3 days in Yorkshire

Three days in Yorkshire, arranged so each one has its own character. The first is all grand gestures: Castle Howard's domes and long avenues in the morning, a proper lunch at Haxby Bakehouse, then the quieter charm of Hovingham Hall in the afternoon. Big skies, big houses, and no need to rush between them.

Day two narrows the focus. Rievaulx Terrace first, then the Rievaulx Abbey Museum, so the valley reveals itself twice over — once from the high grassy sweep, once up close among the stones. The last day turns sterner, with Bolton Castle in the morning and Nappa Hall after lunch: thick walls, wide horizons, a fitting way to finish. Pack layers, comfortable boots and an appetite. It's the sort of trip that rewards a slow start and a long look.