Castle Howard: A Spectacular Baroque House, if not a Castle

In Brief.

Long before you see the actual house, various monuments adorn the landscape, suggesting there may be more to Castle Howard than in a typical country house. This turns out to be the case, with an imposing exterior and elaborate interiors that just manage to avoid being too over the top. The house stands in the centre of extensive grounds that include a grandiose fountain, a large walled garden, woodland walks and ponds. Castle Howard is also adjacent to the Yorkshire Arboretum.

The house from the Atlas Fountain to the south.

What's Here?

Castle Howard is entered through a courtyard that could itself be visited for the open air cafe and assorted shops. From there, paths lead to the side of the house, and the imposing north front only comes into view incrementally.  In fact, it's so wide that seeing the whole facade involves wandering down the slope towards the Great Lake.

The house itself was largely build during the 18th Century, on the site of a former castle, and takes its name from the family that has lived there since its construction. The interior is visited self-guided, with explanation boards and room guides throughout, as well as a helpful audio guide. The route through the interior includes sculpture-lined corridors, a spectacularly domed and decorated entrance hall, as well as assorted bedrooms and a chapel.  The interior is not a historical snapshot; some of the building was damaged by fire in the 1940s, so many rooms have been relatively recently renovated, and the fact that it took a century to complete the building means that the long gallery has a completely different original style from earlier parts of the building. The recent changes mean that this feels like a living building, and the explanation in the audio guide helps to put in context how the building is evolving.

The Antique Passage, with Grand Tour souvenirs

The tour of the house includes spectacular views over the gardens, including the Atlas Fountain, and the grounds are extensive and varied. It is easy to get lost in the Ray Wood, and there are assorted follies  and lakes, as well as the extensive Walled Garden that includes flower and kitchen garden areas.

The house from the North.


Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 95 miles

Drive Time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Price: $$$

Parking: There is a carpark on site.

Food and Drink: There are several cafes, with good coverage for coffee breaks and lunches.

Retail Therapy: There are several gift shops, with a good range of more up-market mementos, along with a farm shop and a garden centre.

Child Friendly: There is an adventure playground.

Toilets: In various places round the site.

Do it justice in: 3 hours.

Inside-Outside: 50:50

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