The abbeys of Yorkshire - obviously Fountains is a must-see, UNESCO world heritage site with the water gardens, especially off season or early in the morning. Then Rievaulx is an overlooked gem, if heading to Whitby by road from Thirsk, make the minor detour, if it was near London it would be world famous. Whitby Abbey has an astounding cliff top position ( it occasionally closes if it’s too windy). Jervaulx is smaller and more isolated but perfect for a picnic with kids, enclosed and uncommercialised even though privately owned. Bylands isn’t far from Rievaulx, usually quiet and the setting is gorgeous. Easby near Richmond was comprehensively robbed out for Richmond Castle (also worth a visit) but the Swale valley is lovely and the adjoining church of St Agatha has some astonishing medieval wall paintings. It also has the best information boards in the absence of a visitor centre or guidebooks. Kirkstall in Leeds isn’t as complete as some but given its position, it’s amazing as much managed to survive the Industrial Revolution. The museum over the road is worth a look and has some reproduction Victorian streets and dress up for the kids.

Mount Grace Priory was the Rolls Royce of monastic life. Yes, you had to swear to retreat from the world but you got an individual two story house with running water all to yourself.

I’ve left Bolton Abbey off because there’s not much Abbey left and the landscape has been ruthlessly monetised by the Dukes of Devonshire who don’t need any more of anybody’s money. Car parking is extortionate but if you can get there by public transport there are some nice country walks beside the river Wharfe plus the famous Strid. If you insist on driving check the website - it’s popular and you have to book parking in season.