Wroxeter Roman City

There is a large parking area on the same level as the ticket office, with a short walk to gain entrance

Included in the ticket office, is a nice sized english heritage shop and a interesting museum, which houses history and finds from the site. Available is a good audio guide to take round with you

There a few steps around the site following the audio guide you get a good feel for the site.

Because it's mostly outdoors this site is not really ideal on wet days.

Dogs allow but not in the shop / museum or roman house

Toilets on site
A few benches including picnic benches
Best Bit - I love the fact that Watling Street ran through this Roman City.

See:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/wroxeter-roman-city/

Rome Wasn't built in a day ( see below)

Rome wasn't built in a day, Channel 4 program
http://www.channel4.com/programmes/rome-wasnt-built-in-a-day

6 Builders plus a few local helpers, recreated a roman villa on the site
as a English heritage learning tool
You can walk round the villa and understand building techniques

 

Stokesay Castle

Parking is in a car park, which you must pay for at the time of my visit the cost was £1

This site is perfect for rainy days as it is mostly indoors, there is a large and well stocked English Heritage gift shop.
Dogs on Lead but not in the buildings
Toilets are located by the ticket office, clean and great access
A few benches and resting area's
There is a lovely café onsite which sells home baked cakes, Highly recommended!
very relaxed and enchanting site to sketch and photograph
Best Bit - The Solar is just something else, A real must see!
See:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stokesay-castle/

Clifford Tower

Clifford Tower in the city of York, is a fortified complex comprising, over the last nine centuries, a sequence of castles, prisons, law courts and other buildings on the south side of the River Foss

There is parking just outside the tower with disabled parking bays, this is a pay & display car park

There are no toilets available but a small gift shop onsite
To enter the site you have to climb 55 stone steps with a hand rail, once in there are more steps to climb
There are a few benches and a large grass area for picnics, there is also a nice level walk around the area.
Only Guide dogs allowed
A few benches to sit and a few information board for facts.
It isn't very photogenic site and is a pretty basic but worth a visit

I was very keen to visit this site because I had learnt about the 1189 Jewish Massacre
Josce of York, advised Jewish families to seek refuge in the royal castle, which at this point was a wooden keep.
The castle was surrounded by a mob which held it under siege until 16 March when this situation  became worse. Their religious leader, Rabbi Yomtob, proposed an act of collective suicide to avoid being killed by the mob, and the castle was set on fire to prevent their bodies being mutilated after their deaths. Several Jews perished in the flames but the majority took their own lives rather than give themselves up to the mob. A few Jews did surrender, promising to convert to Christianity, but they were killed by the angry crowd. Around 150 Jews died in total in the massacre.
You can find more about this on google.
See
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cliffords-tower-york/

 

Castle Howard

Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire, 15 miles north of York. It is a private residence, the home of the Carlisle branch of the Howard family for more than 300 years
Building of Castle Howard began in 1699 and took over 100 years to complete to a design by Sir John Vanbrugh for the 3rd Earl of Carlisle. The site was that of the ruined Henderskelfe Castle, which had come into the Howard family in 1566 through the marriage to Lord Dacre's widow of Thomas, 4th Duke of Norfolk.

Taken from wiki & more info can be found here..
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castle_Howard

Free parking by the ticket office / stable block, it is a short and levelled walk to the castle

Toilets situated by the ticket office and stable block
The site is on different levels, there is a wheelchair lift for manual chairs giving access to the upper floors of the castle.
Dogs are allowed in grounds but not in the castle

Castle Howard offers your carer free admission.

See
http://www.castlehoward.co.uk/

 

Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey is a ruined Benedictine abbey overlooking the North Sea on the East Cliff above Whitby in North Yorkshire, England. It was disestablished during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under the auspices of Henry VIII.

There is parking by the ticket office this is a pay & display, it is then a few hundred yard walk to the abbey.

Toilets situated by the ticket office and not owned by E.H
The site is mostly on one level apart from the museum which is on two levels but has a lift.
Dogs are allowed in the abbey but not in the museum
The museum has a few artefacts displayed and interactive displays

This is a very atmospheric site, lovely to photograph and sketch, plenty of places to sit on the grass for picnic, etc.

See
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/whitby-abbey/

 

 

Rievaulx Abbey

Rievaulx Abbey ( pronounced ree-voh) is a former Cistercian abbey in Rievaulx, near Helmsley in the North York Moors National Park, North Yorkshire, England

There is parking just outside the ticket office / shop this is a pay & display but you will be refunded with your ticket, blue badge can park for free. 

Toilets are in the car park
The site is mostly on one level with the odd grassy slopes however it is a large site so allow time to enjoy
There are a few benches and a large grass area for picnics, there is also a nice level walk around the area.
Dogs are allowed in the abbey but not in the café
Very good museum which is educational for both child and adult!

There is so much to photograph, sketch, enjoy and absorb

See
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/rievaulx-abbey/

 

Lindisfarne Priory

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England. It is also known just as Holy Island. It constitutes the civil parish of Holy Island in Northumberland. Holy Island has a recorded history from the 6th century

Once you get on to Holy Island there is a main car park which is pay and display, blue badge holders can park for free and also park in the village.
There is a mini bus service that can take you to the castle and priory this currently cost £2 return
Toilets are by the coach car park near the priory
The site is mostly on one level with the odd grassy slope to get to the lower section of the priory
There are a few benches around the site to rest ones weary bones
Dogs are allowed in the priory but not in the museum or shop

See
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/lindisfarne-priory/

 

 

 

 

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle is located on the coast at Bamburgh in Northumberland, England. It is a Grade I listed building.

There are various parking places ranging from free to charged at £2, however if you are a blue badge holder you can park in the castle keep, although you still have to pay the £2 parking!

The Welcome from both the parking staff and ticket staff was dire at that point I wanted to turn around. however once inside the guides were lovely, knowledge and very helpful.

Toilets with the castle grounds at the stable block.
The site is mostly on one level with paved slopes going to different parts of this mighty castle, inside the house there is steps leading to the different rooms but nothing to strenuous
There are a few benches outside to enjoy the views

The best bit for me was the archaeological dig that was going on, we had a lengthy chat with a project archaeologist who answered a trillion questions that we asked.
http://bamburghresearchproject.co.uk/

Guide and hearing dogs only

See:http://www.bamburghcastle.com/

Richmond Castle ( Second Visit)

Richmond Castle in Richmond, North Yorkshire, England, stands in a commanding position above the River Swale, close to the centre of the town of Richmond. It was originally called Riche Mount, 'the strong hill'. 

This is my second visit to Richmond castle the first time I visited as a young girl, now as a adult I wanted to see again with the additional museum.
I have to say we found the busy town of Richmond a challenge to understand, I believe there is 2 hours free parking in the centre for blue badge holders but all I could see was disk display parking however by chance I asked a very friendly florist, who said there was parking outside the castle, when I got the castle the lovely ladies said blue badge holders could park in the castle grounds and they opened the gate for us.
What a welcome!
Toilets are by the ticket office.
The site is mostly on one level with gently grass slopes, you can climb the tower if you are able to but be warned there are a lot of steps!
There are a few benches, large grass areas
Dogs are welcome on leads

Our visit was perfect, I took many photos, got my sketch book out and relaxedsee: http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/richmond-castle/

 

 

Skipton Castle

Skipton Castle is a medieval castle in Skipton, North Yorkshire, England. It was built in 1090 by Robert de Romille, a Norman baron, and has been preserved for over 900 years

Skipton Castle has it's own car park which cost £4 to park in however in the town there is a council maintained car park which is free for blue badge holders to park in, it's a little walk but slightly uphill crossing one busy road to get to the ticket office.
Toilets are just past the ticket office, they are clean and spacious to use.
The site is on many levels with slopes and steps to negotiate, Skipton offers those in wheelchairs free admission because most of the site is not accessible to them, however if you have limited mobility, taking your time you could see the nicest part of the castle which is the yew tree and court yard
There are a few benches, large grass areas because most of this site is indoors it's perfect for those grey days
Dogs are welcome on leads

Although we had a dodgy reception at the castle, issues were resolved and I had a enjoyable visit
I took many photos and sketched a bit
see: http://www.skiptoncastle.co.uk/index.asp?page=1

Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey is one of the largest & most well preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. It is located approximately three miles south-west of Ripon in North Yorkshire, near to the village of Aldfield.

Fountains Abbey is situated on a large site, there are two car parks on site, the main one is quite a distance from the abbey however disabled visitors can use the west entrance, which is closer but still a fair walk from the abbey
Toilets near both car parks - at the main car park there is a café and the usual national trust gift shop
This site is a mostly level but it is exceptionally large, with a few ramps and uneven spaces
There are a few benches, large grass areas to have a picnic
Dogs are welcome on leads

This is a massive site, you need a good few hours if not a day to explore it
There are 6 wheel chairs available to book
see: www.fountainsabbey.org.uk/

Wycoller Hall

It is said that Wycoller hall is thought to be 'Ferndean Manor' in Charlotte Brontë's novel Jane Eyre The Brontë Way passes through here, leading to the Brontë sisters' home in nearby Haworth.

Parking is at the top of the village, which is a pay & display however if you have a blue badge you can drive down to the village and park by the village café
Dogs Welcome
Toilets near the Wycoller Hall
This site is a mostly level with narrow bridges that cross to the hall
There are a few benches about but it is mostly all outdoors so not ideal for very wet days

Note: There is a nice café and sweet shop in the village, please do take advantage of them and support a local shop

This may help disabled visitors - There is a ‘Tramper’ buggy available to book free of charge. 
http://friendsofwycoller.co.uk/?page_id=62

see:
http://friendsofwycoller.co.uk/

 

 

you might also find this interesting about the bridges surround the hall
http://www.kabrna.com/cpgs/wycoller/bridges.htm

St Winefrides Holy Well

This is a National Shrine of Britain, dedicated to St Winifred, a sixth century Virgin and Martyr, who was betrayed by someone to whom she had given hospitality , who killed her. People have come here ever since a Mediaeval Shrine being erected ..A Shrine dedicated to St Winefred, a sixth century Virgin and Martyr, who was betrayed & killed by someone to whom she had given hospitality, people have come here ever since the Mediaeval Shrine was erected in the fifteenth century by the grandmother of Henry VIII. The shrine survives intact because of this royal connection. The water is reputed to have healing qualities. There is an inexpensive pilgrims hostel run by the Bridgettine Sisters and prayers are said at the shrine at 5pm every day. bathing is usually in the summer only.

Parking is available just outside the ticket office, mostly on one level but there are some steps
Guide Dogs Welcome
Toilets near the ticket office
This site is a mostly level with just a few steps pathways.
Best Bit - The sanctuary of the shrine, it is very peaceful here
The staff here are very welcoming and will answer your questions, there is a small but interesting museum about St Winefred, you can bathe the waters in summer but remember this is a place of prayer and pilgrimage.
Note: There is a very beautiful Catholic Church above the shrine

see:
http://www.saintwinefrideswell.com/

Valle Crucis Abbey

Valle Crucis Abbey is a Cistercian abbey located in Denbighshire, Wales. 
Parking is available just outside the ticket office, mostly on one level but there are some steps
Dogs Welcome on Leads
Toilets near the ticket office
This site is a mostly level with gravel pathways, there are a lot of inside bits so good if raining but also steps that lead to a internal second level.
Best Bit - The reflection in the fish pond of the Abbey.
The staff here are exceptionally friendly be ready for a warm welcome!
This is a pretty abbey and very relaxing site, plenty of places to sit including benches, I took trillions of photos and did many sketches

Note: The abbey is right next to a camping site, might be nice to camp and visit this site.

see:
http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/vallecrucisabbey/?lang=en

 

Rug Chapel

17th-century Rug Chapel Although the outside is has highly decorated interior
Parking is available just outside the ticket office, all on one level
Guide Dogs Only.
Toilets in the ticket office
This site is very level with gravel pathways, as it's mostly inside so ideal if the weather is wet
Best Bit - Beautiful painted interior

The gardens around the chapel are pretty and benefit from benches, there is also a cadw gift shop and friendly staff

 see:
http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/rugchapel/?lang=en

Basingwerk Abbey *Free Site*

Substantial remains of Cistercian abbey, originally founded as a house of the order of Savigny in 1131, remodelled in the thirteenth century.
There is parking in two car parks either side of the site, a small walk from the car park to site
The abbey it's self is pretty level, interesting sections to explore.
No Staff Or Toilets at this site
Dogs on lead welcome
Best Bit - Arches and doorways
although surround by busy roads the site is of the beaten track, ideal to have a picnic, reflect, draw and photograph.

see:
http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/basingwerk-abbey/?lang=en

Note: St Winifreds well is very near.

Llangar Chapel

Parking is in a lay-by on the main road, walk down past the post box and the church is a fair distance down hill (this becomes a steep hill on your return)
Good for a wet day as mostly indoors
Guide dogs only Dogs welcome
No Toilets
Although the outside of the church is just a traditional stone building, inside you will find the real treasure! The 15th-century wall paintings still survive and are thoroughly amazing
Best Bit - It's feels remote as you have to walk down a track from the main road, it's pretty quiet and reflective.
see:
http://cadw.gov.wales/daysout/llangaroldparishchurch/visitorinformation?lang=en