Mid-Wensleydale boasts some superb heritage sites with a fascinating history.

Middleham Castle

Richard III's former home boasts the largest Keep in the North of England. It was once the powerful centre for a vast medieval estate.
Open all year.

William's Hill

This is the site of Middleham's first castle, a Motte and Bailey from Norman times, on a hill above the remains of the stone medieval castle.
Open access all day.

Bolton Castle (4 miles from Leyburn)

Bolton Castle dominates the northern side of Wensleydale. Mary Queen of Scots was once imprisoned in the castle and attempted an escape to Leyburn across the Shawl Fields.
Seasonal opening times.

Jervaulx Abbey (3 miles from Leyburn)

Wild flowers and herbs surround this privately owned site with the remains of a splendid Cistercian Abbey, where Wensleydale cheese is said to have been invented.
Open from dawn to dusk.