Castle Howard, York (York)

The home of the Howard family, since the 17th century with paintings by Rubens, Tintoretto, and Van Dyke.

Places to stay near here

Ticket information

Click below for more details.

Summary 18th century buildings Art and sculpture Guided tours Gift shop Historic Property Gardens Children's play area Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks Restaurant Tea Room Picnic area

Introduction

Castle Howard situated in the Howardian Hills in the North Riding of Yorkshire is the largest house in Yorkshire and has been the home of the Howard family, since the 17th century. The Castle has many architectural features such as the balustrade, frieze and pilasters. It has beautiful statues, long arched windows, and an spectacular cupola, which crowns the centre of the house. 

The house has many superb rooms, filled with fine furniture, statues and beautiful china. Collections of paintings by Rubens, Tintoretto, Van Dyke, Canaletto and Reynolds; the most famous is the portrait of Henry VIII. You will also be able to see a fascinating collection of drawings and paintings, the work of the 9th Earl.

1,000 acres of landscaped gardens filled with temples, lakes, statues and fountains.

History to the present day

It took more than a hundred years to complete Castle Howard, but most of the work was done between 1700 and 1710. The most dramatic feature was the central dome, a bold structure that had never been used to crown a private dwelling in England before. It attracted a great deal of interest, and many of the 3rd Earl's fashionable friends were more than a little envious of his new home.

John Vanbrugh died in 1726, and the third Earl followed him twelve years later. At that point the house was still unfinished, and although the fourth Earl continued to work on it, when he died in 1777 there was still much to do. Finally, with the decoration of the Long Gallery by Tatham in 1811, the construction of Castle Howard could be said to be completed, although further improvements and additions such as the 7th Earl's Monument continued to be made until about 1870.

Food and Drinks

The Courtyard Café and Fitzroy Room offers a selection of freshly cooked dishes made with local produce. The Lakeside Café, next to the adventure playground, offers a selection of light snacks and drinks.

Grounds and gardens

Castle Howard has 1,000 acres of grounds filled with temples, lakes, statues and fountains. The castle has an impressive garden buildings such as Vanbrugh's Temple of the four winds, and Hawksmoor's circular Mausoleum, which is as big as one of Christopher Wren's churches. Guided tours are available to learn about the classic architecture of the buildings and gardens. Adventure Playground available for children to play in.

Other facilities

Guided Tours are available. Gift, chocolate and craft Shop open all year.

Free on-site parking.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: , York, , United Kingdom

Directions: Castle Howard is located just 15 miles north east of York, just off the A64 in the direction of Malton and Scarborough.
From the North: From the A1 take the A61 to Thirsk then the A170 to Helmsley. Before Helmsley turn right onto the B1257 and follow the brown signs.
From the South: Take the A1M to Junction 45 and follow the A64 east to York. Continue past York and eventually you will pick up the brown signs for Castle Howard.

By rail: Nearest railway station is Malton.