Castles to Visit in North Yorkshire

June 04, 2025

Discover Majestic Castles on a Day Trip from Harrogate

Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, the elegant spa town of Harrogate is more than just a charming destination in its own right—it’s the perfect base for exploring the region’s rich medieval heritage. Within just a short drive, you will find a host of historic castles and abbey ruins that tell the stories of knights, monks, and centuries of northern history. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a lover of dramatic landscapes, or simply in search of an unforgettable day out, Harrogate places you within easy reach of some of Yorkshire’s most fascinating sites.

From the windswept ruins of Scarborough Castle, perched high above the North Sea, to the haunting beauty of Byland Abbey tucked away in the Howardian Hills, and the peaceful elegance of Kirkham Priory, there is no shortage of places to capture the imagination. Read on to discover the best castles and abbeys you can visit in a day—each one a journey into the past, and each one just a scenic drive from Harrogate.

 

Byland Abbey 

Opening Times 

General: 10am-6pm, Mon-Sun 

Museum open: 1pm-5pm, Mon-Friday

Abbey Tour:  2pm-3pm every Saturday and Sunday 

Adress: Byland, Coxwold, North Yorkshire, YO61 4BD

Miles from Harrogate:  34.5 

Tickets

 

Clifford's Tower 

Opening Times: 10am-6pm, Daily 

Adress: Tower Street, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 9S

Miles from Harrogate: 20

Tickets 

 

Pickering Castle 

Opening Times: 10am-5pm

Adress: Castlegate, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AX

Miles from Harrogate: 46.9

Tickets 

 

Scarborough Castle 

Opening Times: 10am-5pm

Address: Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1HY

Miles from Harrogate: 61.4

Tickets

 

Kirkland Abbey (Banner Photo) 

Opening Times

April-September: 10am-4:30pm (Tue-Sun)

October-March: 10am-4pm (Tue-Sun)

Adress: Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, LS5 3EH

Miles from Harrogate: 14.9

Tickets: Purchase on site. See Admission on drop down list for more info. 

 

Spofforth Castle (Featured Photo) 

Opening Times: 10am-6pm (1April-30 Sept), 10am-4pm (1 Oct-29 Mar)

Address: Castle Street, Spofforth, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1DA

Miles from Harrogate: 6

Tickets: Free Entry! 

 

Fountains Abbey 

Opening Times

Abbey and water Garden: 10am-4:30pm

Gift Shop: 10:30am-5:30pm 

Visitor Centre: 9:30am-4:30pm

Studley Tea Room: 10am-4pm

Address: Fountains, Ripon HG4 3DY

Miles from Harrogate: 9.5

Tickets: Pay on arrival, £7 for 4hours, £10 for the day. 

Free Entry for Nation Trust members 

 

Bolton Abbey 

Opening Times: 9am-7pm (last admission 5:30pm)

Address: Estate Office, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD236EX

Miles from Harrogate: 16.8

Tickets 

 

Bolton Castle 

Opening Times: 10am-5pm daily (tea room closes at 4pm) 

Address: Bolton Castle, Nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire, DL8 4ET

Miles from Harrogate: 43.8 

Tickets: Information 

 

Whitby Abbey 

Opening Times: 10am-5pm 

Adress: Abbey Lane, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 4JT

Miles from Harrogate: 72

Tickets

 

Accommodation 

After a day of exploring North Yorkshire’s dramatic castles and abbey ruins, there’s no better place to unwind than Artists Cottages in Harrogate. Offering stylish, comfortable accommodation in the heart of town, these beautifully restored cottages provide the perfect home base for your historic adventures. Whether you are traveling as a couple, with family, or on a solo retreat, you will find a warm welcome and all the comforts you need. Book your stay today and make your castle-hopping getaway truly unforgettable.