Wiganthorpe Hall

A crumbling 17th-century manor sat on the edge of the Howardian Hills, about four miles south of York. Wiganthorpe Hall is the kind of place that stops you mid-walk - all red brick and tall chimneys, slowly surrendering to ivy and time. The main house is largely private, but the grounds and external architecture tell their own story if you're willing to poke around a bit.

This is proper for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts rather than families after a day-long activity. You're looking at thirty minutes to an hour maximum, wandering the perimeter and taking photos. The setting itself - rolling countryside between York and the market towns to the south - makes it worth a detour if you're already exploring the area.

York Meadows Caravan & Camping Park sits just a few miles north, which means you could easily slot this into a longer ramble through the Howardian Hills. The countryside around here is lovely for walking, so combine it with a proper hike rather than treating it as a standalone stop. Check ahead locally before heading out though - access to the grounds can vary, and opening hours aren't widely advertised. The nearest town is York itself, so you've got proper facilities and restaurants waiting when you've finished poking about the exterior. Best visited on a clear day when the brickwork photographs well and the grounds are properly visible.