Stately Homes & Heritage Sites in East Yorkshire

Grand houses, medieval churches, and centuries of history scattered across the Wolds and the East Riding.

East Yorkshire is not short of history. The landscape around the Wolds holds some of the finest country houses in northern England, alongside medieval churches, restored mills, and gardens that have been cultivated for centuries. Most sit within easy driving distance of the cottage, making them ideal for a rainy afternoon or a full day out. Here are the places worth knowing about.

Burton Constable Hall

Burton Constable Hall is an Elizabethan mansion set in 300 acres of parkland near Sproatley, east of Hull. The Constable family have lived here since the 12th century, and the house reflects that long history: Tudor brickwork on the outside, lavish Georgian interiors within, and a remarkable collection of scientific instruments assembled by William Constable in the 18th century.

The ground floor rooms are the highlight. The Great Hall, the Long Gallery, and the Chinese Room are all beautifully preserved, and the guides know the house well. The parkland, landscaped by Capability Brown, is open year-round for walking and is a pleasant place to spend an hour even if you don't go inside. There's a stable block cafe and a small shop.

Burton Constable is about 30 minutes from the cottage. It pairs well with a visit to the Holderness coast or a stop at one of the other East Yorkshire attractions on the way back.

Sledmere House

Sledmere sits right in the middle of the Wolds, the nearest of these houses to the cottage. The Sykes family built the current house in the 1750s, though an earlier manor stood on the site for centuries before that. A fire gutted the interior in 1911, but it was painstakingly rebuilt and the rooms today look much as they did in the 18th century: fine plasterwork, a spectacular Turkish Room inspired by the Sultan's apartments in Istanbul, and a library that runs the full length of the house.

The grounds include formal gardens, a walled kitchen garden, and a collection of estate buildings. The village of Sledmere itself is worth a look. The Sykes family monument on the village green commemorates Sir Mark Sykes, and the estate church contains some notable memorial work. The cafe in the courtyard serves decent food using produce from the estate.

Allow a couple of hours for house and grounds. Sledmere makes a natural pairing with a walk on the Wolds. The Yorkshire Wolds Way passes nearby, and there are shorter circular routes from the village.

Sewerby Hall and Gardens

Sewerby Hall stands on the cliff top between Bridlington and Flamborough, with views across Bridlington Bay. The Georgian house is modest compared to Burton Constable or Sledmere, but the setting is special. The grounds run to 50 acres and include formal gardens, a small zoo with monkeys, penguins, and various farmyard animals, and a cliff-top walk with views along the coast.

Inside, the house has period rooms and regularly changing exhibitions. An Amy Johnson gallery commemorates the pioneering aviator who grew up in nearby Hull. For families with children, Sewerby is hard to beat: the zoo, the playground, and the space to run around make it a reliable day out regardless of weather.

Beverley Minster and Howsham Mill

Not all of East Yorkshire's heritage sits behind country house gates. Beverley Minster is one of the finest Gothic churches in England, free to enter and worth visiting more than once. The Percy Tomb, the misericord carvings, and the sheer scale of the building reward repeated visits. St Mary's Church at the other end of town is similarly impressive.

Further afield, Howsham Mill on the River Derwent near Kirkham is a restored 18th-century watermill that now generates hydroelectric power. The building itself is handsome, and the riverside setting is lovely. It opens for occasional guided tours and open days run by the trust that restored it. The nearby ruins of Kirkham Priory (managed by English Heritage) are also worth a stop.

Burnby Hall Gardens

Burnby Hall Gardens in Pocklington hold the national collection of hardy water lilies, planted by Major Percy Stewart in the 1930s. The two lakes contain over 80 varieties, and in July and August they are spectacular, with hundreds of blooms covering the water surface. The surrounding gardens are well maintained and peaceful, with mature trees and mixed borders.

The Stewart Museum in the grounds contains Major Stewart's collection of artefacts from his travels. Pocklington itself is a pleasant market town with independent shops and cafes. Burnby Hall is about 25 minutes from the cottage and makes a good half-day outing, especially when the lilies are in flower. Combine it with a browse around Pocklington's shops and a walk on the Wolds above the town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which stately home in East Yorkshire is best for children?

Sewerby Hall near Bridlington works well for families. The grounds include a small zoo, large gardens, play areas, and a cliff-top walk. Burton Constable also offers space to run around and has family-friendly events during school holidays.

Is Burton Constable Hall open all year?

The hall is open from Easter to late October, typically Saturday to Thursday. The grounds and parkland are open year-round. Check their website for current opening times as they can vary.

How far is Sledmere House from Yorkshire Wolds Cottage?

Sledmere House is roughly 10 miles north-west of the cottage, about 20 minutes by car through the Wolds. It is one of the closest heritage attractions to the cottage.

Are dogs allowed at these heritage sites?

Dogs on leads are generally welcome in the grounds and parkland of most sites. They are not usually permitted inside the houses themselves. Sewerby Hall, Burton Constable, and Sledmere all allow dogs in their gardens and grounds.