Discover this magnificent 18th century palace, built by Sir John Vanbrugh, and home today to the Hon. Simon and Mrs Howard, and their twins Octavia and Merlin. In 2008, Castle Howard won the Enjoy England Silver Award for ‘Best Tourism Experience of the Year’. Castle Howard has two exciting new exhibitions for 2009 - Sing a Song of Sixpence: Children's picture books at Castle Howard in March and The Pride of Yorkshire: An eminent Victorian Earl in September, as well as Brideshead Restored.

The House sits in 1,000 acres of dramatic gardens, where visitors can discover hidden temples, statues, lakes and fountains. People can explore the winding paths of Ray Wood and enjoy the Walled Gardens, with its scented rose gardens and unusual ornamental vegetable garden.

Castle Howard is an ideal place for families with children, with 1,000 acres of gardens to play and run around in. We have a brand new children’s adventure playground with giant play structures. The playground is perfect for children of all ages - from 6 months to mums and dads. Children are able to play on a huge tangle net, sound cushions and a giant pyramid tower with slides. In school holidays, children’s adventure trails and activity workshops add to the family fun.

Free daily outdoor tours explore the hidden secrets of Castle Howard, from the 1940 fire, to why a playwright was chosen to build the House. Guides take tours to the Temple of the Four Winds goes behind the scenes with a peek inside the temple, and the Walled Garden tour discovers the unusual ornamental vegetable garden. The Curator, Dr Christopher Ridgway, will lead specialist tours of the House and landscape throughout the year (details on www.castlehoward.co.uk).

In the Stable Courtyard, specialist shops sell Estate and regional produce, served by friendly and knowledgeable staff. Different cafés provide food for all the family, from local produce cooked to order, to sandwiches and cakes.

House open daily 16 March – 1 November, and 28 November – 20 December, from 11.00am, last admission 4pm.  Grounds, shops and café open all year (except Christmas Day) from 10am.

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