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CASTLE HOWARD
Yorkshire Grand Palace and Gardens

Recently appearing in the new film version of "Brideshead Revisited" the English classic as the grandest of baronial family manors, Castle Howard in Yorkshire, is one of the most impressive private homes in England. It is located about 25 minutes north of the city of York, set in one thousand acres of gardens and woodlands grounds. While not the moated walled variety of castle, but rather one of the best examples of 18th Century baroque palaces still in family hands in Britain. The Howard family, whose past members include Catherine Howard (a cousin) Henry VIII’s first wife. The house as it now stands was built by Sir John Vanburg and is lived in as a private residence by decendents of the Howard Family, the Honorable Simon and Mrs. Howard and children. The mansion suffered a devasting fire in 1940 and parts are still being restored today, including plans for a luxury hotel accomodation in a remaining wing.

The interior areas of Castle Howard are a unique mix of museum furnishings, paintings, glorious arching halls and grand marble staircases, mixed with family portraits and momentoes. Tours of the house are given from 11 am to 4 pm by history guides with special subject exhibitions from March to November. From the 24th of November to the 16th of December the family present’s “Christmas at Castle Howard” when the manor sparkles with holiday decorations, yule entertainment and visits from Father Christmas.The grounds and spectacular gardens of Castle Howard are open all year with winding paths that lead to hidden stone temples, statues, lakes and fountains. The Stable Courtyard of Castle Howard is maintained as an example of how historic building can be maintained, while serving a purpose for modern visitors. Estate grown produce and goods with the Castle Howard label can be purchased in the Farm Shop. The Walled Garden adjacent to the courtyard houses a plant and tree nursery from 300 years of horitcultural history dubbed as “Britain’s Poshest Garden Centre”.

The Hidden Secrets of Castle Howard are a series of new tours uncovering some of the properties hidden features. These tours must be pre-booked and cost £10 over the standard admission ticket. Admission grounds and gardens of Castle Howard and to the house are separate, though can be combined. The Stable Courtyard shops, Plant Center and Tea shop from the parking area is free. Check the website for ticket prices to the house and grounds. There are cafes and a restaurant on the grounds ranging from snacks to full service menus.

You can camp at Castle Howard at the Lakeside Holiday Park for tents and caravans. It's located across the lake with a view of the manor house. A good base for exploring from the city of York to the North Yorkshire Moors park and the coast. Guests at the holiday park guests get free admission to the Stable Courtyard and the shops. Admission to the castle and gardens is separate.

For a trip to Castle Howard from York, you can purchase a combined entrace and Coastliner Bus ticket from the York Visitor Information Center from April to through September. © Bargain Travel Europe

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Castle Howard

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See Also

North Yorkshire Moors Railroad

Walking York's Walls

York Ghost Walks and Dungeons

British Family Ancestor Travel

Dalemain Manor House and English Gardens Lake District

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