North Yorkshire Castles

Castles in North Yorkshire

1. Hemsley Castle, Overlooking the River Rye. One of the largest castles in North Yorkshire partially destroyed by Parliamentarians during the English civil war by being blown up. Enough of the castle remains standing to imagine what it must have looked like. Also has a great visitors centre explaining the history of the castle.

2. Pickering Castle, Closest to Appleleaf Cottage and Coverleaf Cottage and overlooking the North York Moors Railway. Built in the 13th century and modified several times throughout its history, the castle is unusual in that it has seen little military action and avoided the fates of many others in the area during the civil war.

3. Scarborough Castle, First built as a fortified tower by the Romans with the first medieval castle being built on the site in the early 1100s. Remodelled and rebuilt over the intervening years most of the damage seen today was caused during the English civil war. Further damage was caused in 1914 when the German Navy shelled Scarborough.

4. Sherrif Hutton Castle, Just looking at Sherrif Hutton Castle you find yourself wondering how part of the remains are still standing. Once one of the grandest castles in North Yorkshire now some of the structure is appears to be balanced precariously.

5. Ayton Castle, A late 14th century stone tower near the village of West Ayton. The remains of a medieval manor and fortified house.