The Dove Cote

Lightwater Valley is a family adventure park in North Stainley, near Ripon, set in 175 acres of North Yorkshire countryside. It began in 1969 as a self-pick fruit farm and grew into a theme park, and it was once home to The Ultimate, billed as the longest roller coaster in the world.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance, before midnight the day before your visit, to get the online discount rather than the on-the-day price.

The Forbidden Corner is a folly garden in the Tupgill Park Estate at Coverham in Coverdale, inside the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Built in the 1980s as a private pleasure garden, it opened to the public in 1997. The Folly Fellowship voted it the best European folly of the 20th century.

Tip: Check the official website before you go to see how tickets are booked.

Richmond Castle stands on a commanding hill above the River Swale, close to the centre of Richmond. Alan Rufus began building it from 1071, after the Norman Conquest, and it is described as the best-preserved early Norman castle in England. You can wander the towers, halls and chapels around the big grassy courtyard, and relax in the quiet Cockpit Garden.

Raby Castle is a Grade I listed medieval castle near Staindrop in County Durham, built by the Nevilles between about 1367 and 1390. It has nine towers, a Neville Gateway with grooves still visible from its portcullises, and a large art collection including works by old masters and portraits. It remains a private family home, and the grounds include 200 acres of deer park.

Tip: Pre-booking tickets online is recommended to get the best price.

Easby Abbey stands beside the River Swale on the edge of Richmond. Founded in 1152, it is one of the best preserved monasteries of the Premonstratensian "white canons". You can explore the magnificent refectory, the gatehouse and the canons' dormitory, all still standing among the ruins. JMW Turner was one of the artists who drew inspiration from the setting.

Tip: The car park is signposted off the B6271 with the abbey right next to it. Wear sturdy shoes, as parts of the site are uneven and can get muddy.

The Bowes Museum is an art gallery in Barnard Castle, County Durham, built in the style of a French château and set in landscaped parkland overlooking Teesdale countryside. It was purpose-built to house the collection of John Bowes and his wife Joséphine, and opened in 1892.

Tip: Check the museum's website for the current Silver Swan showing times before you go, as they differ on bank holidays and school holidays.

Locomotion is a railway museum in Shildon, County Durham, part of the Science Museum Group. It sits beside the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world's first public railway, and houses locomotives from the National Collection, including Sans Pareil and the unique APT-E and Deltic units.

Tip: Pets aren't admitted, though working assistance dogs are welcome. Check the website for event days before you go.

Kiplin Hall is a Grade I listed Jacobean house in the Vale of Mowbray, built in the 1620s for George Calvert, founder of Maryland. Inside, the story runs through four families who owned it over four centuries, with portraits, Arts and Crafts pieces by local craftsmen and a Jacobean-style library added in the 19th century.

Tip: Dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds and café, but not in the Hall. The upper floors have stairs only, no lift.