Top 7 Castles around Slingsby
Best castles around Slingsby offer a journey through centuries of English history, from medieval fortifications to grand Jacobean manor ruins. The village of Slingsby in North Yorkshire is centered around the remains of Slingsby Castle, a site that showcases architectural evolution and historical conflict. The area features a mix of impressive stately homes and evocative castle ruins, providing diverse historical exploration. Many sites are recognized as scheduled monuments, highlighting their historical significance.
Best castles around Slingsby
- The most popular castles is Castle Howard Mock Medieval Tower, a historical site that features mock fortifications within the Castle Howard grounds. This folly provides great views towards the village of Welburn.
- Another must-see spot is Castle Howard, a magnificent stately home built in 1699. Visitors can explore the extensive gardens and parkland, and the house is open from March until November.
- Visitors also love Sheriff Hutton Castle Ruins, a large ruin of a quadrangle castle. This site makes for a notable picnic stop.
- Slingsby is known for its Jacobean manor ruins, medieval fortifications, and grand stately homes. The area offers a variety of historical sites, from partially preserved castles to impressive architectural follies.
- The castles around Slingsby are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 40 upvotes and 12 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Castle Howard Obelisk
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Castle Howard Gatehouse (The Temperance Hotel)
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Castle Howard Mock Medieval Tower
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Sheriff Hutton Castle Ruins
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View of Slingsby Castle
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You will have to admire it from afar, though, as it is not open to the public.
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Tips from the Community
Unmissable and unfortunately not well served by public footpaths or bridleways, however, the main road has sufficiently wide verges to walk safely along. If you are heading north past the Obelisk Ponds, then there is a fantastic track on the east side of the road which is flanked by lime trees forming a wonderful avenue to walk along (see photos).
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Easily accessible as a public footpath runs north/south right past the tower. One of a number of towers that radiate east/west from the Castle Howard Gatehouse (aka Temperance Inn).
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The original Gate House, with its famous pyramid, was built in 1719 by Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect who designed Castle Howard itself. Its flanking wings plus building were built in the 1750s, at which time it was referred to as The New Inn and served people journeying from York to Castle Howard and the Vale of Pickering. By the 1850s, the Gate House had become an inn and an hotel. By the late 19th century, it was developed into The Temperance Hotel, where the ninth Countess of Carlisle would accommodate women and children from the industrial belt of the North to help them to escape "urban drudgery".
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Slingsby Castle was never actually a castle, but a home built in 1620s for Sir Charles Cavendish. It is still quite impressive (particularly in the right light!). It is now a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled Monument. You will have to admire it from afar, though, as it is not open to the public.
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Slingsby Castle was never actually a castle, but a home built in 1620s for Sir Charles Cavendish. It is still quite impressive (particularly in the right light!). It is now a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled Monument. You will have to admire it from afar, though, as it is not open to the public.
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An interesting folly (pretending to be medieval) and a tower within the Castle Howard grounds. These are mock fortifications - fascinating! There are great views from here towards the village of Welburn.
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The Obelisk, raised in 1714-15, carries two sets of inscriptions. The first, in Latin, commemorates the victories of the 1st Duke of Marlborough. The second, on the west side is in English, was composed in 1731 when much of the building and landscaping had been completed. It was written with posterity in mind and is the clearest statement possible of the 3rd Earl's aspirations for his family.
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Castle Howard is enormous! It doesn't conjure up Brideshead but is well worth seeing in its own right. The formal gardens, extensive grounds and house are each worth seeing separately.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites can I expect to find around Slingsby?
The area around Slingsby offers a rich tapestry of history, featuring everything from medieval fortifications to grand Jacobean manor ruins. You'll find the evocative remains of Slingsby Castle, the magnificent stately home of Castle Howard, and the impressive ruins of Sheriff Hutton Castle. There are also unique architectural follies like the Castle Howard Mock Medieval Tower.
Is Slingsby Castle open to the public?
Slingsby Castle, primarily the ruins of a 17th-century Jacobean manor built on earlier medieval foundations, is on private property. While not officially open to the public for interior exploration, public access to view the ruins from the exterior is generally permitted. It's a Grade II listed building and a Scheduled Monument, best admired from afar due to its ruined state.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites to visit near Slingsby?
Yes, several sites are great for families. Castle Howard offers extensive gardens and parkland to explore, along with its magnificent stately home. The Castle Howard Mock Medieval Tower is an interesting folly that children might enjoy discovering. Sheriff Hutton Castle Ruins also makes for a notable picnic stop, offering space for families to relax.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Slingsby?
The best time to visit is generally from spring to autumn (March to November), when sites like Castle Howard are fully open and the weather is more conducive for exploring ruins and walking in the surrounding areas. During these months, the gardens and parklands are also at their most vibrant.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Slingsby is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for hiking, mountain biking, and touring cycling. For example, there are easy hiking loops like the 'Fryton Mosaic – View of Slingsby Castle loop from Slingsby' or more challenging options like the 'Thurtle Wood Forest Trail – The Pyramid at Castle Howard loop from Slingsby'. You can explore more options on the hiking guide, MTB trails guide, and cycling guide for Slingsby.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the castles in Slingsby?
Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. Castle Howard has tea rooms and a cafe within its grounds. In Slingsby village itself, and the surrounding areas, you can find local pubs and cafes to enjoy after your explorations.
What are the parking options for visiting castles in the Slingsby area?
Parking availability varies by site. For Castle Howard, there is dedicated visitor parking. For sites like Slingsby Castle, which is in the village center, you would typically look for village parking. For other ruins or follies, parking might be available in nearby villages or designated spots along public footpaths.
Can I bring my dog to the castle sites?
Policies vary. Castle Howard generally welcomes dogs in its grounds and certain outdoor areas, but it's always best to check their official website for the most current pet policy. For other outdoor ruins or follies accessible via public footpaths, dogs are usually permitted if kept on a lead, following countryside codes.
What is the historical significance of Slingsby Castle?
Slingsby Castle is significant for its layered history, evolving from a 13th-century moated castle to a grand, though never fully completed, 17th-century Jacobean manor. It reflects centuries of architectural change and conflict, particularly its abandonment and ruination during the English Civil War. It is recognized as a Scheduled Monument and a Grade II listed building, highlighting its importance in English heritage.
Are there any viewpoints overlooking the castles?
Yes, there are several spots offering good views. The Castle Howard Mock Medieval Tower provides great views towards the village of Welburn. For Slingsby Castle, there's a specific highlight called View of Slingsby Castle, which indicates a good vantage point from the road to admire the ruins.
What makes Castle Howard unique among the sites?
Castle Howard stands out as a magnificent stately home, not a ruin, built in 1699. It has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years and is renowned as one of Europe's great palaces. Visitors can explore its opulent interiors, extensive gardens, and parkland, offering a different experience compared to the more ruined castle sites.
How accessible are the castles by public transport?
Public transport options to the castles can be limited. Castle Howard is generally accessible by bus services from nearby towns like York or Malton, though schedules can vary. For Slingsby Castle and other smaller ruins, public transport might involve a bus to Slingsby village, followed by walking. It's advisable to check local bus timetables in advance.
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