Enjoyable and interesting historic place to visit. Garden and grounds lovely. Local produce on sale appeared to be of good quality. Didn't buy any perishables as had long drive home. Used courtyard cafe and service was good. Only had tea and scones but very nice.
Probably worth a second visit.
We were really looking forward to visiting Castle Howard and drove a long way to do so. Absolutely astonishing price to get in but we thought oh well it must be really good. What a disappointment it turned out to be, there was so little to see in the castle, such a small amount of it is accessible to the public we couldn't believe what they charged £18 each, I actually thought that if it was half the price I would still be disappointed.
The experience starts en-route when you approach the castle through the long road and archways, stunningly beautiful. During our 3-hour visit we covered the Castle, the adventure playground and the surrounding gardens. The Castle is beautiful and rich in history, ask the guides present for more information on the various rooms. The fountain, gardens, vast landscape and view of the lake is exquisite.
Wonderful day out
Excellent gardens
Food excellent and tasty
Lots to do and see both inside and out all day
Castle Howard is a fun day trip with children.
There is always plenty going on in the summer hols laid on for free including face painting and crafts.
The Kelly car runs in the summer and picks you up at the entrance and drives you via the house to the adventure play ground and the Boathouse.
The house is always interesting and the children's quiz that you can pick up at the entrance keeps them entertained so adults can have a good luck around.
The adventure playground is safe and fun with lots to do and a lovely picnic area near the lake. There is an ice-cream shop right in the park and the Boathouse serves lovely food if you haven't brought a picnic.
The walks around the grounds are superb and can help burn off any energy left after the adventure playground.
I would recommend buying the annual pass - for a family of 5 it was £100 (prices may have gone up) but you get a discount with your membership card on everything you buy including coffees, ice creams and in the farm shops. So it is brilliant value even without the bonus of the discount.
They are also part of Historic Houses so if you have that membership you can use it here as well.
We visit often - the children never tire of it and neither do we.
I always stock up at the farm shop as it has an amazing butcher shop!
