Five beautiful Yorkshire stately homes and country estates you must explore

England is famous for its stately homes and rural estates.

Providing the perfect backdrop for historical dramas, you’ll notice them appear in all kinds of period plays, and you might even have fun spotting your ‘local’.

With an abundance of history to sink your teeth into, England’s stately homes offer an interesting day with the added benefit of being beautiful to look at.

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And, if you like to exercise, there are fewer places it’s best to enjoy a peaceful stroll – admiring beautifully manicured gardens, extension woods, and even working farmland.

With so many beautiful places to choose from right on our doorstep here in Yorkshire, it was difficult to pick five that are worth a visit.

We’ve rounded up some of Yorkshire’s most impressive stately homes and country estates below, just waiting for you to explore.

Allerton Castle – Knaresborough

The majestic Gothic abode of Allerton Castle is a sight to see for architecture lovers, the imposing castle seems to come straight out of a period drama – which it actually is!

You might recognize it as the iconic setting for 1993’s Secret Garden or, more recently, the backdrop for ITV’s drama, Victoria.

But it’s not just the house that is spectacular, take a walk in the park and soak up the beauty of this awe-inspiring estate.

Chateau Howard – York

The breathtaking Castle Howard is so awe-inspiring that it took over 100 years to complete the building, having begun in 1699.

And the house is set in a 1,000 acre park with a myriad of landscapes to enjoy when you visit, from immaculate, manicured gardens; to woods, lakes and fountains.

For a little peace and quiet, why not stop by the peaceful walled garden? Or watch the waterfowl spend their day on one of the lakes.

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Bramham Park – Wetherby

Slightly more modest, but barely, Bramham Park is an 18th-century country estate near Leeds, which is less of a Gothic mansion and more of a Chatsworth style.

Not only does it have a breathtaking house to marvel at, but it also boasts an impressive park – including a beautiful forest, which covers 500 hectares of the estate, and landscaped gardens.

Bramham also has a working farm on site.

Harewood House – Leeds

Harewood House is another 18th century country house that has taken up residence in Leeds, renowned for its impressive art collection and ‘exquisite’ gardens.

The estate is owned by the Earl and Countess of Harewood, with the estate also managing the surrounding countryside.

And Harewood offers more than a pretty home, beautiful gardens, and an unrivaled art collection – it also has a nationally recognized curatorial program to its name.

Wentworth Woodhouse – Rotherham

No list of Yorkshire stately homes would be complete without a mention of Wentworth Woodhouse, located in the beautiful chocolate village of Wentworth, Rotherham.

Known as one of England’s finest Georgian houses, Wentworth Woodhouse also boasts one of the longest facades – spanning an impressive 606 feet.

Its grounds are just as awe-inspiring as the house itself, with 87 acres to walk around.

Have you visited any of these stately homes? Let us know in the comments!

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