turner trails

Turner’s orkshireDiscover

Discover the landscapes that inspired one of Britain’s greatest artists

yorkshire.com/turner

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I have been interested in Turner’s tours since I discovered as a student that his sketches were largely unidentifi ed and that few established art historians had very much interest in what their subjects might be. I realised then that to look through Turner’s sketchbooks, or follow in his footsteps, allowed a unique insight into his creative practice.

I have been naturally drawn to Turner’s work in my native county of Yorkshire. Turner was one of the most widely travelled artists of his generation and was working at the forefront of rapidly widening consciousness of the world. He was

also working at the beginning of expanding personal consciousness through tourism. He was particularly attracted to Yorkshire through his contacts with good friends and patrons in the county, especially at Harewood and Farnley, and his Yorkshire work, as a result, has a distinct personality.

John Ruskin, the great scholar, said Turner’s Yorkshire work had “the most heart in it, the most serious unwearied fi nishing of truth.” The word truth here is worth considering. Turner obviously had his own notions of the truth of a place, but that was always

founded in exceptional observation and knowledge. It is always fascinating to compare his sketches or pictures to the sites as they are today, especially as many of the sites are largely unchanged. But the real power of Turner’s approach to the landscape is that he was always looking to see it afresh. So Turner’s real lesson is for each visitor to do the same. In these landscapes that will always be rewarded.

Professor David HillSchool of Fine Art, History of Art and Cultural Studies

University of Leeds

Foreword Professor David Hill

Discover Turner’s Yorkshire online... Key

Go to www.yorkshire.com/turner to read a more detailed description of each of Turner’s viewpoints and links to his original sketches and paintings. You can also fi nd the exact location of Turner Trail benches and information panels for you to visit, as well as audio trails, self-guided walking trails, podcasts and much more, to download and discover even more about the many scenes that inspired Turner’s genius.

For information on current exhibitions in Yorkshire and permanent displays of Turner’s work, go to www.yorkshire.com/turneronview

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, Welcome to Yorkshire can accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions. Information throughout this guide is compiled from details supplied by organisations or establishments concerned. No recommendation by Welcome to Yorkshire is implied by the inclusion of any information and Welcome to Yorkshire accepts no responsibility in the matter. Prices, dates, hours of opening, etc, were correct at the time of going to press. Readers are reminded that these details are subject to change and they are advised to check when fi nalising any arrangements. Please note the guide is not a comprehensive guide to all Yorkshire sites of interest and does not necessarily represent the views of Welcome to Yorkshire.

Panel & Bench*

Bench*

Panel*

Gift shop

Tearoom

Picnic site

Toilets

Wheelchair access

Dogs accepted

VAQAS**

English Heritage

National Trust

** Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme

* For exact locations visit: www.yorkshire.com/turner

design: hammerdesign.co.uk

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JMW Turner RA (1775-1851) was one of Britain’s greatest landscape painters, watercolourists and printmakers. Renowned as ‘the painter of light’, Turner’s work helped to place romantic landscape painting on a par with history painting in the 19th Century and to plant the seeds of impressionism.

Turner was a prolifi c painter and fi rst exhibited his work at the Royal Academy at the age of just 15, when one of his watercolours was accepted for the 1790 Summer Exhibition. His fi rst oil painting followed in 1796, and thereafter he exhibited at the Academy almost every year; his fi nal exhibit was in 1850, the year before his death.

Turner - the forefather

of impressionism

Whitby circa 1824 © Tate, London 2010

Wakefi eld Bridge © The Trustees of the British Museum

Sometimes controversial and increasingly eccentric as he grew older, Turner must have been an interesting spectacle. He was very short, always wore a black tailcoat and a top hat, and had rather a large nose causing the children near his house in London to call him ‘Old Blackbirdy’.

Turner was almost as enthusiastic about fi shing as he was painting and he was reputed to have an umbrella that converted into a fi shing rod.

He died in the house of his mistress, Sophia Booth, in London on 19 December 1851. His fi nal words are reported to have been “the sun is God.”

5Discover the landscapes that inspired one of Britain’s greatest artists

Welcome to

Turner’s orkshire

Turner fi rst visited Yorkshire in 1797 and returned here throughout his life, inspired by the spirituality he found in its glorious landscapes. He visited more than 70 locations, sketching and painting the views from many angles. Most of the scenes in his Yorkshire works can still be viewed today despite some dramatic changes in the landscape.

Turner’s very fi rst trip was to Harewood House, home of the Lascelles family. His association with the fl amboyant Edward Lascelles was to last 10 years. Edward had an interest in art, books and opera. He had already bought paintings from young and up-and-coming artists with a £300 gift from his father, Lord Harewood. He invited Turner, aged 22, to visit Harewood and paint six watercolours of the House and Castle. Most of these paintings remain with the Lascelles family, who still reside at Harewood.

As well as annual visits to his friend and patron, Walter Fawkes, of Farnley Hall, near Otley, the beauty, ruggedness and variety of Yorkshire’s landscape enticed Turner to make three grand tours, each of which lasted a few months.

From its rolling hills and dales, via its castles and abbeys, to its rugged coast, Yorkshire’s contrasting landscape sparked Turner’s artistic imagination. He travelled round on horseback with his sketchbooks and made over 1,000 sketches of Yorkshire, from

which he developed and painted over 100 watercolours of the landscape.

Turner’s second grand tour in 1816 lasted two months over the summer during which he made over 400 sketches of the landscape that particularly celebrated castles and country houses as part of the illustrations for the book ‘A General History of the County of York’ by Thomas Dunham Whitaker. This was Turner’s largest commission yet; he was paid the considerable sum of 3,000 guineas for his work.

Take a step back in time using this booklet to trace Turner’s stopping points on this grand tour and his other trips to Yorkshire, and fi nd out more about the inspiration behind his sketches and paintings. Each of the entries includes details on where to fi nd Turner’s viewpoint and the location of a number of Turner Trails benches, which have been installed, where possible, at the vantage point from which Turner painted his most beautiful landscapes.

St Agatha’s Abbey, Easby © The Trustees of the British Museum

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MAP REFERENCE:

1 Askrigg & the Kings Arms, Askrigg 2 Aysgarth Falls & Carperby3 Barden Tower & The Strid4 Beeston Hill, Leeds5 Beverley Minster6 Bolton Abbey7 Bolton Castle8 Boroughbridge & Ellenthorpe Hall9 Caley Park & Caley Crags, Otley Chevin 10 Chantry Chapel, Wakefi eld & The

Hepworth Wakefi eld11 Conisbrough Castle12 Constable Burton Village Green13 Cotter Force14 Coverham Church15 Cowthorpe16 Dob Park Lodge, Washburn Valley17 Dove Scar18 Dow Cave, nr Kettlewell19 Downholme & Ellerton Priory20 Fountains Abbey21 Gordale Scar22 Hackfall23 Hardraw Force24 Harewood House25 Helmsley Castle26 High Mill, Addingham27 Howden Minster28 Jervaulx Abbey29 Kilnsey Crag30 Kirkstall Abbey31 Knaresborough Castle32 Leyburn Market Place33 Malham Cove34 Malham Tarn

35 Malton36 Marrick Priory37 Masham Market Place38 Meersbrook Park, Sheffi eld39 Middleham & Middleham Castle40 Mossdale Falls41 Nappa Scar, nr Askrigg42 Newby Hall43 Otley Chevin Forest Park44 Ouse Bridge, York45 Pickering Castle 46 Plumpton Rocks 47 Ravensworth Castle48 Richmond Castle49 Rievaulx Abbey50 Ripon Cathedral & Bell Banks, Sharow51 Rotherham Minster (Church of All Saints)52 Scarborough53 Scarborough Castle54 Semer Water55 Skipton Castle56 South Bank, Richmond57 Spofforth Castle58 St Agatha’s Abbey, Easby (Easby Abbey)59 Sutton Bank60 The Kings Head Hotel, Richmond61 Thornton Force, nr Ingleton62 West Burton Falls63 West Tanfi eld64 Wetherby Bridge65 Whitby66 Whitby Abbey67 Whitcliffe Scar from Round Howe,

Richmond68 York Minster

Plan our Turner Trails here and at yorkshire.com/turner

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Aysgarth Falls & Carperby2

Turner’s principal subject at Aysgarth was the famous falls. The River Ure drops over three major falls in less than one mile but it was the classic view and best-known Lower Falls (then known as Aysgarth Force) that he chose to develop into a fi nished watercolour.

The fi rst fall, High Falls, is easily seen from Yore Bridge by Yore Mill, while the second and third (Middle Falls and Lower Falls, respectively) can be viewed from well-managed paths and vantage points in Freeholders’ Wood on the north bank of the river.

The Lower Falls can be seen from above; typically Turner clambered down to sketch the best viewpoint.

Turner did not draw any specifi c sketches of Carperby although he passed through the village in July 1816. Carperby offers fi ne views of Wensleydale and is a pleasant stroll from Aysgarth Falls.

The Turner Trails bench is on the roadside verge, almost opposite Carperby village hall at the east end of the village.

At Aysgarth, the Turner Trails bench and panel are located at the National Park Centre.

Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre, Aysgarth, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8

Tel: 01969 662910Email: [email protected]: www.yorkshiredales.org.uk

OS Map Ref: SE012888 (Aysgarth Falls)SE009899 (Carperby)

Directions: Follow the A684 Leyburn-Hawes road to Aysgarth where the minor road (Church Bank) to Carperby and Aysgarth Falls is clearly signposted. Follow this for approximately 1 mile to Carperby.

Opening: Falls open all year round.

National Park Centre opening:

Summer (Apr-Oct): daily 10am-5pm

Winter (Nov-Mar): Fri-Mon 10am-4pm

Closed all January.

Prices: Free.

Aysgarth Falls and Carperby © Si HomfrayAskrigg

Askrigg & the Kings Arms, Askrigg 1

Askrigg is a quiet village characterised by its tall houses and cobbled market place centred around St Oswald’s Church.

Turner travelled from Upper Wharfedale during the day and stayed the night at the Kings Arms, but he habitually used every hour of daylight to sketch. No sooner had he stabled his horse and taken refreshment, than he was out in the evening exploring his surroundings. He made a walking circuit to sketch the Yorebridge and Colby Falls, a short way to the

west of the village, before climbing up to sketch Mill Gill Force above Askrigg and Whitfi eld Gill Force. The latter, although a dramatic fall on almost the same scale as Hardraw Force, is now almost completely unknown, since it has been completely lost under the growth of trees.

The Turner Trails bench is located in the Market Place beside the old pump on cobbles near the church.

Kings Arms, Main Street, Askrigg, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3HQBench location: Askrigg Market Place

Tel: 01969 650817

OS Map Ref: SD948910

Directions: Follow the A684 Leyburn-Hawes road to Bainbridge, where the minor road to Askrigg is clearly signposted. Askrigg is about 4 miles NE of Bainbridge. The Kings Arms is situated on Main Street.

Opening: All year round.

Prices: Free.

NB: Toilets at the Kings Arms for customer use only. Public toilets available in village hall during daylight hours.

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Beeston Hill, Leeds4

Of all the cities of Britain, Leeds was one of the most important to Turner. He had important friends and patrons there and Leeds served as a base for his explorations of Yorkshire.

The view from Beeston Hill was already established as one of the fi nest viewpoints in Leeds. Turner was the fi rst, however, to be interested in the new industrial landscape that was growing up around him; by 1816 a whole sea of new industry had spread out across the meadows of Hunslet and Holbeck to the south of the city.

Turner made an extraordinarily detailed study of the panorama of mills, with church towers and spires rising from the old town centre beyond, from which he developed a magnifi cently panoramic watercolour - literally the prototype image of an industrial cityscape.

Turner’s viewpoint can still be found just below Beeston Hill Social Club, while many of the landmarks can be visited across the city.

Beeston Road, Leeds, LS11

OS Map Ref: SE295314

Directions: Exit M621 J2, take the A643 signed to Morley and fork left immediately into Elland Rd. At T-junction, turn right at Cemetery Rd. After 1/3mile, turn left at traffi c lights onto Beeston Rd. The Social Club is a short way along on the left.


Prices: Free.

Leeds Skyline from Beeston Hill © Si Homfray

3Barden Tower & The Strid

Barden Tower is a medieval hunting lodge about 4km up the River Wharfe from Bolton Abbey. It was built in the fi fteenth century by the Clifford family of Skipton Castle and survives much as Turner shows it. Turner’s viewpoint of Barden Tower is some distance away at a bluff above the Strid.

The Turner Trails panel and bench (Pembroke Seat on the Strid Wood Nature Trails), is located at the spot where Turner sketched, overlooking Barden Tower.

The spectacular Strid is where the broad River

Wharfe suddenly narrows and the water rushes through with great force. Like visitors today, Turner enjoyed the paths that follow the Strid’s course.

Turner’s watercolour of The Strid, probably completed around 1809, clearly shows a fi gure fi shing, a recurring theme refl ecting Turner’s enthusiasm for this pastime.

Turner’s view of the Strid can be seen on the Strid Wood Nature Trails (green trail) between Hawkstone Seat and Elm Tree Seat.

Strid Car Park, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6EX

Tel: 01756 718009Email: [email protected]: www.boltonabbey.com

OS Map Ref: SE061565 (Viewpoint of Barden Tower)OS Map Ref: SE065563 (Strid)

Directions: Follow the A59 Skipton-Harrogate road. Turn onto the B6160, through Bolton Abbey and continue for another 2 miles to Strid Car Park.

Opening: All year: 9.30am - 4pm.

Prices: £6 per vehicle, £3 per motorcycle or 50p per person for groups of 12 or more in one vehicle.

Free Midweek Admission - 31 Oct 2011-16 Mar 2012 ex. Christmas (19 Dec 2011 - 6 Jan 2012 inclusive) and February half term (13-17 Feb 2012).

The StridBarden Tower

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Bolton Abbey6

Turner made a number of visits to the Bolton Abbey Estate, producing a series of watercolours of the ruins of the 12th century Priory and nearby sites including The Strid, Barden Tower and Addingham Mill.

In fact, the area made a lasting impression on him. Ruskin, the infl uential 19th century English art critic and social thinker, said that no matter what Turner painted in later life, he was always infl uenced by the memories of “the chanting waves of the Wharfe.”

In many ways his watercolour of Bolton Priory is the summary of Turner’s memories of Yorkshire. Bolton Priory is only obliquely his subject; rather it is his pleasure at being in the landscape, sitting on the stones by the river, tying his fl y, fi shing in the clear peaty water of the River Wharfe.

The Turner Trails bench is located at Turner’s viewpoint, downstream of the Priory on the River Wharfe’s shoaling near the footbridge.

Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 6EX

Tel: 01756 718009Email: [email protected]: www.boltonabbey.com


Directions: Follow the A59 Skipton-Harrogate road. Bolton Abbey is clearly signposted just off the A59 on the B6160.

Opening: 1 Jan-20 Mar 9am-6pm; 21 Mar-31 May 9am-7pm; 1 Jun-31 Aug 9am-9pm; 1 Sept-28 Oct 9am-7pm; Oct 29-Mar 18: 9am-6pm

Prices: £6 per vehicle, £3 per motorcycle or 50p per person for groups of 12 or more in one vehicle

Free Midweek Admission - 31 Oct 2011-16 Mar 2012 ex. Christmas (19 Dec 2011 - 6 Jan 2012 inclusive) and February half term (13-17 Feb 2012).

Bolton Abbey © Si Homfray

5Beverley Minster

Beverley Minster is the largest and fi nest church in East Yorkshire and refl ects the great prosperity of these agricultural lands at the end of the middle ages. The church, and tomb within, are some of the most exquisite examples of Gothic carving in Britain and some of the most diffi cult subjects that Turner encountered on his tour.

He appears to have enjoyed the challenge, making particularly fi nely detailed pencil studies including an interior view of the Choir

with the fl amboyant tomb canopy almost certainly created for Eleanor, wife of Henry, fi rst Lord Percy of Alnwick.

The exact viewpoint of Turner’s sketch of the north side can be found on Highgate and is remarkably similar today.

Beverley Minster is a site of major architectural importance and open to visitors. The Percy Canopy within, which Turner captured, is recognized as one of the masterpieces of English decorated stone carving.

Beverley Minster, Minster Yard North, Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire HU17 0DP

Tel: 01482 868540Email: [email protected]: www.beverleyminster.org

OS Map Ref: TA037393

Directions: Follow the A164 into Beverley. At the mini roundabout, right onto Keldgate/B1230 and follow round to Minster.

Opening: Weekdays: 1 Nov-28 Feb 9am-4pm; 1 Mar-30 Apr 9am-5pm; 1 May-31 Aug 9am-5.30pm; 1 Sept-31 Oct 9am-5pm Sundays: 1 Nov-31 Mar noon-4pm; 1 Apr-31 Oct noon-4.30pm.

Prices: Free.

Beverley Minster © Britain on View

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Boroughbridge & Ellenthorpe Hall8

With the coming of the stagecoach, Boroughbridge, with its many inns, became one of the busiest staging posts on the Great North Road and Turner seems to have used the market town as a stopover, probably staying the night in one of the local inns.

Turner made some sketches of the eponymous bridge, both upstream and downstream. Further down the north bank of the River Ure towards Ellenthorpe Hall, he made two more sketches. It seems that, on the evidence of Turner’s sketches, a signifi cant part

of the medieval Ellenthorpe Hall was still standing. This has now disappeared and its proximity to the riverbank in Turner’s sketch probably explains why (and why the present Ellenthorpe Hall has been built a good distance from the edge).

There are public footpaths downstream towards Ellenthorpe Hall, which make a pleasant walk along the River Ure.

The Turner Trails panel and bench are situated in Hall Square, next to the Tourist Information Centre.

Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire YO51

Web: www.boroughbridge.org.uk/

OS Map Ref: SE397667 and SE410674 (view from Ellenthorpe Hall)

Directions: 1 mile east of the A1 at J48.

Access to Ellenthorpe Hall by foot only. Follow the River Ure from Boroughbridge for approximately one mile E on the N side of the river.


Prices: Free.

Boroughbridge market place © Si Homfray

7 Bolton Castle

Bolton Castle, a spectacular medieval fortress, was a major subject for Turner on his Yorkshire tour of 1816. There are at least twelve sketches in two sketchbooks. Bolton Castle also appears as a distant landmark in a number of other sketches taken from the west around Aysgarth and the east around Middleham.

In his more considered sketches, Turner had clearly found views which he intended to develop into fi nished watercolours and no doubt he would have done so had the project

been fully completed.

Inspired by Bolton Castle’s impressive location, Turner made ten small sketches recording the castle and adjoining village from every angle, near and far, and two further larger and more considered sketches of the Castle from the west and the north east. The panoramic view from the west remains the same now as when Turner drew it two centuries ago.

The Turner Trails bench and panel are situated outside Bolton Castle on the village green.

Nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4ET

Tel: 01969 623981 Email: [email protected] Web: www.boltoncastle.co.uk


Directions: 6 miles west of Leyburn just off the A684 Leyburn-Hawes road and signposted from Wensley and Carperby.

Opening: 19 Feb-30 October, daily 11am-5pm.

The Castle will close from 2pm on 2 April, 4, 11, 18 & 25 June, 16 July, 13 August, 3, 10 & 24 September, 29 October 2011.

Prices: Adult: £8.50Concessions/child: £7.00Family: £30.00 (includes 2 adults and up to 3 concessions)Gardens only: Adult: £4Concessions: £3Family ticket: £12.50

The Turner Trails panel and bench can be accessed all year round and are free.

Bolton Castle © Si Homfray

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Chantry Chapel, Wakefi eld & The Hepworth Wakefi eld10

The Chantry Chapel of St Mary the Virgin is a rare survival from the middle ages, standing on a medieval bridge built in the 1340s.

Turner found a view on the south bank of the River Calder from where he could take in the medieval bridge and Chantry Chapel, with the town and spire of All Saints (now Wakefi eld Cathedral) beyond. He made a detailed study of the view and of the front of the chapel and developed this into one of the fi nest watercolours to result from his 1797 grand tour.

This important site on the River Calder was a major focal point for many artists visiting Wakefi eld. The surrounding area is now part of a multi-million pound regeneration project including construction of the largest purpose-built gallery outside London, The Hepworth Wakefi eld (opening May 2011).

Turner’s view along the river is perfectly preserved where you can look across to the Chantry Chapel and the city beyond.

The Turner Trails panel and bench can be found at The Hepworth Gallery.

Chantry Bridge, Wakefi eld WF1 5DJ and The Hepworth Wakefi eld.

Tel: 01924 372748

OS Map Ref: SE340201 (Chantry Chapel)

Directions: A61 to Wakefi eld, follow signs to Wakefi eld Kirkgate Rail. Where the A61 crosses the river, the old bridge runs parallel and the Chapel can be viewed. There is limited parking in this area.

Opening: Turner’s viewpoint all year round.

Chantry Chapel - limited opening hours, please telephone for more information.

The Hepworth Wakefi eld opens 21 May 2011.

Prices: Free.

Chantry Chapel © Si Homfray Chantry Bridge © Si Homfray

9Caley Park & Caley Crags, Otley Chevin

Caley Park, across the valley from Farnley Hall and owned by the Fawkes family, was almost certainly bare, unforested moorland during Turner’s time. It was wooded by Walter Fawkes during the 1780s and is now commonly known as the Otley Chevin. It was gifted by Fawkes’ descendents in 1946 “for perpetual use by the public for exercise and recreation.”

Turner completed a number of watercolours here, including one featuring woodcock being shot on The Chevin, near Caley

Crags. The presence of the ground-nesting woodcock is used today to assess the balance between people and wildlife; they are only seen in less busy parts of the forest.

Turner’s painting suggests that woodcock were still present in that part of the Chevin, but not so today.

The Turner Trails panel and bench are located near Caley Crags with clear views across to Farnley Hall (now a private residence). They can be accessed on foot through Stag Wood and Keepers Wood.

Upper Shawfi eld Car Park, East Chevin Road, Otley, West Yorkshire LS21

Tel: 01943 465023Web: www.chevinforest.co.uk


Directions: 9 miles NW of Leeds on the A660 to Otley; follow signs from Otley town to East Chevin Road.


Prices: Free.

Caley Crags © Si Homfray

The Hepworth Wakefi eld © J Wilde

18 19

Constable Burton Village Green12

Constable Burton Hall was built by John Carr of York in 1768 and is still the home of the Wyville family today. It is set in beautiful countryside, surrounded by 18th Century parkland providing lovely woodland walks.

Turner sketched the main front of Constable Burton Hall from the carriage drive and was probably considering making a fi nished watercolour of the house, although this was never completed.

The Turner Trails bench is found at the far end

of Constable Burton village green next to the playground. Turn off the A684 into the village and the green is on the left hand side.

You can also visit Constable Burton Gardens. The house is not open to the public, but its beautiful gardens, including the stream garden with its architectural plants and refl ection ponds, are open between March and September.

Constable Burton Village Green, Near Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8

OS Map Ref: SE167909 (Turner Trails Bench)

Directions: 8 miles W of the A1 on the A684 between Bedale and Leyburn


Prices: Free (admission charges apply if visiting the nearby Constable Burton Gardens).

The Turner Trails bench can be accessed all year round and is free.

Constable Burton Hall

11Conisbrough Castle

Conisbrough Castle, one of the best surviving examples of medieval military architecture, was a well-known landmark in Turner’s time, with its spectacular geometrical keep dating from 1180. The riverside mill close by was owned by the famous iron master, Samuel Walker of Masbrough, near Rotherham and was in use as part of an iron foundry.

Finding a viewpoint near the River Don, Turner made a sketch that combined both the riverside mill and the castle keep.

It was presumably in one of Walker’s mills that Turner also took pause to make a dramatic record of the interior, with workers heaving the white hot metal under the hammers, and baking in the radiating light and heat.

Turner’s actual viewpoint of the Castle can be found near Walker’s iron foundry on the River Don by following the riverside footpaths along the north bank.

Conisbrough Castle is open to visitors.

Castle Hill, Conisbrough. Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN12 3BU

Tel: 01709 863329Email: [email protected]: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/conisbrough-castle/

OS Map Ref: SK517994 (viewpoint)SK515989 (castle)

Directions: NE of Conisbrough town centre off A630; 4.5 miles SW of Doncaster.

Opening: 1 Apr-30 Jun Sat-Wed, 10am-5pm; 1 July-31 Aug daily, 10am-5pm; 1-30 Sept Sat-Wed 10am-5pm; 1 Oct-31 Mar Sat-Wed, 10am-4pm; 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan closed.

Prices: Adults: £4.50 Concessions: £4.10 Child: £2.70 (under 5’s free) Family (2+2): £11.70 English Heritage free.

Conisbrough © Si Homfray

20 21

Coverham Church14

Coverham Church is in Coverdale, one of Yorkshire’s quietest and least-known valleys, but in the Middle Ages it was the site of an important abbey that fl ourished under the protection of nearby Middleham Castle.

The church is now under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust while the ruins of Coverham Abbey have been incorporated into a private house, which can be seen from the road.

Turner made a quick sketch of the Abbey ruins in his

pocketbook and then found a more distant viewpoint from the road to Middleham, where he could see the abbey, bridge and church. He clearly took time over this sketch and must have been intending a fi nished watercolour.

Turner’s sketch of the Abbey included a detailed study of Coverham Church, which can still be visited today.

Holy Trinity, Coverham, Nr Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4RN

Web: www.visitchurches.org.uk/


Directions: Take A6108 from Leyburn to Middleham. From Middleham follow brown tourist signs for Forbidden Corner to reach Coverham after 2 miles. The church is in on the left hand side as you pass through the hamlet.


Prices: Free.

Coverham Church © Si Homfray

13Cotter Force

Cotter Force is a lovely secluded waterfall in a wooded setting. It is a series of about half a dozen waterfalls with the largest single drop being about 1.5m. The force widens as it descends, from less than a metre at the top to about 4.5m wide at the bottom.

Turner spent a day sketching here, having spent the night at the nearby Green Dragon Inn in Hardraw.

Turner clearly enjoyed Cotter Force’s seclusion and he made one of his most careful and detailed

sketches here. One interesting detail of the sketch is that fact that Turner noted that there were ‘children looking over’ from the bushes at the top right of his sketch.

The trail is a 490m level path from the roadside alongside the beck which is suitable for wheelchairs. The surface is constructed of compacted stone with a general width of 110cm. There are three seating areas evenly spaced along the footpath.

Holme Heads Bridge, Hawes, North Yorkshire DL8

Web: www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/1.home/outandabout/whattosee/bestplacestosee/cotterforce.htm


Directions: Access from the A684 Hawes-Garsdale road near Holme Heads Bridge, approximately 2 miles W of Hawes.


Prices: Free.

Cotter Force © Si Homfray

22 23

1615 Dob Park Lodge, Washburn ValleyCowthorpe

Dob Park Lodge is an early 17th century lodge on the upper valley side, north of Otley, now in ruins. Turner completed his watercolour, ‘On the Washburn, under Folly Hall’, around 1815. While a dead tree trunk lying on the river bank is the focus of Turner’s watercolour, the ruined towers are clearly crowned in the distance.

The viewpoint lies on the banks of the Washburn about half a mile due north of Dob Park Lodge, just south of the old farm complex of Folly Hall.

The exact view is obscured today by tree growth along the banks of the river, but it is possible to obtain a similar view from the rising ground off a public footpath a little north east of the exact viewpoint.

The best starting point is the west end of Stainburn Forest, north of Otley, where car park facilities are available. Minor roads and footpaths can be followed to reach the spot.

The Washburn Valley, near Otley, West Yorkshire LS21

OS Map Ref: SE190513 (Turner’s viewpoint) SE210509 (car park)

Directions: Follow the B6451 north of Otley. Just after the minor road on the right (signed to Lindley), the Norwood Edge car park (Forestry Commission) can be accessed on the left.

The viewpoint can only be accessed on foot.


Prices: Free.

Dob Park Lodge, Winter © TJ Blackwell

Turner passed through Cowthorpe, a small village three miles north of Wetherby, in late August 1816, as he made his way from Farnley to York on his fi nal grand tour of Yorkshire.

Turner made three sketches in total. His subject was the (then) famous Cowthorpe Oak, one of the best-known and most venerable of ancient English oaks. Although by this time in a state of some decay, its truck measured nearly 20 metres in circumference, and the leading branch extended some 15 metres from the bole. It was estimated to

be 1800 years old and at its peak, in about 1700, it covered half an acre.

Sadly, anyone hoping to see the oak tree will be disappointed. It was already in decay when Turner sketched it and fi nally expired by about 1950. It has virtually disappeared altogether, but the remains of its base are still visible.

Turner’s drawings also clearly show St Michael’s Church, a Grade I listed building, in the background, which is worth visiting and is in the care of the Churches Conservation Trust.

St Michael’s Church, Oak Road, Cowthorpe, Wetherby, LS22 5EZ

Web: www.visitchurches.org.uk/


Directions: From the B1224 take the slip road signed to Cowthorpe and follow minor road to village. In village take fi rst left turn and the Church can be found at the end of this road on the right hand side.

Opening: Daily all year round.

Prices: Free (donations welcome to The Churches Conservation Trust)

St Michael’s Church © Shaun Stothard

24 25

Dove Scar 17

Turner visited West Burton on 28 Jul 1816 when collecting sketches for illustrating ‘A General History of the County of York’ by Thomas Dunham Whitaker. He fi rst sketched the waterfalls in the village of West Burton before exploring Dove Scar, the limestone escarpment further afi eld.

Turner took the old lane past Flanders Hall in West Burton and climbed quite steeply for about a mile until reaching the junction with the lane from West Witton at the

edge of a huge limestone escarpment. The summit here offers a grandstand view of one of the fi nest and widest panoramas of all Wensleydale.

Turner took out his sketchbook and recorded the view all the way round from the vale of West Burton to the left, over Aysgarth in the middle distance to upper Wensleydale beyond, round nearly to West Witton. He obviously thought that the effort of walking up to this viewpoint was well worthwhile.

Dove Scar, near West Burton, North Yorkshire DL8


Directions: Leave the A684 Leyburn-Hawes road at the turning for the B6160/Ellers Lane to West Burton.

Dove Scar can be viewed about one mile down Morpeth Gate, an unclassifi ed track running to the NE of West Burton. This track is not suitable for cars.


Prices: Free.

Dove Scar © Arnold Price

18 Dow Cave, nr Kettlewell

Dow Cave is one end of the famous Dowbergill Passage, 10-25 metres high but only 1 metre wide and completely straight for 1,500 metres. It was produced by solution along a fault and the stream goes through a spur of Great Whernside.

Turner belonged to the fi rst generation to develop an aesthetic interest in exploring caves and appears to have hired a guide to show him to the cave and lead him underground.

He made two careful, detailed sketches of the cave entrance in a large sketchbook and a series of quick notes

underground in a smaller pocketbook. Working in the dark, or by fl ickering candlelight, many of these are almost indecipherable, but nevertheless show his excitement at descending into the cave.

The entrance of the cave (and Turner’s viewpoint) can be reached from a path across Open Access land. However, the cave is one of the great potholing adventures of the Yorkshire Dales and should not be entered unless with experts.

The Turner Trails bench and panel are located in nearby Kettlewell.

Dow Cave, Near Kettlewell, North Yorkshire BD23


Directions: Follow the B6160 to Kettlewell. The site lies about 3/4 mile E of the Kettlewell to Middleham road which is accessible via a public footpath only.


Prices: Free.

Stream below Dow Cave © Si Homfray

26 27

Downholme & Ellerton Priory 19

Downholme is a small village near Richmond right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.

Turner made no sketches of Downholme village itself, but two from nearby. One was from about a mile west of the village, giving a superb view up Swaledale towards the remains of Ellerton Priory (west of Downholme). Turner clearly intended to make a fi nished watercolour of this.

After passing through Downholme he drew another sketch of the fi rst sight of Richmond as he

approached from the high ground of Downholme Moor.

The Turner Trails bench is located in the centre of the village beyond the Bolton Arms Inn, on the village green.

Downholme, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 6AE

OS Map Ref: SE101973 (Turner’s viewpoint) SE113979 (Turner Trails bench)

Directions: Downholme is about six miles SW of Richmond on the A6108. Bear left into the village upon reaching the grassy triangle.


Prices: Free.

Ellerton Priory © Si Homfray

20 Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal is Yorkshire’s fi nest Cistercian Abbey ruin, spanning over 800 years of history, and as such it offered a wealth of potential material for Turner.

During his fi rst visit he made three detailed pencil sketches (two with watercolour) in two large sketchbooks that he carried with him and then during the following winter developed a watercolour to exhibit at the Royal Academy in the spring.

Turner revisited Fountains Abbey in 1816 and made a number of good sketches on that occasion and a watercolour of the base of Abbot Huby’s tower.

Turner’s viewpoint for his second watercolour from his 1816 visit is easily accessed by exploring the interior of the Abbey ruins; the great perpendicular tower built by Huby dominates the north transept.

Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 3DY

Tel: 01765 608888Email: [email protected]: www.fountainsabbey.org.uk


Directions: 8 miles west of the A1 on the A61 to Ripon; 4 miles west of Ripon off B6265. Follow the brown tourist signs.

Opening: Oct-Mar 10am-4pm; Apr-Sep 10am-5pm. Grounds closed 24/25 Dec and Fridays in Nov, Dec & Jan.

Prices: Adult: £9.00*

Child: £4.85*

Family: £23 (2 adults, up to 3 child)*

*includes a voluntary 10% donation

National Trust & English Heritage members & under 5s free.

Fountains Abbey

28 29

Gordale Scar 21

Gordale Scar, a 100m deep limestone chasm, was fi rst ‘popularised’ by Thomas Gray in 1769: “The rock on the left rises perpendicular with stubbed yew trees and shrubs, starting from its side to the height of at least 300 feet; but those are not the things: it is that to the right under which you stand to see the fall, that forms the principal horror of the place. From its very base it begins to slope forwards over you in one black and solid mass without any crevice in its surface and overshadows half the area below with its dreadful canopy… I stayed here (not without shuddering) a quarter of an hour, and thought my trouble richly paid, for the impression will last for life.”

It can be no coincidence that Turner situated himself exactly under Gray’s overhang.

Turner set up his easel here and painted in colours direct onto his sheet, resulting in the largest plein air study on paper that Turner ever attempted, and one of his liveliest.

He also made a series of sketches around the gorge and one including the pretty waterfall of Janet’s Foss, a short distance away.

Turner’s viewpoints are easy to locate and very much unchanged. Janet’s Foss (south) and Gordale Scar (north) can be accessed via short walks on footpaths from the tea van at Gordale Bridge.

Gordale Scar, near Malham, North Yorkshire BD23

Web: www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/index/enjoying/national_park_centres_1/malham_national_park_centre.htm

OS Map Ref: SD913635 (tea van)

Directions: Turn off the A65 at Gargrave and continue through the villages of Airton and Kirkby Malham to Malham.

Malham National Park Centre is found as you enter the village of Malham from the south.

There is limited parking at the Scar and you may be better parking in the car park in Malham and walking on the footpath from the village to Janet’s Foss and beyond to Gordale Scar.


Prices: Free.

Gordale Scar

22 Hackfall

Set in a 350ft gorge on the edge of Grewelthorpe, Hackfall was bought in 1731 by John Aislabie, famous for his landscaping work at nearby Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Around 1750 his son, William, laid out the most dramatic section as a woodland garden. There are pathways, grottos, follies, springs, ponds and waterfalls on a grand scale, and Hackfall was one of the most important and famous managed landscapes of its kind and period in Britain.

The woods are now owned by the Woodland Trust and in the care of the Hackfall Trust, and considerable work has been done since 2002 to

recover this ‘lost landscape’ and to preserve the historic buildings and improve access.

After much sketching, Turner recorded two subjects very carefully, both resulting in fi nished watercolours. First a view from Sandbed Hut, looking downstream to the folly, Mowbray Castle, built as part of Aislabie’s plan.

Second, from a high viewpoint where Aislabie built an ornamental Banqueting House, taking in a panorama of the wooded gorge, from the Vale of Mowbray to the Hambleton Hills.

Hackfall Woods, North Yorkshire HG4 4DY

Email: [email protected]: www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/hackfall

OS Map Ref: SE235775 (Turner Trails bench) SE231775 (Hackfall car park)

Directions: Follow the A6108 Leyburn-Ripon road to Masham. Fork into the village and follow Thorpe Road S of Masham for around 2 miles.

Car park available at the Masham end of Hackfall.


Prices: Free.

Mowbray Castle, Hackfall © Catriona McLees

30 31

Hardraw Force 23

Hardraw Force is at the head of a short gorge behind the Green Dragon Inn and, at 79 feet, has the reputation of being one of the highest single-drop waterfalls in England. It was already a well-known attraction in Turner’s time, with fellow contemporaries such as Wordsworth also visiting.

Turner made two large sketches of the falls and developed fi rst a fi ne watercolour study before making his fi nal fi nished watercolour. Turner’s watercolour shows that

the site has changed quite markedly in character since 1816. When Turner visited, the valley was entirely bare of trees. For more than 20 years before his visit, England had been at war with France and native timber had been in severe demand. It is arguable that there was more open scenery at that time than any other period in England’s history.

The Green Dragon Inn, Hardraw, Hawes DL8 3LZ

Tel: 01969 667392Email: [email protected]: www.greendragonhardraw.com


Directions: Follow the A684 Hawes-Garsdale road. The minor road to Hardraw (signposted Hardraw and Askrigg) is about 1/3 mile N of Appersett. Follow for about 1/2 mile.


Prices: An entrance fee of £2 per adult is payable on the way through the pub.

NB: Toilets for customer use only.

Hardraw Force © Britain on View

24 Harewood House

Harewood House is the very foundation of Turner’s association with Yorkshire; it is because of the First Earl of Harewood and his son, Viscount Lascelles, that Turner came to Yorkshire in the fi rst place - to make a series of watercolours of Harewood House and Castle, and two oils of Plompton Rocks. He was then able to use Harewood as a springboard for a more extensive tour of Yorkshire and thus began an association of nearly thirty years.

Edward, Viscount Lascelles, was one of Turner’s most important early patrons and supported Turner through to becoming fully established and successful.

Turner’s viewpoint of Harewood House from the south east is on a public bridleway running through the south part of the estate.

Harewood House is also open to visitors.

Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS17 9LG

Tel: 0113 2181010Email: [email protected]: www.harewood.org


Directions: Follow the brown tourist signs from the A1, on the A61 Leeds-Harrogate road. By public transport: No. 36 bus Leeds Bus Station-Harrogate/Ripon - half-price admission for anyone arriving by public transport with a valid bus ticket.

Opening: 1 Apr-30 Oct 2011 daily, 10am-4pm; Nov - open at weekends only.

Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day, Good Friday closed.

Prices: Freedom tickets from £11 (adults) and £5.50 (child).

Harewood House

32 33

Helmsley Castle 25

Helmsley Castle has an impressive complex of deep ditches and high banks surrounding the great medieval castle’s ruins, and was sketched by many artists in the later eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.

Turner made a series of studies at Helmsley in which he explored views of the main buildings, including the keep, west range and gateway from across the deep ditch. The sketches show the ditches had fi lled in quite considerably at that time and were choked with shrubby trees.

Turner also made a good sketch of Helmsley Castle as seen over Helmsley Bridge, looking west from the north bank of the River Rye, which formed the basis of a watercolour study called ‘Evening landscape, with Castle and Bridge.’ Subsequent building on the north bank coupled with tree growth, has made the exact view impossible today.

The site of Turner’s sketch of the keep is still accessible in the grounds, just to the south east of the castle.

Castlegate, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire YO62 5AB

Tel: 01439 770442Email: [email protected]: www.english-heritage.org.uk/helmsleycastle


Directions: Follow the A170 Thirsk-Scarborough road to Helmsley. Helmsley Castle is clearly signposted.

Opening: 1 Apr-30 Sep daily, 10am-6pm; 1-31 Oct Thu-Mon 10am-5pm; 1 Nov-29 Feb Thu-Mon 10am-4pm; 1-31 Mar Thu-Mon 10am-5pm

24-26 Dec and 1 Jan closed.

Prices: Adult: £4.80 Child: £2.90 Concession: £4.30 Family Ticket: £12.50 English Heritage free.

Helmsley Castle

26 High Mill, Addingham

Turner passed through Addingham on several occasions whilst travelling towards Bolton Abbey or Skipton from the home of his Yorkshire friend and patron Walter Fawkes of Farnley Hall. Turner’s only visit to sketch at Addingham, however, was in 1808. On this occasion he sketched on exceptionally large sheets of paper, in fact some of the largest sheets that he ever attempted to use outdoors. We can only assume that conditions were settled and still for this to have been possible.

Turner found a viewpoint from which to sketch downstream of Addingham Mill, not far from the pedestrian footbridge across the River Wharfe. Shortly afterwards he used these to paint a fi ne watercolour.

The view of the mill itself – upstream from the bridge – is somewhat obscured by overgrowth of trees in the summer, but visible (and remarkably like) in the winter. The footbridge can be accessed from Bark Lane in the village.

off Bark Lane, Addingham, Ilkley, West Yorkshire LS29


Directions: Follow the A65 Ilkley-Skipton road, turn right approximately two miles beyond Ilkley, clearly signposted for Addingham. Turn right into Church Street (signed Bolton Abbey), follow for less than half a mile until it becomes Bark Lane.


Prices: Free.

High Mill from the bridge

34 35

Howden Minster 27

The church of St Peter and St Paul in Howden was one of the largest and fi nest in East Yorkshire and refl ected the very great prosperity of these agricultural lands at the end of the middle ages. Although the minster was not destroyed in the Dissolution, the chancel fell into ruin; the roof eventually collapsed in 1696 and the chapter house roof collapsed in 1750.

Turner’s enthusiasm for observation and careful notation was as powerful and penetrating as ever and he made two particularly

fi nely detailed pencil studies of the east end of Howden Minster, starting on the left page with the chapter house and fi nishing with the great east window on the right.

Turner’s exact viewpoint of Howden Minster is still accessible. While the core of the church still serves as Howden’s parish church, the collegiate structures, including the chapter house and chancel, are beautifully decorated ruins with Gothic carvings. The ruins are in the care of English Heritage and are viewable only from the outside.

Market Place, Howden, East Riding of Yorkshire DN14 7BL

Tel: 01430 430332Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/howden-minster/


Directions: Near the junction of A63 and A614 in the centre of Howden.


24-26 Dec and 1 Jan closed.

Prices: Free.

Howden Minster © Si Homfray

28 Jervaulx Abbey

Founded in 1156, Jervaulx Abbey was once a great Cistercian monastery before being ravaged and pillaged during the Dissolution of Monasteries, and dissolved in 1587.

The abbey is a charming and atmospheric ruin; Turner was searching for a view that would show its tranquil setting in the wide sweep of Wensleydale. He always noticed signs of human activity in the landscape and his sketch includes two distinct plumes of smoke rising from fi elds in the valley fl oor; it is possible that

farmers were burning stubble to prepare for late summer ploughing.

Turner concentrated on vantage points in the park to the east of Jervaulx and found one from a slightly elevated viewpoint where he could look over the abbey to the valley stretching away towards Danby Hall and Middleham. This viewpoint is still accessible today by following the public footpath that leads away south east from the Abbey.

Park House, Jervaulx, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 4PH

Tel: 01677 460226Web: www.jervaulxabbey.com

OS Map Ref: SE172857 (Turner Trails bench) SE175856 (Turner’s viewpoint)

Directions: Jervaulx is situated halfway between Masham and Leyburn on the A6108.

Opening: Dawn until dusk all year round.

Prices: Honesty box payment for entry into Jervaulx Abbey.

Jervaulx Abbey © Si Homfray

36 37

Kilnsey Crag 29

The distinctive Kilnsey Crag is a towering inland limestone cliff, around 50 metres high, which has an impressive overhang of about 12 metres created by the Wharfedale glacier during the ice age.

A detailed sketch across two pages of Turner’s largest book of the view from a distance at the village of Conistone, taking in the headland of Kilnsey jutting into the Wharfe Valley, with the river and Conistone Bridge in the foreground and the higher fells of Upper Wharfedale in the background became

a highly atmospheric watercolour study. However, it does not appear that he completed a watercolour from this. A note in the sketchbook suggests that he promised to deliver it to Charles Cope of Leeds by December 1825, so possibly a major watercolour has been lost.

There is no public access to the exact viewpoint of Turner’s sketch of Kilnsey and Conistone Bridge. However similar views can be enjoyed on a footpath leading from Conistone Bridge, looking towards Kilnsey Crag.

Kilnsey near Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23


Directions: Off the B6160 Threshfi eld-Kettlewell road, signposted Conistone and St Mary’s Church.

The Turner Trails bench and panel can be found at Kilnsey Park and Trout Farm, where parking is also available.


Prices: Free

Fish ponds looking to Kilnsey Crag © Si Homfray

30 Kirkstall Abbey

Kirkstall Abbey stands on a wide fertile sweep of the River Aire about three miles west of Leeds centre. Housing a community of Cistercian monks, it grew to be one of Yorkshire’s largest abbeys before its dissolution in 1539.

The Abbey was an important site to Turner and he made several architectural studies at Kirkstall but was eventually drawn to a more distant view from the riverside in which he could relate the abbey to its surroundings and particularly develop

a sense of weather and time. Turner pictures Kirkstall Abbey as a deep and solitary immersion in nature, whereas actually then, as well as now, it would have been as much a social as a natural experience.

Turner’s viewpoint is at the other side of river from the Abbey but the same angle of the view can be obtained within the Abbey grounds.

Kirkstall Abbey, Kirkstall, Leeds LS5 3EH

Tel: 0113 2305492Web: www.leeds.gov.uk/kirkstallabbey/


Directions: 3 miles W of Leeds city centre on the A65 (Kirkstall Road).

Opening: Apr-Sep, Tues-Fri 10am-5pm; Sat–Sun 10am–6pm

Oct-Mar, Tues–Thur, Sat–Sun 10am–4pm;

Closed Mondays except bank holidays (10am-4pm)

Last admission 1 hour before closing

Prices: Free.

Kirkstall Abbey © Si Homfray

38 39

Knaresborough Castle 31

The town of Knaresborough contained plenty of material for Turner’s sketchbook, including views of Knaresborough Castle, a ruined medieval fortress overlooking the River Nidd.

In 1797, Turner sketched Knaresborough Castle and the castle mills from the opposite side of the river. In 1816 he explored views from the south, north and west in his pocketbook, while in his larger sketchbook he recorded distant views from the north west and south east. From this material,

he developed a superb fi nished watercolour, painted perhaps about 1825, in which he returned to a slightly more distant version of the composition he had fi rst developed in 1797, but using his 1816 sketches to produce a more comprehensive view of the town and castle. The smoke rising from the castle mills is possibly a sign of the advancing industrial revolution, as the traditional water power of the mill was augmented by new steam engines.

Castle Yard, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8AS

Tel: 01423 556188


Directions: 4 miles west of the A1 on the A59.

Opening: Please call for opening times and entry fees.

Knaresborough Castle © Si Homfray

32 Leyburn Market Place

Leyburn is a small attractive market town sitting above the northern bank of the River Ure on the edge of Wensleydale.

Turner passed through Leyburn around the beginning of September 1816 during his extensive tour of Yorkshire to collect material for Whitaker’s history of York series.

Turner did not actually sketch in Leyburn, but may have stayed in the town when travelling from Middleham to Constable Burton, both of which provided the subjects of

sketches.

Leyburn is visible in the distance in Turner’s sketches that were drawn from above Middleham.

The Turner Trails bench is located in the centre of the Market Place beside the war memorial.

Leyburn Market Place, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8

Web: www.leyburnonline.co.uk


Directions: 12 miles W of the A1 on the A684.


Prices: Free.

Leyburn Market Place © Si Homfray

40 41

Malham Cove 33

Standing some 80 metres high and 300 metres wide, north of the mid craven fault, Malham Cove is a curved crag of carboniferous limestone formed after the last ice age.

With its stunning cliffs, crags and scars, Malham has inspired artists and writers such as Ward, Wordsworth and Kingsley, as well as Turner.

Any sketch that Turner might have made in 1808 has disappeared, however Turner painted a superb watercolour of Malham Cove from his sketches, which he

fi nished in 1809. This is one of the fi rst watercolours to give a vivid and convincing sense of weather as might be typically encountered in a Pennine village.

Turner’s viewpoint is perfectly recognisable on the path to the cove in the second fi eld on the walk up from the village and the view is unchanged except for the growth of trees. It can only be accessed on foot from Malham Village, where there are car park facilities next to the National Park Centre.

Malham Cove, near Malham, North Yorkshire BD23

Web: www.yorkshiredales.org.uk


Directions: Turn off the A65 at Gargrave and continue through the villages of Airton and Kirkby Malham to Malham. Malham National Park Centre is found as you enter the village of Malham from the south.

The National Trust runs a shuttle bus to Malham Tarn and Malham village every weekend and bank holiday from Easter to October. It travels between Ilkley, Addingham, Skipton bus station and railway station, Settle and Malham Tarn, and carries several bikes.


Prices: Free

Malham Cove

34 Malham Tarn

Malham Tarn, the highest glacial lake in England, was sketched by Turner in heavy rain, which Turner found more appealing than repellent.

In 1816 Turner was commissioned to make 120 watercolours of principal subjects in Yorkshire. He arrived at the inn in Malham on the evening of 24 July, where he stayed with his friends, the Fawkes family. He didn’t reach Malham Tarn until the following day, having said farewell to the Fawkes and ridden alone over the moors. Upon

reaching his destination, Turner made three panoramic sketches looking over the lake to Tarn House, a shooting lodge of Lord Ribblesdale, with High Folds Scar behind and Great Close to the right.

Turner’s 1816 sketches of the Malham area illustrate ‘rural fare’ noting pigs and poultry grazing by the beckside in Malham village. He also sketched at nearby Janet’s Foss and Gordale Scar.

Turner’s view over the Tarn can be easily reached from the car park at the south end of Malham Tarn.

Malham Tarn National Nature Reserve, near Malham, North Yorkshire BD24

Web: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-malhamtarnmoor


Directions: Turn off the A65 at Gargrave and continue through the villages of Airton and Kirkby Malham to Malham. Follow the minor road above Malham to reach the Tarn, where a car park is available.

From Easter to October a shuttle bus operates at weekends and bank holidays up to Malham Tarn. It has a satellite-triggered audio tour on board and carries several bikes. It travels between Ilkley, Addingham, Skipton bus station and railway station, Settle and Malham Tarn.


Prices: Free.

Malham Tarn

42 43

Malton

Sometime between about 1816 and 1818, Turner made a short tour to Scarborough from Farnley Hall near Otley, the home of his friend Walter Fawkes. On the way back he passed through Malton, a quaint market town, and it looks very much as if he must have put up at The Talbot Hotel, since he took the trouble to sketch it with the town behind.

The Talbot opened in 1740 as a coaching inn to serve travellers between York and the coast, and continues as a hotel to this day.

The original view has been obscured by development but the gardens of the hotel do provide a good place from which to view Turner’s sketch. From its vantage point high above the River Derwent, The Talbot has commanding views over the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Yorkersgate, Malton, North Yorkshire YO17 7AJ


Directions: From the A64 York-Scarborough road, follow the signs to Malton town centre.


Prices: Free.

Malton Market Place © Si Homfray

Marrick Priory

Marrick Priory is on the north bank of the River Swale, a little east of Grinton. It was founded in 1150 to house a community of Benedictine nuns but was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1540.

Turner sketched the view of the Priory from the east and developed it into a fi ne fi nished watercolour which was engraved in Whitaker’s ‘History of Richmondshire’, part of the projected seven volume ‘A General History of the County of York’, and published in December 1822.

Turner’s actual viewpoint is now obscured by subsequent tree growth. Regrowth, whilst a benefi t, has obscured many fi ne views that were open for Turner to sketch.

The Turner Trails bench is located on a public footpath in a fi eld just above the Priory just before entering Steps Wood and provides views overlooking Swaledale.

NB: Marrick Priory is now an outdoor education and recreational centre, and open to residents only.

Marrick Priory, Marrick, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 7LD


Directions: Head through Richmond towards Reeth via the A6108 and B6270. Just before Reeth at Fremington turn right, signposted Marrick and Hurst. After a quarter of a mile, bear right and follow for 1 mile to Marrick Priory.

There is no parking at Marrick Priory. Some parking might be possible on the road verges about 3/4 of a mile before reaching the Priory.

Opening: The Turner Trails bench can be accessed all year round.

Prices: Access to the Turner Trails bench is free.

Marrick Priory © Si Homfray

35 36

44 45

Masham Market Place 37

Masham is an attractive market town, with a spacious market square and a large church with a tall spire that can be seen from miles around. Turner visited the town whilst working his way up central Wensleydale from Ripon towards Middleham sometime towards the end of August 1816.

Turner concentrated on views from the riverside near Masham Bridge and made a fi ne sketch from the north of the bridge depicting the town and church; these views are

obscured by tree growth today.

The Turner Trails bench and panel are situated in the Market Place.

The Market Place, Masham, North Yorkshire HG4

OS Map Ref: SE225807 (Turner Trails bench)

Directions: Follow the A6108 Leyburn-Ripon road to Masham.

Market Place is at the junction of Silver Street and Church Street, with plenty of parking, run on an honesty box system.


Prices: Free.

Masham market place © Si Homfray

Meersbrook Park Sheffi eld, South Yorkshire S8 9FL

Tel: 0114 2500500Email: parksandcountryside@sheffi eld.gov.ukWeb: www.sheffi eld.gov.uk

OS Map Ref: SK350842

Directions: From Sheffi eld city centre take the A61 to Chesterfi eld, turn left up Beeton Road. At the top of the road turn right onto Brook Road.


Prices: Free.

View over Sheffi eld from Meersbrook Park © Si Homfray

38 Meersbrook Park

Turner probably visited Sheffi eld in the mid 1790s, for at about that time he painted a watercolour of the city. Turner was then still a teenager, building his career by making illustrations for London printmakers and by colouring, copying and fi nding whatever work he could. The watercolour was engraved for a popular publication called The Copper Plate Magazine and Turner was probably paid very little for his work.

Turner’s exact viewpoint for his watercolour ‘View of Sheffi eld from Derbyshire Lane’ is now obscured by

later buildings. Almost exactly the same view can be obtained from the green open space of the adjoining Meersbrook Park. The park is a vantage point for what is still one of the fi nest panoramas of the city and it is fascinating to see how the city has developed and changed – particularly the scale of modern buildings – whilst still retaining a very similar character overall.

The watercolour can be viewed in the Ruskin Gallery, within the Millennium Galleries in Sheffi eld.

46 47

Middleham & Middleham Castle 39

Middleham Castle’s massive Keep is one of the largest in England and the castle was the childhood home of Richard III.

Middleham impressed Turner more than any other site in Yorkshire, if the number of his sketches is an indication. He made more than a dozen in a small notebook and four more considered sketches in a larger sketchbook.

Turner’s main interest was in searching for a viewpoint from near the river, looking up at Middleham Castle and the town. He also found some exceptionally fi ne views over the Castle and town from the higher ground behind the

castle, taking in the broad sweep of Wensleydale behind and Turner explored the area thoroughly from south west to south east. The fi elds behind the castle to the south east provided the subjects for some particularly fi ne sketches.

The Turner Trails bench is situated about 3/4 mile south west of Middleham next to the roadside, by a stone wall and footpath sign. The bench overlooks Pinker’s Pond and you can enjoy the views across Coverdale.

You can also visit Middleham Castle, the focus of Turner’s sketches.

Castle Hill, Middleham, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 4QG

Tel: 01969 623899Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/middleham-castle

OS Map Ref: SE117870 (Turner Trails bench) SE129873 (Turner’s viewpoint)

Directions: Castle location: 2 miles S of Leyburn on A6108. Turner Trails bench: Follow Coverham Lane from Middleham for 3/4 mile (SW of Middleham).

Opening: Castle opening times: 1 Apr-30 Sep, daily 10am-6pm; 1 Oct-31 Mar, Sat-Wed 10am-4pm.

24-26 Dec and 1 Jan closed

Bench can be accessed all year round.

Prices: Castle admission costs: Adult £4.30; Children £2.60; Concessions £3.90; English Heritage members free

Access to the Turner Trails bench is free.

Middleham Castle

Mossdale is a little-known complex of falls at the very head of Wensleydale, while Mossdale Beck tumbles down a number of falls on the north fl ank of Widdale Fell.

1816 was one of the wettest summers on meteorological record and the falls must have been particularly impressive when Turner saw them.

Turner made a few sketches at this site, but it was the upper falls that caught his particular attention and from that he made a wonderfully dramatised and

atmospheric watercolour. The location remains remarkably unchanged today except for a railway viaduct (now disused) built across the top of the falls in the 1870s.

The Turner Trails bench is located next to Mossdale Gill beside a public footpath near the falls and can only be accessed on foot. The footpath can be accessed from Appersett, offering a pleasant walk along fi eld paths beside the River Ure and Mossdale Gill up to the Falls.

Mossdale Falls, off the A684, nr Hawes, North Yorkshire DL8


Directions: Follow the A684 Hawes-Garsdale road to Appersett. Mossdale Falls is approximately two miles NW along the A684 and can only be accessed on foot, 3/4 mile up a public footpath from the road.

There is some informal parking on the opposite side of the road, shortly before the footpath. Alternatively park in Appersett and follow the riverside footpath to the falls about 2 miles away.


Prices: Free.

Mossdale Falls © Catriona McLees

40 Mossdale Falls

48 49

Nappa Scar, nr Askrigg 41

The fells above Nappa Scar, north east of Askrigg, offer stunning views over Wensleydale and Turner visited the area during his 1816 trip to Askrigg.

Turner fi nished his studies at Askrigg by taking sketches from above the town, going up towards Newbiggin and Ellerkin Scar (north of Nappa Scar).

From here he could see right across Wensleydale towards Semer Water, where he had sketched earlier in the day. Looking at the sketches carefully it is interesting to discover

that Turner has taken a synthetic approach to his material. The sketch from the lower viewpoint clearly includes sight of Semer Water itself, but the lake can only be seen from much higher up the fell.

The Turner Trails bench is situated above the hamlet of Nappa Scar at Heugh, up a steep, narrow road in a quarried area overlooking the valley.

Heugh, Nappa Scar, Near Askrigg, North Yorkshire BD23


Directions: Follow the A684 Leyburn-Hawes road to Bainbridge, where the minor road to Askrigg is clearly signposted. Follow main road through Askrigg and for a mile beyond to reach Nappa Scar Farm.

Alternatively, follow the back road from Carperby to Nappa Scar Farm.

At Nappa Scar Farm, turn uphill into Harr Gill and follow to the end.

NB: this is a very steep narrow road, with limited parking at the top.


Prices: Free.

View from Nappa Scar © Si Homfray

42 Newby Hall

Newby Hall was built by Sir Edward Blackett in the early 1690s and in 1748 was bought by William Weddell who formed an outstanding collection of classical antiquities and created a sculpture gallery in the house to display them. Weddell died in 1792 and the house passed to his cousin, Thomas Robinson, Lord Grantham, who, in 1833, inherited the Earldom of de Grey.

Elizabeth Weddell, William’s wife, appears to have had a signifi cant interest in watercolours

when Turner was young and it is possible that Turner had contact with the family in previous years.

Newby Hall would certainly have been one of the important subjects in the list of 120 watercolours that Turner was intending for the history of York series. He made detailed pencil sketches of the house and grounds from west and south although these were not completed as watercolours.

Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 5AE

Tel: 01423 322583Email: [email protected]: www.newbyhall.com


Directions: 2 miles off the A1, on the B6265 between Ripon and Boroughbridge (Sat Nav ref HG4 5AJ).

Opening: 1 April-25 September Tues-Sun plus bank holidays. Open daily in July and August.

Gardens open 11am-5.30pm; house open for tours only 12-4pm.

Prices: House & Gardens: Adult: £12.20 Concession: £11.20 Child: £9.50 Family: (2+2) £41 Family: (2+3) £44

Gardens only: Adult: £8.70 Concession: £7.70 Child: £7.20 Family (2+2) £31 Family (2+3) £36.

Newby Hall

50 51

Otley Chevin Forest Park 43

The views across Wharfedale from Otley Chevin and Caley Park were among Turner’s favourite subjects.

Turner came up to the Chevin on many occasions and made many sketches and, as a result, numerous fi nished watercolours. His famous painting, Snow Storm: Hannibal and his Army Crossing the Alps, is reputed to have been inspired by a view of the Chevin with a stormy background sky.

One of the fi nest of Turner’s Chevin watercolours is a

view of the Wharfe Valley and Farnley Hall on the opposite side. It is taken from a viewpoint on the West Chevin, but the exact spot is now obscured by tree growth.

Visitors today can walk to the rock outcrop of Surprise View where Turner’s material may be seen very clearly, since this viewpoint is higher and completely open. Surprise View is the highest point of the Chevin, reaching 282 metres, and offers extensive views of Otley and Wharfedale.

Surprise View Car Park, Yorkgate, Otley, West Yorkshire LS21

Tel: 01943 465023Web: www.chevinforest.co.uk


Directions: 9 miles NW of Leeds on the A660 to Otley; follow signs from Otley town to East Chevin Road.

There is also a car park adjacent to Surprise View off Yorkgate at the top of the Chevin.


Prices: Free.

View from Surprise View, Otley Chevin

44 Ouse Bridge, York

The Ouse Bridge, which opened in 1566, had fi ve arches, with the central one 81 feet wide and more than 17 feet high. However the bridge that Turner originally sketched was demolished in 1810 and the current bridge was not completed until 1821.

During his 1797 visit, Turner made some very detailed and important sketches of the river, Ouse Bridge, St Mary’s Abbey and the Minster.

On his second major trip in 1816, Turner’s principal interest was in the

panoramic views from two windmills, Acomb to the west and Lamel Hill to the south-east. The former still stands (albeit in rather changed circumstances) and has recently been renovated. Turner also revisited St Mary’s Abbey and made numerous sketches of Ouse Bridge and the river, and views of the Minster from the north and east.

Standing on King’s Staithe today, visitors can refl ect on the contrast between the new Ouse Bridge and the old one of Turner’s time.

Ouse Bridge, Bridge Street, York YO1


Directions: Ouse Bridge is in the centre of York and is best viewed on foot from King’s Staithe.


Prices: Free.

A Turner Trails plaque is on the north parapet of the Ouse Bridge, about halfway across the bridge.

Ouse Bridge, YorkOuse Bridge

52 53

Pickering Castle 45

Pickering Castle is a classic 12th century motte and bailey castle, which stands just north of the town centre. While it cannot be seen by passing road traffi c, it can be seen by passengers on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

JMW Turner visited Pickering in 1801 on his second grand tour to the north, where he is reputed to have stayed at The White Swan in Market Place.

Turner’s sketches of Pickering are unknown to the public since their identifi cation is unpublished. He made a series of sketches in the Chester sketchbook in which he explored the views of the castle from various aspects

along Pickering Beck. Turner took views ranging from south of the castle to the north as far as Newbridge, more or less along the line of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway from Pickering Station to Newbridge.

Turner’s viewpoint is on a public footpath on the opposite side of the valley to the castle about 500 yards north and can only be accessed on foot.

Visitors can also enjoy a visit to the castle, with its spectacular views from the motte-top.

The Turner Trails panel is located in Market Place.

Pickering Castle, Pickering, North Yorkshire YO18 7AX

Tel: 01751 474989Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/pickering-castle/

OS Map Ref: SE798848 (Turner’s viewpoint) SE799845 (Castle)

Directions: 15 miles SW of Scarborough just off the A170.

Opening: Castle opening times: 1 Apr-30 Jun, Thu-Mon 10am-5pm; 1 Jul-31 Aug, daily 10am-5pm; 1-30 Sep, Thu-Mon 10am-5pm.

Prices: Adult: £3.80 Child: £2.30 Concession: £3.10 Family Ticket: £9.90 English Heritage free.

Pickering Castle © Britain on View

46 Plumpton Rocks

Plumpton Rocks is a large picturesque garden formed in the 1760s by creating a lake at the foot of an extensive range of weathered and contorted gritstone outcrops.

Known as Plompton Rocks in Turner’s time, an early guide mentioned that “seats are placed in different parts from whence the spectator may have the most advantageous views of the different objects that compose this romantic scene. The striking contrasts of the weather-beaten rock, with the blooming verdure that surrounds it, affords a

pleasing instance of what nature, properly assisted by art, is capable of producing.”

Turner’s two oil paintings depict the view from the two opposite ends of the water: one of the lake head looking south, with fi sherman at work on the lake, the other from the dam looking north, with fi sherman packing up for the night.

The view from the south end of the lake, (on the dam at the outfl ow of the lake) is remarkably well preserved and Turner’s view is almost unchanged.

Plumpton, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire HG5 8NA

Tel: 01298 386360Web: www.hha.org.uk/Property/1400/Plumpton-Rocks


Directions: 7 miles NW of Wetherby on the A661. The turn to Plumpton Rocks is clearly signposted.

Opening: Mar-Oct, Sat-Sun & bank holidays, 11am-6pm.

Prices: Adult: £2.50 Children: £1.50

Plumpton Rocks © Catriona McLees

54 55

47Ravensworth Castle

Ravensworth Castle is a signifi cant 14th century monument that now lies in ruins. Turner passed through Ravensworth on horseback, on his way to Greta Bridge and Teesdale, but conditions were far from ideal for sketching.

The summer of 1816 was one of the wettest on record, and possibly under the shelter of an umbrella, Turner did manage to make three quite detailed sketches of Ravensworth Castle, with Kirby Hill Church beyond, in his pocketbook.

No fi nished version of Ravensworth seems ever to

have been completed, but one attractive detail noted in one of the sketches of Ravensworth Castle is that of ‘Children at Play’ in the foreground. Turner was always alert to the human dimensions of the landscape and no doubt he would have developed some entertaining detail around this theme if he had made a fi nished watercolour.

Ravensworth Castle is on private land. Kirby Hill Church is accessible and is a delightful and little-known spot that is a prominent landmark in Turner’s sketches. A footpath links Ravensworth and Kirby Hill.

Ravensworth Castle, Ravensworth, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 7ET

OS Map Ref: NZ143077

Directions: 5 miles NE of the A1 at Scotch Corner on the A66; turn left at the Ravensworth and Kirby Hill signpost follow for a mile, along the main road through Ravensworth. The Castle can be viewed from the road.


Prices: Free.

Ravensworth Castle

Richmond Castle48

Richmond Castle is breathtakingly sited on a rocky promontory above the River Swale and is among the oldest Norman stone fortresses in Britain, begun around 1071.

In 1797 Turner found a fi ne viewpoint of the castle seen over the bridge from the riverside, which he developed into a full-scale, but unfi nished, watercolour; however, he did develop a wonderful effect of dawn light as the sun rises on the castle. Even as a young man Turner seems to have adopted the

practice of rising to see the dawn, which he continued throughout his life. The viewpoint is today a little overgrown by trees, and is more clearly visible in the winter.

In 1816 Turner made a fairly comprehensive survey of Richmond Castle from different quarters of the compass. He also returned to the viewpoint of his 1797 watercolour and made a new watercolour study in a much more energetic style.

Castle Walk, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4QW

Tel: 01748 822493 Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/richmond-castle/


Directions: 4 miles SW of the A1 at Scotch Corner. Follow the A6108 to Richmond. The Castle is just off Market Place. Castle Walk can only be accessed on foot

Opening: Castle opening times: 1 April-30 September, daily 10am-6pm; 1 October-31 March, Thurs-Mon 10am-4pm

24-26 Dec and 1 Jan closed

Prices: Adult: £4.60, Children: £2.80 Concessions: £4.10 English Heritage free.

The Turner Trails Bench on Castle Walk can be accessed all year round and is free.

Richmond Castle © Si Homfray

56 57

49Rievaulx Abbey

Rievaulx Abbey became one of England’s wealthiest monasteries before its dissolution by King Henry VIII in 1538 and is one of the most complete and impressive abbeys in Britain.

In 1801 Turner made a series of quick studies of Rievaulx, recording the ruins from viewpoints ranging from the west through south, to the east. In addition he made a large pencil sketch of the imposing end of the south transept.

One of Turner’s two fi nished watercolours based on his 1816 sketches is one of his most expansive treatments

of atmosphere and light, cloud and wooded valley, and one of his most brilliant evocations of the constantly changing moods and weather of the Yorkshire scenery that he so much enjoyed.

Turner’s sketching spot for his other watercolour is on the bridge south of the abbey. Sadly the actual view of the abbey from here is now obscured by tree overgrowth.

However, visitors can explore the atmospheric ruins close up and sample scrumptious Yorkshire fare in the Rievaulx Abbey Tearoom.

Rievaulx Abbey, Rievaulx, North Yorkshire YO62 5LB

Tel: 01439 798228Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/rievaulx-abbey/

OS Map Ref: SE574843 (Turner’s viewpoint) SE577850 (Abbey)

Directions: Follow the A170 Thirsk-Scarborough road to Helmsley; 2 1/4 miles N of Helmsley on minor road off B1257.

Opening: 01 Apr-30 Sep daily, 10am-6pm; 1-31 Oct 10am-5pm, 1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm all Thu-Mon. 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan closed.

Prices: Adult: £5.60 Child: £3.40 Concession: £5.00 English Heritage free.

Rievaulx Abbey

Ripon Cathedral & Bell Banks, Sharow50

Ripon Minster, not yet a Cathedral at the time of Turner’s visits, was the focus of his sketches of Ripon. Dominating the Ripon skyline, this wonderfully atmospheric building continues to inspire.

In 1797, Turner concentrated on the old Ure Bridge and the interior and exterior of the Minster, including one particularly fi ne view of the west front seen from the still-picturesque street of Kirkgate.

In 1816, although Turner made a number of close up studies of the Minster, he

wanted a more distant view. He returned to Ure Bridge and also ventured further afi eld, possibly with local guidance, to Bell Banks on the north bank of the River Ure near Sharow. This spot is now only visited by those with local knowledge, but Turner sketched it several times and it seems that he was planning a fi nished watercolour, though none appears to have been completed.

The Turner Trails bench and panel are located within the grounds of Ripon Cathedral.

Minster Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4 1QS

Tel: 01765 603462 Email: [email protected]: www.riponcathedral.co.uk

OS Map Ref: SE313711 (Ripon Cathedral) SE323717 (Bell Bank)

Directions: 4 miles west of the A1 on the A61 to Ripon. View from Bell Banks: From the A1, follow A61 to 1st roundabout and bear left, signposted Sharow. Bell Bank is only accessible by foot and a footpath leads off Sharow Lane which can be followed down to the river (no parking available).

Opening: Opens every day half an hour before the fi rst service and after evensong (usually about 6.15)

Prices: Free.

Ripon Cathedral © Britain on View

58 59

51Rotherham Minster (Church of All Saints)

Both the Chapel of Our Lady of Rotherham Bridge and All Saints Church date from the 15th century, with some parts of the Church remaining from Saxon and Norman structures. The quality of the buildings testifi es to Rotherham’s wealth and spirit in the agricultural medieval period.

From the left bank of the River Don, Turner sketched the medieval bridge and Chantry Chapel, with the town and spire of All Saints Church beyond. If one examines the sketch

carefully, the one large window of the original chapel has been bricked up, leaving only tiny apertures; the chapel was then in use as the town jail, before being fully restored in 1923 and rededicated as a place of worship by the Bishop of Sheffi eld in 1924.

Turner’s viewpoint for his sketch, ‘Rotherham Bridge and Chapel, with All Saints Church Beyond’, is perfectly preserved today off Greasbrough Road. An existing town centre trail also links the various sites.

All Saints Square, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S60 1PW

Tel: 01709 364737Web: www.rotherhamminster.org

www.rotherham.gov.uk/info/200102/walking/905/town_centre_trail/1

OS Map Ref: SK427931

Directions: From M1 North, exit J34 onto A6178 past Magna. At second roundabout, left onto A630 Centenary Way, right at next roundabout onto Main Street, 2nd left onto Market Street & car parks.

From M1 South, exit J35 onto A629. At third roundabout, right onto A630 Centenary Way, left at next roundabout onto Main Street, 2nd left onto Market Street & car parks.


Prices: Free.

Rotherham Minster

52 Scarborough

In 1801, while en route to Scotland, Turner sketched Scarborough from the South Bay beach and made numerous studies of the waves breaking on the shore, together with a series of distant views from high ground inland to the north west and south west.

The views from the north west were treated on a larger scale in pencil and in watercolour.

In about 1816, Turner returned to Scarborough to make a comprehensive study of the town, beach and castle and fi lled two sketchbooks with studies.

Turner’s 1801 sketchbook study of Scarborough from South Bay beach became the basis of a watercolour study and three watercolours (1809, 1811, and another around 1825), for a series illustrating the Ports of England.

Turner’s view of the castle and harbour captured in his 1811 watercolour can be found on Scarborough’s South Bay promenade, quite near to Scarborough Spa. South Bay beach is a large sandy bay with good facilities.

The Turner Trails bench and panel are located on the coastal footpath south of South Bay promenade.

South Bay Beach, Foreshore Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 1NU

Tel: 01723 383636


Directions: Follow signs for Scarborough town centre/railway station. At station, turn right at traffi c lights onto Valley Bridge Road and follow signs to South Bay/South Cliff.

Alternatively, catch the Park & Ride bus from either the Filey Road (A165) or Seamer Road (A64) Park & Ride.


Prices: Free.

Scarborough

60 61

Scarborough Castle 53

Turner was clearly fond of Scarborough, Britain’s fi rst seaside resort. The number of sketches and watercolours for one area, all of which centred on Scarborough Castle, is one of the highest for any site in his oeuvre. Towering over the clifftops, the castle has a colourful history, starting life as an Iron Age Fort, being occupied by the Romans, becoming a Viking settlement and reaching its heyday under Henry II.

In 1801, Turner recorded the view up the castle cliff from the near end of the harbour wall in watercolour

and a view of the Barbican in watercolour, silhouetted against the sunset.

In 1816 Turner explored the south bay, the Weaponness valley, the harbour area, the castle ward – making sketches looking from the castle to the north, south and west – and the north bay. In the end he returned to his favourite view of the castle and harbour from the south bay in a new watercolour painted in 1818.

Scarborough Castle is open for visitors to explore 3,000 years of turbulent history from Bronze age to World War II.

Scarborough Castle, Castle Road, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO11 1HY

Tel: 01723 372451Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/scarboroughcastle


Directions: Follow signs for Scarborough town centre/railway station. At station, turn left at traffi c lights onto Northway, then next right onto Victoria Road. Follow to roundabout and straight over onto Castle Rd.

Opening: 1 Apr-30 Sep daily, 10am-6pm; 1 Oct-31 Mar Thurs-Mon, 10am-4pm. 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan closed

Prices: Adult: £4.80 Child: £2.90 Concession: £4.30 Family: £12.50 English Heritage free.

Scarborough Castle

54 Semer Water

Semer Water is the largest natural lake in North Yorkshire, and Turner’s main subject was the view over the lake from its north end, looking over the famous Carlow Stone towards the high fells of Raydale.

He made a careful pencil sketch and developed that into one of his fi nest fi nished watercolours called ‘Simmer Lake, near Askrigg’. Legend has it that the stone fell short when the Devil tried to throw it from Addlebrough to Crag End. It may be that Turner knew this story, since a cow lying next to the stone

perhaps insinuates a certain loucheness to the Devil’s character. However that may be, Turner’s principal interest was in the fantastic effects of sunlight lancing through cloud over the distant mountains. The site is remarkably unchanged, although the water is actually clearer today.

The Turner Trails bench is situated above Semer Water on the edge of Countersett, at the crossroads between Marsett Lane and Crag Side Road.

Semer Water, Near Countersett, North Yorkshire DL8


Directions: Leave the A684 Leyburn-Hawes road at Bainbridge (signposted Semer Water, Stalling Busk or Countersett) and follow for 2.5 miles SW of Bainbridge to the crossroads in Countersett (leading to Marsett, Bainbridge, Hawes and Semer Water).


Prices: Free.

Semer Water © Britain on View

62 63

Skipton Castle 55

Skipton Castle began life as a Norman fort built in 1090, but assumed its present grandeur under the Clifford family after 1310. It is one of the most complete and well-preserved medieval castles in England, standing on a 40 metre high crag.

Turner visited Skipton twice during his 1816 grand tour. On the very last day of his tour, He fi nally found a view from the higher ground to the north of the castle which he then sketched in detail in one of his larger sketchbooks.

Turner’s Yorkshire subjects from 1816 are some of the

most atmospheric of his career. The previous year, Mount Tambora in the Philippines had erupted, and the dust caused a very unsettled and changeable summer in 1816, full of effects of rain, mist and shafts of light. Turner must have intended a fi nished watercolour of Skipton but he does not seem to have completed it.

The viewpoint is now partially obscured by subsequent tree growth. However, there are several recognisable and accessible sketch subjects in the castle precincts.

Skipton Castle, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1AW

Tel: 01756 792442 Email: [email protected]: www.skiptoncastle.co.uk


Directions: Take the A65 to Skipton and follow signs to town centre. Turn right and follow road into town centre, the castle is at the head of the High Street.

Opening: Mar-Sept 10am-6pm; Oct-Feb 10am-4pm. Sundays open from 12 noon all year.

Closed 25 December

Prices: Adult: £6.50Children (5-17): £3.90Children under 5 freeStudents and Over 60s: £5.90Family Ticket (2+up to 3 children): £20.50

Skipton Castle

South Bank, Richmond56

South Banks is a lovely area of open fi elds south of the River Swale, between the waterfalls and Mercury Bridge (also known as Station Bridge).

In 1816, Turner set out to make a circuit of the easterly and southerly aspects of Richmond and Richmond Castle, making detailed sketches from above the river to the east, two more detailed sketches from the fi elds to the south-east and a fi nal view from immediately south of the old Green bridge looking up at the whole south range of the castle.

Retrace Turner’s route with a short walk from The Station. Turn right out of The Station car park and walk down the steps from the bridge to the riverbank. At the bottom of the steps, turn left under the Mercury Bridge (new since Turner’s time) and go through the two kissing gates.

The footpath through the fi elds, which belong to the Richmondshire Landscape Trust, follows the river and provides extensive views of the castle (like Turner’s) and the town.

South Bank, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4LH


Directions: 4 miles SW of the A1 at Scotch Corner. Follow the A6108 to Richmond. From the town centre, take the A6136 towards Catterick Garrison for about 1/2 mile.

Parking with easy access to South Bank is available at The Station, Station Yard, Richmond DL10 4LD.


Prices: Free.

Richmond Castle

64 65

St Agatha’s Abbey, Easby (Easby Abbey)58

St Agatha’s Abbey was a Premonstratensian or White Canons house c1152, now notable for its lavish roof-height refectory from the 14th century and other monastic buildings. Within the precinct is the still-active parish church of St Agatha, displaying fi ne 13th century wall paintings.

Returning to Easby for a second time, the subject that Turner developed into a watercolour for the history of York series was the view from downstream that he had also painted on his fi rst visit in 1797.

He developed it through a superb colour study into one of the most highly-wrought and serene compositions of all his Yorkshire subjects.

This view is diffi cult to obtain today (and it’s hard to see where Turner can have been if not in the middle of the river).

The beautiful setting of the substantial Abbey ruins can be easily reached via a pleasant walk from Richmond Castle along the River Swale.

Easby, Nr Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10

Tel: 0870 333 1181Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/easby-abbey/


Directions: 4 miles SW of the A1 at Scotch Corner. Follow the A6108 to Richmond. From the town centre, follow the B6271 for around 1 mile. Follow the brown tourist signs.

Opening: 1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm; 1-31 Oct 10am-5pm; 1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm; Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan.

Prices: Free.

St Agatha’s Abbey © Catriona McLees

57Spofforth Castle

Turner would have been particularly interested in Spofforth, built in the 14th century as a fortifi ed manor house, for its connections with the Percy family – a great medieval dynasty with castles at Alnwick and Warkworth in Northumberland, and a tomb in Beverley Minster, which Turner also sketched on the same tour.

Turner sketched the castle from its western aspect, concentrating on its octagonal tower during his 1797 visit. In 1816, although he made a number of close

up reference studies of the castle, he was looking for a more distant view. Turner made a number of smaller sketches in his pocketbook, again mostly from viewpoints to the west, but seems to have been satisfi ed that he had already found the most characteristic aspect with which to work, had the opportunity to make a fi nished watercolour materialised.

Turner’s actual viewpoint is very easy to locate at a corner of the ruined hall and chamber.

Castle Street, Spofforth, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG3 1AR

Tel: 01904 601974Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/spofforth-castle/


Directions: 3.5 miles SE of Harrogate; off A661 at Spofforth.

Opening: 1 Apr-30 Sept 10am-6pm; 1 Oct-31 Mar 10am - 4pm. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan.

Prices: Free.

Spofforth Castle © Si Homfray

66 67

60 The Kings Head Hotel, Richmond

Richmond was an important subject to Turner and he visited twice; in 1797, when making his fi rst tour to Yorkshire, and again in 1816 when he toured to make a series of watercolours to illustrate ‘A General History of the County of York’ by Thomas Dunham Whitaker. Each of his excursions around Richmond resulted in a fi nished watercolour.

Turner is likely to have stayed at the Kings Head Hotel in the Market Place and used this as a base to range far and wide in

search of the best views. Turner is believed to have described the hotel as “the fi nest in Richmondshire.”

The Turner Trails bench is located in the Kings Head’s Turner & Liszt al fresco dining terrace. The panel can be found in the Market Place.

The Kings Head Hotel, Market Place, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL10 4HS

Tel: 01748 850220Email: [email protected]: www.kingsheadrichmond.com


Directions: 4 miles SW of the A1 at Scotch Corner. Follow the A6108 to Richmond. Market Place is in the centre of the town.


Prices: Free entry to the al fresco area.

The Kings Head © Si Homfray

59Sutton Bank

One of the most celebrated viewpoints in Yorkshire is from Sutton Bank, where the Thirsk to Helmsley road climbs a steep 200m ascent up the western crags of the Hambleton Hills. It commands a panorama over the whole of the central plains towards the Pennines.

Turner’s sketches of this area have only very recently been identifi ed as being from Sutton Bank by Professor David Hill of the University of Leeds as part of a comprehensive cataloguing of Turner’s

Yorkshire sketches for the Tate.

Turner made six double-page sketches at Sutton Bank, panning round on successive pages to record views from Roulston Scar and Hood Hill towards the south to Gormire Lake and Whitestone Cliff towards the north.

The Turner Trails bench and panel are located at Turner’s viewpoint on the Cleveland Way National Trail, about 400 metres south of the Sutton Bank National Park Centre.

Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Sutton Bank, North Yorkshire YO7 2EH

Tel: 01845 597426Email: [email protected]: www.northyorkmoors.org.uk


Directions: Follow the A170 Thirsk-Helmsley road to the top of Sutton Bank. The Visitor Centre is clearly signposted just off the A170.

Opening: Visitor Centre: Apr-Oct daily, 10am-5pm (to 6pm in August); Nov, Dec and Mar daily, 11am-4pm; Jan-Feb weekends, 11am-4pm

Bench and panel can be accessed all year round.

NB: dogs are not allowed into the Visitor Centre

Prices: Free.

Sutton Bank

68 69

62 West Burton Falls

West Burton is a lovely Yorkshire Dales village, characterised by its packhorse bridges, a large village green, market cross, stocks and the charming Walden Beck, with nearby waterfalls and pools.

Turner’s main subject was the picturesque waterfall, of which he made a beautiful pencil sketch. The site is remarkably unchanged today and the accuracy of Turner’s drawing can be readily appreciated. The sketch also indicates that he understood something of the early science of

geology. The waterfall takes its form from limestone knitted together by wavy horizontal joints (called stylobates). The fact that the beds are nearly horizontal allows the water to fan out in a transparent veil and Turner indicates both cause and effect by showing the wavy bedding joints through the transparent fi lm of water.

West Burton, North Yorkshire DL8

Web: www.ydmt.org/page.php?page=projects_more_info&id=400


Directions: Leave the A684 Leyburn-Hawes road at the turning for the B6160/Ellers Lane to West Burton.

The Falls are accessed easily from the footpath leading off from behind the old Mill. Upon entering the village, bear left where the road swings round to the right onto the village green. The Mill is a few yards further on the left.


Prices: Free.

West Burton Falls © Si Homfray

Thornton Force, nr Ingleton 61

Thornton Force is one of the most famous waterfalls in the area, where the river falls 14 metres over limestone rocks in an impressive cascade of water, and was of particular interest to Turner. Turner had an active interest in the new science of geology and might well have known of the signifi cance of the falls in geological terms, with its famous unconformity, by then already millions of years old.

The viewpoint where Turner made his fi ne sketch of Thornton Force is remarkably unchanged today. The sketch was obviously intended

for one of his illustrations for Whitaker’s York history series. Unfortunately most of his ideas remained unrealised due to the untimely death of Whitaker before the project was barely one quarter completed.

Thornton Force is one of the falls on the delightful Ingleton Waterfalls Trail. The trail is 4.5 miles long through ancient oak woodland and magnifi cent Dales scenery via a series of spectacular waterfalls and geological features. Thornton Force is located 1½ miles from the car park and can only be accessed on foot.

Ingleton Waterfalls Trail, Broadwood Entrance, Ingleton, Carnforth LA6 3ET

Tel: 01524 241930Email: [email protected]: www.ingletonwaterfallswalk.co.uk


Directions: Follow the A65 Skipton-Kendal road to Ingleton. Ingleton Waterfalls Trail is on the edge of the village and well signposted from the A65.

Opening: All year round (closed Christmas Day). Trail opens at 9am and closes depending on the light at the time of year.

Prices: Adult: £5 Children: £2 (under 16) Family ticket (2 adults + up to 3): £11

Thornton Force

70 71

64 Wetherby Bridge

The historic market town of Wetherby on the banks of the River Wharfe, like Boroughbridge, was an important staging post for travellers on the Great North Road, located about mid-way between London and Edinburgh. Wetherby Bridge, spanning the River Wharfe, is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade II listed structure.

Turner visited Wetherby sometime in 1816, on his way from Farnley Hall, the home of his Yorkshire friend and patron Walter Fawkes, to York, during his extensive tour of Yorkshire to collect

material for his history of York commission.

For this commission, Turner was generally seeking out views that would unite most of a site’s essential features, so at Wetherby he sought out a vantage point that united the river, bridge, church and town from just a little way downstream of the bridge.

Unfortunately Turner’s exact viewpoint is now obscured by tree growth, but close up views of the bridge can be enjoyed from the town’s picnic site and car park.

Wetherby Bridge, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS22


Directions: Just off the A1, follow the A661 towards the town centre. Just after crossing Wetherby Bridge, turn right at the mini-roundabout into the car park and picnic site.


Prices: Free.

Wetherby Bridge © Si Homfray

West Tanfi eld 63

West Tanfi eld is well known for its picturesque grouping of red-roofed cottages, medieval tower and church, and River Ure Bridge. The Marmion Tower is the 15th century gatehouse to the now-vanished riverside manor house and has a beautiful oriel window.

Turner made three sketches at West Tanfi eld, including two quick sketches of Marmion Tower and the church from the left bank of the river and a more considered double-page sketch of the church and Marmion Tower seen

over the bridge from a viewpoint on the right bank downstream. It is typical of Turner that he found the most comprehensive view of West Tanfi eld and his sketch would no doubt have been turned into a fi nished watercolour had all Turner’s ideas for pictures been completed as planned.

Turner’s exact viewpoint is now obscured by riverside tree growth; you can enjoy the best view of West Tanfi eld from the bridge on Main Street.

Marmion Tower is also open to visitors.

Main Street, West Tanfi eld, Ripon, North Yorkshire HG4

Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/marmion-tower/

OS Map Ref: SE269787 (Bridge) SE268787 (Marmion Tower)

Directions: Follow the A6108 Leyburn-Ripon road to West Tanfi eld.

Opening: Bridge is open all year round.

Marmion Tower: 1 Apr-30 Sep 10am-6pm; 1-31 Oct 10am-5pm; 1 Nov-31 Mar 10am-4pm; Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan.

Prices: Free.

West Tanfi eld © Si Homfray

72 73

66 Whitby Abbey

Whitby Abbey is the principal landmark throughout Turner’s sketches of this location. Set high on a cliff above the seaside town, the gaunt, imposing ruins of this Abbey have drawn successive generations to this site of settlement and religious devotion.

Founded in AD 657 by King Oswy of Northumbria, Whitby Abbey has over the years been a bustling settlement, a kings’ burial place, the setting for a historic meeting between Celtic and Roman clerics and the home of saints, including the poet Caedmon, while its

gothic splendour inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

In the mid 1820s, Turner painted a wonderfully active watercolour of the view along the west beach to the abbey with heavy waves breaking on the shore, presumably after a stormy night, with a team of salvagers hauling ashore what appears to be a broken ship’s mast.

One of Britain’s best loved visitor attractions, the iconic ruin of Whitby Abbey is a must when visiting the town, where you can enjoy the best views of the town from inside the abbey.

Abbey Lane, Scarborough, North Yorkshire YO22 4JT

Tel: 01947 603568Web: www.english-heritage.org.uk/whitbyabbey


Directions: Follow A171 to Whitby. A well-signposted road leads from the town outskirts to the cliff-top abbey.

From the Whitby harbour area, the abbey can only be directly reached on foot via the 199 ‘abbey steps’ which are well-equipped with halting places and benches.

Opening: 1 Apr-30 Sep daily, 10am-6pm; 1 Oct-31 Mar Thurs-Mon, 10am-4pm. 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan closed.

Prices: Adult: £6.00 Child: £3.60 Concession: £5.40 Family: £15.60 English Heritage free.

Whitby 65

Turner used his fi rst visit to Whitby in 1801 to make a comprehensive survey of Whitby, exploring the views of the abbey and old town from the inner harbour, besides venturing along the piers to take in the views. He also strolled along the west beach sketching the distant view of the abbey headland seen beyond the wide breakers rolling in from the north sea.

In 1822 Turner was travelling to Edinburgh from London by sea and he appears to have put in at Whitby along the way. He made only a few quick sketches of the

entrance to the port as he approached from the sea. Soon after, Turner painted a watercolour showing the abbey and entrance to the harbour from offshore, with the abbey cliff brilliantly lit up by the rays of the setting sun.

West Cliff is directly above Turner’s 1801 view from the beach and a good departure point to follow Turner’s walk along the beach.

The Turner Trails bench and panel are on New Quay Road (opposite the New Angel Hotel).

West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3EN


Directions: Follow A171 to Whitby. Follow West Cliff signs.

Parking is available along the West Cliff and the beach can be reached on foot or via the cliff lift during the season.


Prices: Free.

Whitby Whitby Abbey

74 75

York Minster68

York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral north of the Alps, is one of the great cathedrals of the world and Turner would have been drawn by its sheer magnifi cence.

During a visit to York in 1817, Turner painted a superb large watercolour of the view of York Minster from along the River Ouse, with the rising sun behind. This is, broadly speaking, a view from the north-west, but quite where from is a little hard to determine. It is possible that Turner actually painted

it from memory following a morning boating expedition on the river.

Although he made only one fi nished watercolour, he made numerous highly detailed pencil sketches, many of great historical signifi cance, including the Ouse Bridge, St Mary’s Abbey, the city walls and gates, and of course, the Minster, both inside and out.

Enjoy Turner’s viewpoints from inside the building as part of a visit to the architectural jewel that is York Minster.

The Visitors’ Department, Church House, Ogleforth, York YO1 7JN

Tel: 0844 9390016Email: [email protected] Web: www.yorkminster.org


Directions: Located in the heart of York within the medieval city walls

Opening: Mon-Sat 9am (9.30am Nov-Mar), last entry 5.30pm; Sun 12 noon-3.45pm.

No sightseeing on Good Friday and Easter Sunday

Prices: The Minster inc. entry to the Undercroft, Treasury & Crypt: Adult: £9 Senior (60+) & student: £8 Children with family (under 16): free

The Tower: Adult: £5.50 Senior & student: £4.50 Children: (8-16) £3.50

York Minster

Whitcliffe Scar from Round Howe, Richmond 67

Richmond was a key site for Turner and in 1816, he took himself off to fi nd a distant view from the west and found a vantage point on the old track towards Whitcliffe Scar, about a mile west of the town.

From this vantage point, Turner could look over the castle and town to the wide sweep of the North Yorkshire plains all the way to the escarpment of the North York Moors, and he set all this down in a detailed sketch, which he turned into a fi nished watercolour.

The National Trust’s woodland at Round Howe is just outside Richmond. It is a lovely riverside area with nature trails. Footpaths leading north west from Round Howe (across the A6108) lead up to the track towards Whitcliffe Scar, with views looking back to Richmond.

Richmond © Si Homfray

Round Howe, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11

OS Map Ref: NZ157009 (Round Howe picnic site) NZ154016 (Turner’s viewpoint)

Directions: 5 miles SW of the A1 at Scotch Corner. Follow the A6108 through Richmond (heading towards Reeth). The picnic area is clearly signposted off this road.


Prices: Free (car park charges apply).

76 77

Podstrolls

The Turner Trails podcasts bring Turner to your computer, iPod or MP3 player. Listen to interviews with Turner experts and fi nd out more about Turner’s experiences of Yorkshire.

Over four episodes, we explore some of the main subjects and places Turner sketched during his many visits to Yorkshire. Your guide is David Hill, Professor of Fine Art at Leeds University, who is joined by various guests from across the county.

Turner’s Yorkshire Episode 1Join David Hill and David Lascelles from Harewood House as they explain why Turner came to Yorkshire in the fi rst place.

Turner’s Industrial Yorkshire Episode 2Discover Turner’s fascination with the new industries he found in Yorkshire’s expanding urban areas. Turner expert, Professor David Hill, is joined by Ken Hawley MBE of the Hawley Collection Trust, Sheffi eld.

Turner’s Coastal Yorkshire Episode 3Professor David Hill is joined by Ashley Jackson, one of the country’s leading landscape watercolour artists, as they discuss Turner’s interest in the Yorkshire coast. What did Turner enjoy beside the Yorkshire seaside?

Turner’s Yorkshire Religious Houses Episode 4In this fi nal episode, Professor David Hill is joined by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, as they look at Turner’s sketches and paintings of Yorkshire’s historic religious houses, including York Minster.

Podcasts

Download our self-guided walking trails, which will give you the opportunity to discover for yourself the many scenes that inspired Turner’s genius.

Aysgarth Falls & West Burton Falls TrailExplore both waterfalls that Turner sketched and discover a carved screen rescued from a medieval abbey and even a stone space rocket on this 6 mile moderate trail.

Hardraw ForceAn easy-going 4 mile trail takes you to Turner’s viewpoint of Hardraw Force, one of the highest unbroken waterfalls in England.

Leyburn to West BurtonTurner sketched at Aysgarth Falls, Bolton Castle and West Burton Falls - all of which you encounter on this long linear trail of 12 miles for experienced walkers.

Mossdale FallsEnjoy one of the remotest sites visited by Turner and also discover paved paths, Victorian viaducts and old fi eld barns along this long walk of 11 miles.

Redmire Village & Bolton CastleThis short easy-going 4 mile walk will take you to the historic Bolton Castle, where you can see the castle much as Turner did.

Semer WaterEnjoy a long walk of 10 miles around Semer Water which Turner visited during his 1816 grand tour of Yorkshire, where you’ll also discover a stone thrown by the Devil.

We have developed a series of themed leafl ets and children’s activity sheets for you to download and enjoy.

Castles in Turner’s Yorkshire - Let the walls guide you around more than a dozen of Yorkshire’s magnifi cent castles sketched and painted by Turner.

Water in Turner’s Yorkshire - Let the rivers and waterfalls guide you around Turner’s Yorkshire as water literally fl ows through many of his sketches and paintings.

Where Turner Stayed in Yorkshire - See how the innkeepers and hoteliers played their part in ensuring Turner made the most of his Yorkshire sketching tours.

You can also download two children’s activity sheets, ideal for introducing any 7 - 11 year olds to Turner with fun quizzes for them to do.

Clambering Castles – to accompany the Castles in Turner’s Yorkshire themed leafl et.

Wet and Wild – to accompany the Water in Turner’s Yorkshire themed leafl et.

Downloadable Walks Guided Trails & Children’s

Activity Sheets

The 21st century version of a sketchbook/guide. Take a Turner Tour around Whitby and York with your iPod.

The Turner Trails podstrolls will work with any colour-screen iPod. Each podstroll comprises a sequence of images, specifi cally created for the iPod screen and arranged into a folder that can be easily added to your iPod.

yorkshire.com/turnerdownloads yorkshire.com/turnerdownloads

78 79

Turner’s paintings and sketches around Malham are interpreted through four geocaches hidden in secret locations near his viewpoints. To look for them you need to sign-up to www.geocaching.com and have a handheld GPS receiver.

GeocachesAudio Tours

Follow in the footsteps of one of England’s greatest artists to explore the routes that JMW Turner took around Richmond in North Yorkshire and Otley Chevin in West Yorkshire.

Download the audio fi les onto your mp3 player or similar device. Then download and print the trail route guide available for both tours. Then visit Otley Chevin Forest Park or Richmond and start the trails.

Richmond Castle Malham Cove

Not only did Turner enjoy the moors and dales, the dramatic coastlines and the sandy beaches, but you can too.

Whether you’re looking for fun and games, excitement and adventure or passion

and romance, gourmet dining or good old home cooking, you’ll fi nd more of it in Yorkshire.

Our vibrant cities, historic market towns, medieval castles and cathedrals combine with great

museums and state of the art visitor attractions to make Yorkshire a county that offers you all you could possibly wish for. There’s so much to choose from.

Plan your next adventure at

yorkshire.com

So much, so near, so different

Have a brilliant orkshire

View of Sheffi eld from Derbyshire Lane© Collection of the Guild of St George, Museums Sheffi eld

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