ALDBOROUGH ROMAN MUSEUM
There is a well preserved tessellated pavement at these remains of the Roman settlement. Owned by English Heritage. Open daily Apr-Oct.
Aldborough, Nr Boroughbridge (01423) 322768

ALLERTON CASTLE
The most important Gothic Revival stately home in England. Ancestral home of Lords Mowbray (1283), Segrave (1283) and Stourton (1448), the premier baron of England. Owned in 18th century by Prince Frederick, Duke of York, brother to King George IV. How the other half live! Open Easter Sunday to end of September - Sunday and Bank Holiday Mondays, 1pm-6pm.
Nr Knaresborough (01423) 330927

COURTHOUSE MUSEUM
The former Ripon Liberty Courthouse, standing on the site of it's medieval predecessor.  See the courtroom used in the popular TV series 'Heartbeat'.  Stand in the docks where prisoners were sent to transportation to Australia, now it costs you a few grand to get there!.  Open Apr-Oct.
Minster Road, Ripon (01765) 690799

FOUNTAINS ABBEY
Designated a World Heritage Site. Founded by Cistercian monks in 1132, it is the largest monastic ruin in Britain. Set in 800 acres of picturesque grounds and gardens. Lakes, ponds, temples, bridges, cascades, new extensive visitor centre, the lot. Throughout the year many special events are staged. Open daily (closed Dec 24, 25, Fri in Jan, Nov, Dec).
Nr Ripon(01765) 608888
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JERVAULX ABBEY
The walls are a bit crumby (what's left of them) but this ancient Cistercian monastery, heavily clad in their diverse vegetation, present one of the most romantic images of a former splendour and seclusion enjoyed by the white monks, bet they had some right knees up in their day! Building on this site began in the mid-12th century (builders eh! say they are coming round but never do) and much of what remains today has miraculously survived from this period. Jervaulx suffered more heavily than other Yorkshire abbeys at the Dissolution because the last abbot was involved in the Pilgrimage of Grace. After a campaign of savage and thorough destruction, completely obliterating the abbey church, it is incredible to see such substantial sections of the monks' dorter and the infirmary still standing. Although the ground plan of the church can be identified, there are only fragments of the original walls visible. However, the real beauty of the church now takes the form of a profusion of wild flowers decorating the ancient stones, and providing a colourful carpet across the nave.
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KNARESBOROUGH CASTLE
14th-century remains situated high above the River Nidd with picturesque views of the town and river, not much left of the Castle though. Tours include the unique underground Sallyport, access to the Keep and the Courthouse Museum which tells the history of the town and houses a rare Tudor Courtroom. Open Easter Bank Holiday - Sept. Daily 10.30-5pm.
(01423) 556188

LOTHERTON HALL
Lotherton was the home of the Gascoigne family (no relation to Paul, I think!), who created a charming home in the days before the first World War. Given to Leeds City Council in 1968 (ta very much), the house boasts fine furniture and painting with collections of ceramics and superb displays of costume. The Costume Gallery regularly hosts exhibitions on fashion related topics whilst the Nightingale Gallery is the venue for regular exhibitions by local artists. The gardens are being replanted with old varieties to recreate the original Edwardian garden. Lotherton Bird Garden contains one the finest collections of species, many of them rare or endangered. The grounds also contain a number of Red Deer (so watch your step - know what I mean!).
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MARSTON MOOR
Cant miss it, big green thing. Site of the last great battle of the Civil War in 1644. On the roadside an obelisk commemorates the conflict between the Royalists and the Parliamentary troops, this is where the Roundheads kicked some ass.

NIDDERDALE MUSEUM
Collection of exhibits illustrating the life of Dalesfolk, glad I was born now. National Heritage of the Year Award in 1990. Open daily Easter-Oct and weekends in Winter months, 2-5pm. Admission charge.
Pateley Bridge (01423) 711225

PRISON AND POLICE MUSEUM
Built as a House of Correction in 1686. This former Victorian prison, with cells converted to museum use, traces crime, punishment and law enforcement since the 10th century, using local exhibits where possible. The ground floor displays and artifacts cover the development of police forces in England, and the 9 cells on the first floor describe punishment and conditions in English prisons, some say we should bring them back, but they probably want a free trip to Australia. Open daily Apr-Oct.
St. Mary's Gate, Ripon (01765) 690799

RIBSTON HALL
Parkland and pleasure grounds about three miles north of Wetherby, Walshford claims to be half way between London and Edinburgh.  There used to be an inn called The Old Fox, a drovers' pub rather than a coaching inn and long gone, replaced by the Bridge Hotel, so you can still wet your whistle. Leaving Wetherby northwards, if, instead of rejoining the A1, one takes the Knaresborough road, the B6164, one comes to Little Ribston.  Across the River Nidd, Ribston Hall was a Knights Templar Preceptory from 1217 to 1307. Not much is known about the original building save that it "lay on the road to Scotland."  There is only a little of it remaining, the chapel forming part of the hall, rebuilt in 1674.  Ribston Hall was also the home of the Ribston Pippin apple, raised from a seed brought from Normandy in 1709 and grown in part of the 170 hectares of gardens and parkland, established in the 17th century and developed in the late 18th century by the architect, John Carr.  The Ribston Pippin, a seed of which gave rise to the Cox's Orange Pippin in 1830, is no longer so common in England but is still popular in Sweden.
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RIPLEY CASTLE
Home for over 600 years to the Ingilby's, who themselves have an extremely colourful history. Guided tours show items collected over the centuries from Civil War armour to Venetian chandeliers. The castle is set amongst deer park, lakes and walled gardens created by 'Capability' Brown. The gardens contain the National Hyacinth Collection and the Tropical Plant Collection, which contains some very unusual specimen plants. Tea room. Guided tours. You must try Ripley Ice Cream, smashing stuff.
Nr Harrogate (01423) 770152
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RIPON CATHEDRAL
Dates from 672, contains almost every architectural style and is among the highest and yet smallest in the UK. Contains the oldest Anglo-Saxon crypt in England. The Cathedral Treasury, contains a large collection of silver and silver gilt ecclesiastical treasures. Typical, stacks of Silver but no money for a new roof. Open daily.
Minster Road, Ripon (01765) 604108
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THE ROYAL PUMP ROOM MUSEUM
The Museum tells the intriguing story of how Harrogate became a spa town. Discover story's of Russian Royalty, disappearing crime writers and watery miracles. Marvel at the spa treatments on display and finish with a glass of the infamous Harrogate water - please!.
Open daily 10am-5pm, Sundays 2-5pm (Closes 4pm November - March)
Crown Place, Harrogate (01423 556188)

SPOFFORTH CASTLE
The ruins date from 1067 and are owned by English Heritage. Open daily.
Nr Harrogate(0191) 261 1585

WORKHOUSE MUSEUM OF POOR LAW
The vagrant casual wards of a former Victorian Workhouse converted to museum use. The displays deal with poverty and the treatment of paupers in Yorkshire Workhouses in earlier times. Open daily Apr-Oct.
Allhallowgate, Ripon (01765) 690799 / 603006

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