Spofforth Castle

Not sure why English Heritage say this place has opening hours as the site isn't manned and the gate doesn't look like it gets locked, either way you can jump the fence. We really enjoyed this castle. I hesitate to say it's "unique" because I don't know that, but it was unique for us in our castle travels in that it was cut into a rockface into a hill, rather than being plonked on top like they usually are. The turret tower with rounded roof is unusual too.

A beautiful castle which is free to enter. You do not need to go through gates et cetera it is free to visit at any time of the day as there is open access and you can climb on the rocks. A great place for kids and young at heart. Also lots of green space around if a picnic and playing on.

Owned by English Heritage, these castle ruins are open 24 hours and free to visit. Located within a mowed park, a great place to have a picnic. (Shop in village).

Lovely little English Heritage site. Great place to investigate on a sunny day. Also found a nice 30min circular walk route that I will try next time :)

The remains of a fortified Manor House dating from the 11th Century, the home of the powerful Percy family who had influence across Yorkshire, Durham and Northumberland. It is reputed to be the place where the Barons drafted the Magna Carta. Now a quiet backwater just off the road from Wetherby to Harrogate .