Markenfield Hall Yorkshire's best kept secret

A Mediaeval, moated and much-loved family home - Markenfield Hall is a historic house unlike any other. Set within stunning Yorkshire countryside south of Ripon, medieval Markenfield has remained largely untouched, and is one of a handful of moated, medieval manor houses that could still be recognised by their original owners; indeed the Hall is instantly recognisable thanks to its crenelated silhouette reflected in its encircling moat... Despite its bloody history, the Hall exudes a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere and, although only open generally for short periods of time, 

Rarely open to the public until 2001,

Visitors to the Hall park in the One Acre Paddock and walk along the side of the moat, ,before approaching the imposing face of the Tudor Gatehouse (now the Hall's administrative hub).

Through the Gatehouse, the peaceful quadrangle opens up and visitors walk past beautiful planting and on in to the Undercroft 

Within the Hall, visitors see the Undercroft (originally part of the Hall's kitchen and storage area), the Dogs' Entrance and the splendid Mediaeval vaulting of “the most unusual Utility Room in North Yorkshire” on the ground floor before going upstairs to the Great Hall, the Chapel and the Four Poster Bedroom. Access to the first floor is by a series of shallow steps with wide treads.

After viewing the Hall, visitors then have the opportunity to walk around the moat. This gives visitors the opportunity to see the Hall from every angle and to appreciate the splendid architecture of each side. A map of the walk is printed in the back of the Hall's guidebook, and copies are also available to pick up in the Undercroft.

During the Hall's open days there are plants for sale in the Courtyard courtesy of the Hall's Gardener Giles Gilbey.