Ryedale has some of the best North Yorkshire attractions. At every rise and fall of the landscape you'll find signs of the times past from the ruins of Abbeys and Castles and the splendour of its stately homes and country houses such as Castle Howard,  and Scampston Hall.

You could easily spend a day exploring the magnificent Castle Howard, familiar to many as the location for Brideshead Revisited.  Within the house you'll find changing exhibitions and world famous collections of paintings, furniture and bronzes while its extensive parkland is home to formal gardens and a new children's play area in the treetops of the woodland.

In contrast, Ryedale’s past and a more humble way of life can be discovered in the area’s five museums or a ride on a steam train at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, England’s longest steam railway provides another taste of days gone by.  The North Yorkshire Moors Railway connects the historic towns of Pickering and Whitby and is the most popular heritage railway in Britain. Steam locomotives take visitors through 18 miles of stunning countryside stopping at picturesque stations along the way. Special events and dining services take place throughout the year.

For a quirky slice of rural life visit Ryedale Folk Museum with its collection of intriguing historical buildings which include a witches hovel and an Elizabethan manor house.

Ryedale is rich in history and none more so than at the area's six English Heritage properties, Byland Abbey, Helmsley Castle, Pickering Castle, Rievaulx Abbey, Kirkham Priory and the deserted medieval village at Wharram Percy.  Many of these properties regularly stage events so there is always something to keep the family entertained. Visit the remains of towering castles or rich medieval monasteries, the old industrial sites where alum or ironstone were mined, or the stunning private mansions, a tribute to the historic local families that once governed this land. From prehistoric times to World War II, there is so much to do.

Located in a peaceful wooded valley, Rievaulx Abbey is one of the most complete and atmospheric of England's abbey ruins and before it dissolution, was one of the country's wealthiest monasteries.  Interactive exhibitions chart its long history and influence on the surrounding area.

Ryedale is the ultimate adventure playground for great family days out.  From a great choice of visitor attractions and an unbeatable range of activities on land and water to an activity packed programme of fun events, there is something to keep all ages entertained. Many of Ryedale’s attractions provide childrens’ information packs, adventure playgrounds and, of course, wide open spaces for using that abundance of energy.  Flamingo Land Theme Park at Kirby Misperton is one of the country's most popular day's out for the family, one day just may not be enough!

On the edge of Malton is Eden Camp, a unique museum of social life in the Second World War, which occupies an original prisoner of war camp.  Here, aspects of life on the home front are brought to life in reconstructions which include rationing, evacuees, the blitz and a war time music hall. The museum transports the visitor back to wartime Britain, where the civilian way of life during World War II can be relived.

Ryedale is also home to the National Centre for Birds of Prey, the largest collection of these amazing birds in the north of England.  Located on the Duncombe Park estate in Helmsley, a team of trained birds are flown every single day.  

If you are looking for a more active holiday or adventure day out, Ryedale’s Forest Parks such as Dalby Forest are a superb recreational area for walking, cycling and horse riding. Here, you will also find easy access trails and many attractions are accessible to the disabled and cater for the visually impaired.