Kirkham Priory, Scampston Walled Garden, Pickering Castle

Kirkham Priory was an Augustinian Priory founded in the 1120's by Walter l'Espec who also founded Rievaulx Abbey. 

It has a lovely location.

Kirkham has a fine gatehouse

The church looks like it has been levelled and then there is this! 

I wonder if Kirkham might go the way of Byland and become a free property. Luckily it hasn't so I bought a coffee and enjoyed the view!

That fine gatehouse! 

So off to Scampston Hall and Walled Garden. I last visited 12 years ago and wasn't overly keen on the garden but it has aged rather well and is worth a visit. The Hall was closed but I knew that.

The walled garden was refurbished by Piet Oudolf and open in 2004.

The house was built in the late 17th Century and the park was laid out by Charles Bridgeman and later Capability Brown.

Pickering Castle was originally a timber structure built by the Normans under William the Conqueror with the aim being to control the area after the harrying of the North. It was considerably enhanced over the next 2 centuries. It was also used a Royal Hunting Lodge.

The Chapel