Sheriff Hutton Castle was a medieval stronghold of the powerful Neville family. It was built by John Neville in the late 14th century and, along with Middleham Castle, was a principal northern base for the 16th Earl of Warwick, (1428-71), known as ‘Warwick the Kingmaker. After Warwick’s death at the Battle of Barnet, Sheriff Hutton passed to Richard Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester, who in 1483 became Richard III. As Duke of Gloucester, Richard initially established the King’s Council of the North at Sheriff Hutton. When Richard perished at the Battle of Bosworth, the property passed to the new king. In 1525, Henry VIII gave it to his illegitimate son Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond and Warden-General of the Marches. It was a rectangular castle with an outer court and gardens, built as a grand home rather than a purely functional fortress. By the early 17th century, it was in a state of decay and is now an enigmatic ruin in private hands, part of a large farm. Though not open to the public as a visitor attraction, as of 2024 its owners do offer accommodation as well as wedding facilities and metal detecting.
There is a path around the castle which is open to the public. It is easy going, but can get very muddy.