Heritage attractions, museums and galleries

Abbeys, historic houses, a famous railway and absorbing heritage attractions - enjoy history the fun way in Ryedale

Beck Isle Museum of Rural Life

Beck Isle Museum of Rural Life in Pickering let's you look into rural life as it was. Featuring period business displays including the shops of a barber, blacksmith, chemist, cobbler, cooper, printer, gentleman's draper, dairy and hardware store.

Visit Beck Isle Museum

Byland Abbey

Once one of the greatest monasteries in England, Byland Abbey is an outstanding example of gothic architecture. The perfect place to stop on a family day out, or if you're walking or cycling in the North York Moors National Park.

Visit Byland Abbey

Castle Howard

The stunning 18th century historic house of Castle Howard is one of the largest country houses in England and is set in acres of stunning grounds. It really is a full day out for the whole family, with 145 rooms to explore, boat trips on its own Great Lake, a fantastic gift shop and courtyard café and a great lakeside adventure playground.

Visit Castle Howard

Duncombe Park

Duncombe Park is one of Yorkshire’s finest historic houses and estates, and home to the Duncombe family. Located in Helmsley, the estate boasts over 450 acres of spectacular gardens, parklands and nature reserve.

Visit Duncombe Park

Eden Camp Modern History Museum

Set in the buildings and grounds of an original World War 2 Prisoner of War Camp. a visit to Eden Camp will transport you back to experience the sights, sounds and smells of wartime Britain.

Visit Eden Camp

Gillies Jones Glass

Stephen Gillies and Kate Jones make exceptional contemporary blown glass at their Rosedale Abbey workshops, and their work can be found in both public and private collections locally, nationally and internationally. Visit the gallery space.

Visit Gillies Jones

Helmsley Castle

Discover how life on this site has evolved over 900 years at this English Heritage site.

Helmsley Castle

Kirkham Priory

Beautifully placed between the city of York and the town of Malton , the riverside ruins of Kirkham Priory are set in the beautiful Derwent valley near the Yorkshire Wolds. Learn about the secret visit of Winston Churchill during the Second World War and unlock the connection between Helmsley Castle and the priory.

Visit Kirkham Priory

Malton Museum

A must-see for the nationally important archaeological collection. As well as renowned Roman artefacts, the museum has an excellent social history collection reflecting the local area. Special events and activities throughout the year.

Malton Museum

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is the UK's most popular and largest preserved heritage railway. It stretches for 18 miles through the heart of the North York Moors National Park, from Pickering via Levisham, Newton Dale and Goathland to Grosmont, with a further 6 mile extension over Network Rail’s Esk Valley line to Whitby and occasionally Battersby. Book your place on the Pullman Dining Car, enjoy one of the railway's many seasonal special experiences, or just sit back and enjoy the stunning countryside.

Visit North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Nunnington Galleries

Nunnington Galleries shows the work of a carefully selected group of contemporary artists working in a range of media to convey their love of the North Yorkshire landscape and its wildlife.

Visit Nunnington Galleries

Nunnington Hall

Run by the National Trust, Nunnington Hall is a picturesque Yorkshire manor house with an organic garden and a changing programme of interesting exhibitions.

Visit Nunnington Hall

Pickering Castle

Visit the remains of this splendid 13th century castle which has been used as a royal hunting lodge, holiday home and a stud farm by a succession of medieval kings.

Pickering Castle

Rievaulx Abbey

Set in a tranquil valley are the impressive ruins of Rievaulx Abbey - one of England's most powerful Cistercian monasteries. Wander the ruins, learn Rievaulx's fascinating history at the visitor centre, and finish with a visit to the onsite tea room.

Visit Rievaulx

Robert Fuller Gallery

Based near the village of Thixendale, this selling gallery features original art paintings, sculptures, limited edition prints, greetings cards and giftware featuring the wildlife images that are Robert's trademark.

Visit the Robert Fuller Gallery

Ryedale Folk Museum

Beautiful open-air museum covering a five acre site. Wander the buildings and drift back in time through a collection that spans 2,000 years of history form the Iron Age to the 1950s.

Visit Ryedale Folk Museum

Ryedale Open Studios

Ryedale Open Studios celebrates the creativity and artistic talent in Ryedale. Artists, makers and creators across Ryedale open their doors for two weekends offering an exclusive glimpse into their workplaces, and the opportunity to buy art works directly.

Visit Ryedale Open Studios

Saltbox Gallery

Helmsley gallery showcasing an ever-changing collection of fine craft and contemporary art designed and made by British artists.

Visit Saltbox Gallery

The Gallery

Located in bustling Malton, The Gallery has a changing programme of exhibitions featuring local artists and is a great place to buy local handmade work.

Visit The Gallery

The Woodhams Stone Collection

Hone your interest in local, family or social history with a visit to the Malton and Norton Heritage Centre, which features the Woodhams Stone Collection - 1000s of objects including local postcards and social history items.