Explore more options on the Gravel biking in Yorkshire And The Humber, Cycling in Yorkshire And The Humber, and MTB Trails in Yorkshire And The Humber guide pages.
Are there castles located in scenic natural settings?
Absolutely. Bolton Castle is nestled in the picturesque Wensleydale. Richmond Castle is perched above the River Swale, offering beautiful views. Scarborough Castle boasts a stunning location high on a rugged headland overlooking both the North and South Bays of Scarborough. Helmsley Castle is situated in the heart of the North York Moors.
What is the best time of year to visit castles in Yorkshire and The Humber?
The best time to visit is generally from spring to autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder and gardens are in bloom. Many castles, like Bolton Castle, are open from April until November. Summer offers the longest daylight hours for exploration, while spring and autumn provide beautiful scenery with fewer crowds.
Are there any dog-friendly castles or grounds in the region?
While specific dog policies vary, many castles in Yorkshire and The Humber allow dogs in their grounds or designated areas. It's always recommended to check the individual castle's website before visiting, but places like Scarborough Castle with its extensive grounds are often suitable for walks with dogs.
Which castles have notable gardens or outdoor spaces?
Bolton Castle features a medieval garden, herb garden, vineyard, rose gardens, and a maze. Ripley Castle, while more of a fortified stately home, is renowned for its gorgeous grounds and gardens, which are open year-round. Scarborough Castle offers 16 acres of grounds perfect for walks and picnics.
Are there any lesser-known or hidden gem castles worth visiting?
Beyond the major sites, Spofforth Castle Ruins offers a glimpse into the primary residence of the powerful Percy family. Mulgrave Castle Ruins are romantic ruins with a history dating back to 1214, set in beautiful woodlands. Pickering Castle, at the gateway to the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, is another well-preserved motte and bailey castle.
What kind of facilities can I expect near these castles, such as cafes or pubs?
Many castles are located near or within charming towns and villages that offer visitor amenities. For instance, Helmsley Castle is in the market town of Helmsley, which has cafes, pubs, and accommodation. Richmond Castle is in the picturesque town of Richmond, known for its cobbled market place, cafes, and restaurants.
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