Best Landmarks in Yorkshire

Ripon Cathedral, located in the heart of Ripon, North Yorkshire, is a stunning medieval Gothic cathedral with over 1,350 years of history. It features England’s oldest cathedral structure—the Anglo-Saxon crypt dating from 672 AD—alongside magnificent stained glass, intricately carved choir stalls, and a peaceful churchyard. Free to visit, it remains a vibrant place of worship, pilgrimage, and cultural heritage, offering visitors a unique blend of spiritual reflection, architectural grandeur, and literary connections to Lewis Carroll.

The Ribblehead Viaduct is a striking 19th-century railway structure featuring 24 massive stone arches spanning the Ribble Valley in the Yorkshire Dales. Completed in 1874, it carries the Settle-Carlisle railway line and stands 32 metres high, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding moorland. Visitors can explore the viaduct up close, walk beneath its arches, and learn about its dramatic construction history at the nearby Ribblehead Station Visitor Centre.

Almscliffe Crag is a striking Millstone Grit rock outcrop perched atop a small hill near North Rigton, between Leeds and Harrogate in North Yorkshire, England. Renowned for its dramatic silhouette visible for miles, it offers spectacular panoramic views across the Wharfe Valley and surrounding countryside. The crag is a celebrated site for rock climbing, with routes ranging from beginner to expert, and is steeped in folklore and natural history as a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Kilburn White Horse, carved into the limestone hillside of Roulston Scar near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, is England's largest and most northerly turf-cut white horse hill figure. Created in 1857 by local volunteers led by schoolmaster John Hodgson and inspired by southern England’s chalk horses, it measures 318 feet long by 220 feet high. Unlike traditional chalk figures, it rests on grey limestone and requires regular maintenance with chalk chippings and paint to preserve its brilliant whiteness. Visible for miles, it offers spectacular views and a unique blend of history and landscape.

Skeldergate Bridge is a historic Gothic Revival iron bridge in York, completed in 1881. It spans the River Ouse, linking the York Castle area to Bishophill and offers scenic views of the river and nearby heritage buildings. Originally a toll bridge, it has been toll-free since 1914 and features a distinctive tower building now repurposed as a café. The bridge is a Grade II listed structure, blending Victorian engineering with architectural charm.

Standing in Minster Yard, this 7.6-metre grey gritstone column is one of York's most tangible links to its Roman past. Originally erected around 100 AD by the Ninth Legion and later reused by the Sixth Legion in the 4th century, the column was discovered buried beneath York Minster in 1969 and reassembled in its present location in 1971 to commemorate the 1900th anniversary of York's founding. It is believed to have stood in the headquarters building where Constantine was declared Emperor in 306 AD, making it an essential stop for anyone interested in Roman Britain.

Fishergate Postern Tower, built between 1504 and 1507, stands at the eastern end of York’s medieval city walls near the historic Red Tower. This four-storey fortified tower, originally part of the city’s defensive network, replaced an earlier 14th-century structure known as Talkan Tower. Surrounded historically by water, it features a pointed arch postern with a portcullis slot and retains much of its original form, including a distinctive re-roofing from the 17th century. Today, it offers visitors a glimpse into York’s rich medieval heritage and architectural resilience.

Experience the eerie charm of York on The Original Ghost Walk of York, a captivating 75-90 minute evening tour that explores the city's haunted history. Meeting nightly at the historic King's Arms pub, this authentic ghost walk blends spine-tingling tales with fascinating local lore, all delivered by engaging storytellers. No booking is required, making it a spontaneous and atmospheric way to discover York’s spooky past.

King's Manor is a Grade I listed Tudor and Stuart style building located in York city centre on Exhibition Square. Originally built between 1483 and 1502 as the abbot’s house of St Mary's Abbey, it later served as the seat of the Council of the North and a royal residence. Now part of the University of York, it houses departments such as Archaeology and Medieval Studies, blending rich historical legacy with academic life.

Culloden Tower, located in Richmond, North Yorkshire, is a striking four-storey historic tower restored by the Landmark Trust. With its steep spiral stairs, elegant fireplaces, and a blend of Gothic and Classical architectural details, it offers a unique self-catering holiday experience. Overlooking the River Swale and close to Richmond’s market town charm, it combines history, stunning views, and a romantic atmosphere in a compact, atmospheric setting.