Helmsley Castle, York

Helmsley Castle was built in the 12th century and so the first thing the visitor is confronted by is a spectacular double row of earth works, which helped make it a formidable fortress in its time. Later, in the Elizabethan period, extra buildings and rooms were added and it is in these rooms that the exhibitions are held. There is also, in tableau form, a history of the castle, which is rather an interesting, visual way of telling the tale. Check website for hours of operation.