Enjoy a sublime summer day out at Castle Howard.
Visit the House, Gardens, and award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, cafés, Farm Shop, Gift Shop and Garden Centre.
A visit promises a special day against a backdrop of magnificent architecture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. See the House interiors transformed, as we reveal the results of a major project, Castle Howard’s 21st Century Renaissance, to visitors for the first time.
Run free in the Gardens, with acres of woodland, parkland and Gardens to play in. Don’t miss the award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, full of adventures for children of all ages.
Summer holiday fun
- Rover’s Grand Tour: Young adventurers can follow in the footsteps of Rover, a famous dog in Castle Howard’s history, included in House & Gardens tickets. Embark on a Grand Tour of the House spotting animals and learning about Rover’s big adventures, and dress up as part of the activity! Take part in Rover’s Grand Tour from 19th July – 1st September.
- Stately Sculpting: Join us at Skelf Island this summer for hands-on clay crafting! Mould a clay shape before decorating or embossing your own design. Take home your creation as a keepsake or give it as a gift. Available Thursdays to Sundays during the school holidays from 25th July to 31st August, 11am-3pm.
- Cloud Gazing in the Walled Garden: Discover a section of the Walled Garden normally closed to the public, now turned into a serene space for Cloud Gazing. Enjoy a relaxing area of the Gardens while watching the clouds go by on a comfortable beanbag. Included in House & Gardens and Gardens tickets. Open every day as part of the Walled Garden.
Tim Lichfield at Castle Howard
Set in the Howardian Hills, just 15 miles north of York, is the stunning Howard Castle Estate; home to the Howard family but open to the public.
I had visited the grounds previously, but only to see UB40 and Ibiza Classics. Now it was time to have a proper look around.
As you drive up The Stray, you immediately get the sense of history and serenity, especially as you spot the 80ft tall obelisk and the grand home to your left-hand side.
Parking is free and plentiful with a car park for Blue Badge holders.
During the summer holidays, there is so much to do for all ages. This year, they had a few activities for the younger ones, but I still had to give it a go (being a big kid myself!)
First up, a visit to the award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground. It’s split into two areas; the original playground with slides, climbing apparatus and things to swing on and then you can walk across the rope bridge to the island for further fun with a zip slide, forts and more slides! However, if you’re a little wary of heights, there is an alternative bridge to get across. It’s a great place to let the kids run off some energy whilst you sip on a coffee and take in the beautiful surroundings.
If your little ones (or perhaps yourself) would like to expand their creative side, they can have a go at Stately Sculpting under the stretch tent, which is situated next to the playground. Here, you are supervised with clay that you can shape into anything you like before decorating and taking home as a gift. This is on until the end of August and is free to take part in.
After all the excitement and raising my heart rate on the zip line, I headed down to the Great Lake to meet Frank, the skipper of “The Dame” – a small red, motorised boat. Frank assures us that the best view of the house is from the lake and you get to meet some of the local wildlife. This is just a small extra cost and under-5’s can ride for free. It is weather dependent and you can purchase tickets at the Boathouse on the day of your visit.
It was time to soak in the history of the estate by visiting the 300-year-old Castle Howard itself. Wherever you are in the grounds, you can’t miss its glorious exterior which has been used as a filming location for various period productions, including the popular ‘Bridgerton’.
Again, for the summer holidays, there is something for the younger visitors to keep them entertained. Rover’s Grand Tour takes you on a journey around the home, following in the footsteps of the 5th Earl’s faithful hound. You can learn all about Rover’s adventures and spot other animals along the trail as well as breathing in the history surrounding you.
We headed back outside to the walled garden, where another activity awaits us – Cloud Gazing. As you head through the beautiful blooms and well-manicured gardens, you are invited into an area which is usually closed to the public to grab a giant beanbag, lie back and look up into the sky to see what your imagination creates. It is a peaceful space, where if you’re a little worn out from your day’s activities, you may fall asleep!
So whether you’re looking for something to do during the summer holidays with the whole family, want to learn more about the history of the house or have some peace and quiet in the glorious gardens, there’s something for everyone.
Visiting Castle Howard is a full day out and there is so much to see and do, that I couldn’t fit it all in; but it’s a great excuse to return!
