peaceful sites that echo with drama of a turbulent past

With many English Heritage sites situated close to each other, you can really immerse yourself in the beautiful and historically significant attractions in the county.

During this time where better to start than Whitby Abbey? After all it is the home of Easter, as it was here in Christian England’s early years that the date of Easter was decided.

From Good Friday to Easter Monday children can hunt around the iconic ruins for clues in its Easter trail. The successful trail hunters will receive a prize for their hard work whilst enjoying lots of fun around the abbey.

Climb the 199 steps from the harbour to the remains of the abbey and you will be rewarded with the panoramic views of the coastline and harbour from one of Britain’s most important heritage sites.

Just 16 miles away is Scarborough Castle. If the 2,500 year history isn’t enough – occupied by the Romans, a Viking settlement and fought over in the English Civil War to name but a few, the views of the two bays on either side of the castle are stunning.

Fantastic views of a different kind can been seen at Clifford’s Tower in York. Head to the top of the tower and take in the stunning city skyline. There’s plenty happening here too with an Easter family fun trail from April 6-9, meanwhile if you come on April 21-22 you can put your dragon hunting skills to the test to celebrate St George’s Day.

If it is tranquillity you are seeking, look no further than Rievaulx Abbey in the North York Moors National Park. Enjoy the atmospheric abbey ruins, take a stroll around the grounds or even try a techno treasure hunt with a spot of geocaching.

The trail will lead you to six geocaches – each revealing more about what it was like for the monks to live, work and worship here.

If you feel like time is rushing by, take a trip to Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, near Doncaster, South Yorkshire

It feels like time has stood still in this grand house, with it preserved exactly as it was found. Complete with original wallpapers, possessions from family mementoes to domestic items still in their original places, and the Billiard Room perfectly preserved as an 1860s “gentleman’s retreat” it truly is a step back in time.

Outside, the beautiful gardens have been restored to their full Victorian splendour. Come between March 31 to April 1, as well as April 3-15, and as you explore you can let your imagination enter the world of Lewis Carroll as you embark on the mirror magic and Alice in Wonderland trail.

yorkshire.com/heritage.