Castle Howard Tours
Castle Howard is one of Britain’s grandest stately homes. Built over the course of 100 years and still home to the Howard family, the castle was famously used as a filming location for Brideshead Revisited. Its 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of elegant grounds are located in the Howardian Hills—an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Basics
Highlights of the spectacular Castle Howard include the Walled Garden, Woodland Garden, and Atlas Fountain, plus its mausoleum and Temple of the Four Winds. The simplest way to visit Castle Howard, located as it is in the countryside, is on a guided tour; group coach tours and private driving tours of the region both offer a seamless way to explore. If you are visiting independently, you can wander the castle on your own or get a more comprehensive experience by joining one of Castle Howard’s two guided, late-afternoon tours offered daily from March to early November. Private tours should be booked in advance.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Castle Howard is the perfect destination for history buffs, architecture lovers, and garden enthusiasts.
- The grounds host a number of cafés and restaurants, including the elegant Fitzroy Restaurant and the Boathouse Café.
- On sunny summer days, you can embark on a boat tour of the Great Lake.
- The castle hosts a number of temporary exhibitions, plus a series of talks and other special events.
- Most of the house and grounds are accessible to wheelchair users. Manual wheelchairs are available to borrow at the ticket office or house entrance.
How to Get There
Castle Howard is located just 15 miles (24 kilometers) northwest of York, amidst the rolling Howardian Hills. Guided tours from York offer the easiest way to access the landmark; if driving yourself, take the A64. Bus 181 runs from York to Castle Howard four times daily.
When to Get There
Castle Howard is open to the public daily from late March through early November; the ticket office opens at 10am, with first entry to the castle at 10:30am and last entry at 3pm. The sprawling grounds are open 10am to 5pm year-round. Castle Howard is also open from late November until December 31 (except December 24 through 26) for an array of holiday activities including live music and entertainment, festive decorations, and market stalls.
Castle Howard and Brideshead Revisited
Beyond its glamour and wealth of history, Castle Howard also has a cinematic side. The landmark was used as a filming location for both the television and movie adaptations of Evelyn Waugh’s Brideshead Revisited.
Address: Castle Howard, York, YO60 7DA, England
Admission: Varies
3 Tours and Activities to Experience Castle Howard
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Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York
Discover the rugged beauty of rural north England on this 8-hour North York Moors and Whitby day trip from York. Explore Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland, famed filming locations for the Harry Potter movies. Delve into the North York Moors National Park for panoramic views over the rolling countryside. Soak up Whitby’s seaside atmosphere at your leisure, perhaps visiting Whitby Abbey, the port or the Captain Cook Museum. Return via the Hole of Horcum and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to 16 people.
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From
$68.22
From
$68.22
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Castle Howard and Fountains Abbey Private Day Trip from York
Visiting Castle Howard and Fountains Abbey in a day from York is near-impossible without car rental. This private tour makes it easy, with private transport and a driver-guide to take you via scenic routes and introduce sights and photo ops along the way. Visit Castle Howard before exploring UNESCO-listed Fountains Abbey and the adjoining water gardens of Studley Royal Park, all at your own pace. Entrance fees at own expense.
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From
$549.95
per group
From
$549.95
per group
Private Tour - Moors, Whitby & The Yorkshire Steam Railway Day Trip from York
For group sizes of up to 4, 8 or 15 passengers, this Private Guided Day Trip from York, just for your party, provides the opportunity to explore the scenic and picturesque North York Moors National Park, enjoy more than two hours in the seaside town of Whitby and take a Steam Train ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway! You will also experience the traditional English moorland villages of Hutton-le-Hole and Goathland (Heartbeat and Harry Potter filming location) and travel back to York through the Howardian Hills, passing by Castle Howard. In Whitby, you will be able to see Whitby Abbey (inspiration for the Dracula books), visit the Captain Cook Attractions, shop for some Whitby Jet or Gothic Fashion, sample Fish & Chips from the famous Magpie Café or just enjoy the bustling port and waterfront – the choice is yours!
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From
$522.10
per group
From
$522.10
per group
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
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