Castles to Visit in North Yorkshire
June 04, 2025Discover 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
Pickering Castle
Opening Times: 10am-5pm
Adress: Castlegate, Pickering, North Yorkshire, YO18 7AX
Miles from Harrogate: 46.9
Scarborough Castle
Opening Times: 10am-5pm
Address: Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire, YO11 1HY
Miles from Harrogate: 61.4
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
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
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.
