Visitors outside the 18th-century mansion at Nostell Priory — Imagine life inside some of Yorkshire's finest houses | © National Trust Images/Arnhel de Serra

Houses and buildings in Yorkshire

Yorkshire has architectural masterpieces at every turn. From homely 17th-century manors to the dramatic ruins of an historic abbey, and all manor of mills. Discover the history and how to explore the houses and buildings that we care for.

Step inside some of the best houses in Yorkshire. Find space to imagine and rooms to get lost in.

The house at Nostell

Explore one of the grandest houses in the North of England, home to countless treasures, stories and secrets. It’s also home to one of the few remaining doll's houses from the 18th century.

Visitors in the Hall at Nostell, Yorkshire

Beningbrough Hall

Explore what to expect visiting the historic rooms on the ground floor, from feats of engineering, striking architecture and symbolic pieces of the collection marking moments in time. Find out about the next exhibition in the first floor Reddihough Galleries.

Four people exploring around a large wooden staircase

Smaller houses that are perhaps easier to imagine as a home, each with a unique story to share and family connections from the past.

East Riddlesden Hall and Great Barn

Explore this homely 17th-century manor house and discover original oak panelling, decorative ceilings and period furnishings, then learn of the estate's agricultural past in the Great Barn.

A visitor and child visiting one of the oak panelled rooms in the house at East Riddlesden Hall

The hall at Nunnington

A dwelling is recorded here since 1249, but the current house grew out of a Tudor Hall. Over 450 years the house has been altered to create an atmospheric and comfortable home.

Front of Nunnington Hall from the garden during spring

Things to see in the house at Ormesby Hall

Explore the rooms of this grand house, home to the Pennyman family since 1599, and discover the décor, paintings and furniture that tell their stories.

A view of the pale blue Drawing Room showing fireplace, large mirror & chandelier at Ormesby Hall, Yorkshire

Things to see and do in the house at Treasurer’s House

Explore this hidden gem in the heart of York. A unique building filled to the brim with antiques and art and made to one man's exacting standards. Join a tour April - October or meander with the house decorated for Christmas.

Several people looking at and discussing a piece of furniture in a historic room

Discover more art and collections

Nostell's Chippendale Collection

Master craftsman Thomas Chippendale’s monumental library desk takes centre stage in the room it was crafted for – an exquisite example of 18th century design and part of Nostell’s world-class Chippendale collection just waiting to be explored. Discover over 100 items supplied by Chippendale to the house, ranging from a simple chopping block to entire rooms echoing his iconic Chinese-influenced style.

Large wooden desk in the centre of the library room at Nostell

John Harrison's Clock at Nostell

Nostell is home to a John Harrison Clock. The mechanism of this rare, early clock is made of wood and there are only three known to have survived from this time. This is the latest, created in 1717. John Harrison was born on the Nostell estate and famously went on to solve the ‘longitude problem’ through his invention of the marine chromone, saving the lives of many seafarers.

An 18th century wooden clock made by John Harrison's in a glass cabinet at Nostell

Nunnington's Carlisle Collection

Housed at Nunnington Hall since 1981, the Carlisle Collection is regarded by many as one of the finest collections of antique miniatures. The creation of Mrs Carlisle, it began as a few pieces of miniature Indian silver in 1921 in London and grew to a magnificent collection of period rooms. Attention to detail was applied to every item such as entire works of Shakespeare in miniature print, instruments in the music room that could be played and artwork on the walls made by framing decorative needle wrappers.

Eight minture rooms filled with miniture furniture and antique items part of the Carlisle Collection of miniatures on display at Nunnington

A gunship in York

In the heart of York, Treasurer's House is full of things acquired by former owner, Frank Green. One such piece is the model of a fully rigged warship from the late 18th to early 19th century. The ship has 132 guns, three decks and is made from wood and bone. It is believed to have been made by French prisoners during the Napoleonic Wars. Today you can see it in the Court Room as part of a guided tour when you visit.

A large model ship with intricate sails and guns detail inside a glass cabinet on display at Treasurers House. Two visitors are walking into the dark wood floor and green walled room to look at it.

The roof might be long gone, and others are used very differently from their origins, but many of these buildings are just as fascinating to explore.

Things to do at Rievaulx Terrace

Explore this 18th-century pleasure garden, with its lavish temple follies, lush woodland, pretty wildflower bank and sweeping views towards the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.

A visitor walks behind the pillars on the podium of the Tuscan Temple at Rievaulx Terrace, North Yorkshire.

Fountains Abbey

Step back into a dramatic past and imagine what life would have been like for the monks lived here, and learn how Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal became one.

Estate buildings at Studley Royal

Beyond the ruins, the estate hosts a plethora of follies and buildings including Swanley Grange, Fountains Mill and Fountains Hall. Uncover their history and use today, and plan them into your next visit.

Gibson Mill at Hardcastle Crags

Learn about the history and evolution of the landscape at Hardcastle Crags and Gibson Mill, including its industrial heritage and the mill’s time as an entertainment emporium.

Gibson Mill and its large chimney, also reflected in the water beside it, at Hardcastle Crags, West Yorkshire

National Trust members can get a 25% discount on entry to Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire. Perhaps combine with a visit to nearby Wentworth Castle Gardens, and uncover both sides to a family rivalry that led to these great estates and landscapes.

Visit Wentworth Woodhouse

Find out what the historic Wentworth Woodhouse in South Yorkshire has to offer and how you can visit this fascinating house as a National Trust member.