Set magnificently amongst a 1,000-acre estate, this breath-taking 18th century house has been the home for the Howard family for centuries.
Resplendently lavish and tucked away in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Castle Howard is a dramatically beautiful house, and well worth a visit whilst staying in your luxury holiday home in Yorkshire. Complete with dramatic interiors, stunning gardens and exquisite, world-renowned collections, there’s plenty to see and do during your visit.
In 1699, building work began on this incredible home. However, it took over 100 years to complete, and the work spanned the life of three Earls before it was completed in around 1801. With the length of time it took to build and the difference in the three Earls tastes, Castle Howard is pleasingly asymmetrical, combining both the flamboyant Baroque with the more conservative Palladian style.
A fire broke out in 1940 which left a third of the building open to the elements and the dome destroyed, with restoration beginning some 20 years later, and only being completed when the castle was used for filming the popular series ‘Brideshead Revisited’ (more recently the series ‘Bridgerton’ was filmed here).
Today, walk through the house and you’ll uncover a rich, fascinating history with knowledgeable guides on hand to explain each room as you roam about. There are also numerous tours which you can book, each with a specific theme, from the hidden lives of women, Queen Victoria’s visit in 1850 or you can even have a pre-opening, private tour before the house opens to the public (these tours have additional costs). There’s also an ever-changing programme of exhibitions and displays to be poured over, each designed to enrich your visit and deepen understanding of Castle Howard.
Once you’ve explored the house, some fresh air will be on the cards, and there’s no better place to do it than in the magnificent gardens and estate. Here, you’ll discover 18th century walled gardens housing an astonishing rose collection, an ornamental vegetable garden, numerous lakes and a gorgeous woodland garden with meandering paths. In addition, there’s a large collection of statues, temples and follies which dot the landscape, most notably the Mausoleum that, at over 90 feet tall with 20 pillars, is one of the finest in northern Europe.
If, after all that exploring, you’re left feeling a bit peckish, there are three cafes to choose from, plus a coffee shop, so there’s plenty of choice. In addition, there’s shops to browse though including a farm shop and garden centre, so you’ll not leave empty handed either!
If you have little ones with you, they’ll love the Skelf Island adventure playground and a ride on the land train that travels through the grounds to the lakeside play area, whilst dogs on leads are welcome in the grounds (but not the house).
Feeling inspired? Take a look at our luxury cottages in Yorkshire here.
Castle Howard, York YO60 7DA | 01653 648 333 | castlehoward.co.uk
