Fountains Abbey is a stunning 12th Century abbey owned by the National Trust in the beautiful water gardens of Studley Royal. Highly recommended and only 10 minutes’ drive. This is also a fabulous Park Run here. 9.00am on Saturdays – don’t forget your bar code!

Castle Howard where Brideshead Revisited was filmed is near York and is “one of the top 10 buildings you must visit in your lifetime” according to the Daily Telegraph. 

Staveley Nature Reserve is a 5 minute drive and is a lovely walk with plenty of birdlife on show including hides overlooking lakes for serious birdwatchers.

Newby Hall is a 20 minute drive away. A beautiful Georgian house with glorious gardens and a miniature railway! 

The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park at Grewelthorpe is 45 acres of gardens and woodland at nearby Grewelthorpe, just north of Ripon. 

Turkish Baths in Harrogate – one of only 7 left in the UK dating back to Victorian times. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Forbidden Corner is one of the most surprising gardens in the world. See it to believe it! A great day out near Middleham, home to many of the top racehorse trainers in the North. 

Thorp Perrow is 100 acres of woodland gardens with a Bird of Prey and Mammal Centre. Spectacular colours throughout the year.

Bolton Abbey on the River Wharfe is a lovely day out with beautiful Priory ruins to explore.  

Stump Cross Caverns near Pateley Bridge are limestone caves formed 350 million years ago. Remains from the Ice Age on view. 

Antique shopping in Montpellier Mews in Harrogate. Lots of small shops for browsing and buying!

RHS Harlow Carr Gardens – a beautiful garden experience at any time of year with an excellent Bettys Tea Room on site.

Black Sheep Brewery in Masham is a great beery experience. Make it a double with a tour of Theakston’s Brewery across town! 

Ripley Castle and Village is just 10 minutes down the road. Lovely castle and gorgeous walks through woodland. Spectacular at bluebell time! 

The Railway Museum at York is one of the top UK attractions for train enthusiasts and Thomas the Tank Engine fans. Full of legendary engines.

York Minster is one of the world’s most magnificent cathedrals. Set in York’s narrow cobbled streets it has risen above the city for over 1000 years. 

Yorvik Viking Centre in York. Ride back into Viking times with all the sights, sounds and smells! Great for families. 

Lots of local racecourses at nearby Ripon, Wetherby, Thirsk, Catterick, Beverley, Doncaster and York – the Ascot of the North. 

Farmers Markets at Ripon, Harrogate, Otley, York, Knaresborough and Wetherby.

Yorkshire Showgrounds in Harrogate hosts the Great Yorkshire Show each July – the largest agricultural show in the country – and a lots of other fairs and events.

The Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds is one of the finest war museums outside London with live combat and jousting! 

Bettys Tea Rooms in Harrogate is an institution with the best afternoon tea in Yorkshire with queues round the block at peak times. You can book if you’re smart! 

Beningbrough Hall is a National Trust property – beautiful house and lovely gardens. Half an hour away. 

Malham Cove is spectacular and half an hour away near Skipton. You’ll recognise it if you’re a Harry Potter fan!

Brimham Rocks, also owned by the National Trust, is a collection of stunning rock formations. Great views!