Places of Interest

Lancaster Castle is still a Crown Court and until recently was a prison. Open 7 days a week 10am - 5pm - guided tours are available by arrangement. Admission charges apply.

There's something mystical about this monster of a glacial erratic boulder that make it well worth a 2 mile detour. It may be just the after effects of vertigo but if you do decide to climb the 15 carved steps that lead you to the top of this 18 feet high relic of the Ice Age, where on a clear day you can view Ingleborough, you can do your thing, sing loudly into the wind, say a quiet prayer or meditate. Whatever you do, you're likely to find it quite an exhilerating experience.

First of the public artworks to be installed as part of the Travelling Histories art project, the Queen's Bloomers are located above the river in Low Bentham a short detour from the route on the Bentham Loop.

At least 5 miles off route but if this is your first visit to the area, then a detour to the stunning and impressive Malhamdale will be worth the effort and time, especially in fine weather. If not, you can enjoy a view of Malham Cove from the comfort of the tea-room in Airton.

Offering cave visit, film presentation, gift shop and tea-room. Open 10am - 5pm mid-Feb to Dec. Weekends only Dec to mid-Feb. See website for more information including admission charges.

Pillars Past is a sculpture created to celebrate the past history of Pateley Bridge and is part of the 'Travelling Histories' project along the Way of the Roses route. Turn right after the bridge and the artwork is located 50 metres after Wildings tea-rooms.

Taste wonderful coffee, tea and home-made goodies. Sit by the fire and feast on Art.

If it's a clear day, then a break at Brimham Rocks is highly recommended. Climb on top of boulders to enjoy magnificent views over Nidderdale and beyond. Marvel at the gravity-defying Idol Rock and if passing at dusk, listen out for hooting owls. Refreshments and Yorkshire produce available at the Visitor Centre and Kiosk.

Smeltbakes is an outdoor cafe for walkers and cyclists in Smelthouses open Friday to Sunday 10-4pm selling delicious homemade cakes, hot and cold drinks, Brymor Icecream, Pork Pies and Sausage Rolls.

Take a break to visit the Cistercian abbey, elegant Georgian water garden and medieval deer park. A World Heritage Site, set in 800 acres)of beautiful countryside. Also offers restaurant, lakeside tea-room shop, plant and visitor centres. Access to facilities is free although admission charges apply for the Abbey and gardens.

Dominating the Ripon skyline, Ripon Cathedral is well worth a visit, boasting one of the oldest Saxon crypts in England and a history dating back to 672AD. Also has carvings thought to have inspired the Alice in Wonderland author! Open 8.30am - 6pm most days for visitors. Admission by donation.

If you're staying in Ripon, try and head for the Market Square for 9pm to witness a 1127 year old, tradition, the nightly 'Setting of the Watch'. The night watchman blows his horn at the four corners of the obelisk signalling that it's now safe to go to bed! He also gives a little talk about the history of the event.

Ouseburn Viage Store offering hot and cold drinks as well as snacks and water bottle top ups

Take time to recharge in the 300 acres of stunning parkland surrounding this baroque palace. Stroll in the 7 acres of beautiful gardens or simply watch the birds flying overhead. Refreshments are available with seasonal menus from the walled garden harvest.

Donated to the National Trust in 1930 by Wakefield industrialist Frank Green, this hidden gem houses his vast collection of art and antiques. Also boasting beautiful gardens open to all. Bring your own food or buy something from the tea-room.

Possibly one of York's best kept secrets is this fascinating Museum situated in the medieval Monk Bar. Built in the 14th Century as part of York's famous City Walls it was originally a guard house and has been both a prison and a police house, lived in until 1914. The bar boasts a rare example of a working portcullis, last lowered in 1953. Largely original, the ancient mechanism still works and can be operated by visitors. Converted into the Richard III Museum in 1992, in honour of the King many felt had been unjustly maligned by historians. Open Mar-Oct.
 

We've included this extra link to Visit York as there's so much to see and do here in this fantastic city that, if on a leisurely break, you may well decide to stay an extra night or even two. For a taste of the visitor attractions and forthcoming events take at look at the Visit York website.

The Minster is not only an architecturally stunning building but is a place to discover the history of York over the centuries, its artefacts and treasures. The Minster is open for sightseeing everyday as well as regular services, events and concerts. Even if you don't visit the Minster, don't forget to take a look at the Tudor Rose window which commemorates the marriage of Elizabeth of York to Henry Tudor marking the end of the War of the Roses. The tudor rose incorporates both the white and red roses of Yorkshire and Lancashire.

Burnby Hall Gardens situated in the charming market town of Pocklington are often described as a haven of beauty and tranquility. The award winning Gardens include two lakes, home to a National Collection of Hardy Water Lilies, a Rockery, Stumpery, a Victorian Garden, Secret Garden, the Lilyput Cafe and a Book and Gift Shop. Host to  many special events including Brass Band Concerts, Open Air Theatre, Family Days, Easter and traditional May Day celebrations.

The Lilypad Cafe offers a wide range of refreshments and there is a beautiful Book and Gift shop. Check website for admissions charges and opening times.

Charming Elizabethan stately home filled with magnificent treasures, carvings, French impressionist paintings, tapestries and other more contemporary furniture and artwork. Continues to be a loved family home shared with visitors. Courtyard cafe and shops open to all. 11am - 5 pm.

Sewerby Hall is situated 2 miles north of the seaside resort of Bridlington, on the East Yorkshire coast. The grade I listed country house is set in 50 acres of landscaped gardens in a cliff top location on the outskirts of Sewerby village. Also holds the Clock Tower tea-room and zoo. See website for opening times and charges.

Bempton cliffs is one of England's top wildlife attractions and is home to over 200,000 nesting seabirds from Apr-Oct including puffins. Visitor Centre, shop and refreshments open 9.30 - 4pm Mar - Oct. Entry free - vehicle parking charges apply.