In the vast countryside that Yorkshire is proud of, many stately homes reside and have done so for centuries. And because our Holmfirth estate agents team is so fond of their architectural brilliance, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourites.
Plus, let’s face it, who knows more about houses than an estate agent?
Burton Agnes Hall – Driffield, East Yorkshire
Entrance fee (for the Hall and Gardens) – Adult £13, Child (4-15) £8.
Burton Agnes Hall’s history dates all the way back to 1173, when the original Manor House was built by Roger de Stuteville – and the property has remained in the family ever since. The more recent addition of Burton Agnes Hall was built between 1601-10, with the architect being the Master Mason to Queen Elizabeth I, Robert Smithson.
With links to Henry VIII and James IV, the Hall is a must see for any history buff.
Temple Newsam – Leeds, West Yorkshire
Entrance fee – Adult £8, Child (5-16) £3.50.
With the history of Temple Newsam spanning 500 years and 1500 acres, it comes as no surprise that the house holds on to a rich history – most notably being that it was the birthplace of Lord Darnley, the husband of Mary Queen of Scots. More recently, several rooms of the house were used in the BBC drama, Gentleman Jack, due to its Georgian furniture and prestigious decorations.
There are so many things to do – including visiting the farm animals, taking a walk around one of the many lakes that can be seen from the house, or checking out the main attraction that is the house itself. A great day out for everyone!
Harewood House – Leeds, West Yorkshire
Entrance fee – Adult £13.50-£17.50, Child £7.50-£9.50.
Boasting the House itself, as well as 120 acres of Gardens and Parklands, there is much to see and do at Harewood House.
With a farm, vast gardens and grounds that contain plants from across the globe, a bird garden with over 40 species of birds, as well as a collection of original paintings, furniture and ceramics, there’s something for everyone to see!
Castle Howard – York, North Yorkshire
Entry fee – Adult £19-£25, Child £9.50-£12.50 (for non-members).
Castle Howard is an iconic collection of British stately homes, and is also the backdrop in many films and television shows – such as the series Brideshead Revisited (1981) and its 2008 film counterpart, as well as the Netflix phenomenon, Bridgerton (2020).
Hosting exhibitions and showcasing its own archives of diaries, correspondence, and other documents of the inhabitants of Castle Howard, there is much to see within its walls.
The grounds and gardens are no different – with statues and mausoleums, woodlands and lakes, there would be plenty to keep one occupied on fine day.
Kiplin Hall and Gardens – Richmond, North Yorkshire
Entry fee – Adult £11, Child (5-15yrs) £5.50, Concessions/Student Day £9.90.
Kiplin Hallwas built in the early 1620s Jacobean era by the Secretary of State to King James I, George Calvert – who was also the founder of the state of Maryland, USA.
Originally a hunting lodge, the Hall has since been a home for four families over the past four centuries, with views of the vast gardens that surround.
Take a light stroll, sip some afternoon tea with seasonal foods, and immerse yourself in the treasures and stories waiting to be told.
There are so many places around Yorkshire just waiting for you to explore – whether that’s stately homes, cities, or local walks, there’s something for all.
And if this gets you into the mood for house-hunting, why not check out Holmfirth estate agent Applegate’s website? Or get in touch with us and our team will be more than happy to help you.
