The First Duke of Northumberland

The ruins of Rievaulx Abbey near Thirsk tell the story of one of England's greatest medieval monasteries, though what most visitors come for is the sweeping vista across Rievaulx Terrace. From the clifftop walkway, you're gazing down at the skeletal remains of the abbey church - arches and walls rising from the valley floor like a stone ghost. The abbey itself dates back to 1132, and you can wander freely among the ruins, picking out the layout of the dormitory, refectory, and cloister from the ground plan.

It's a proper pilgrimage for history buffs and photographers. The light hits differently depending on the time of day - midday can be harsh, but late afternoon turns everything golden. Most people spend two to three hours here, though you could knock it round in ninety minutes if you're just after the headline views. The terrace walk itself is gentle and well-maintained, though it can get muddy after rain.

Family groups do come, and kids under ten find the abbey walls exciting to clamber over, though teenagers might get restless once the novelty wears off. Winter's actually brilliant here - fewer crowds, and the bare bones of the ruin show more clearly. Spring and autumn are cracking too.

Stay at Pembroke or Cote Ghyll caravan parks nearby and you've got easy access to the broader North Yorkshire heritage trail. Thirsk itself has decent pubs and tea shops. Admission's reasonable, and it's managed by English Heritage, so if you're a member, it's free.