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Summer at Castle Howard

Visit Castle Howard and make lifelong memories, with our incredible architecture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes as your backdrop. Summer is the perfect time immerse yourself in our contemporary sculpture exhibition, and visit the House, Gardens, and award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground.

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Castle Howard LionA day out like no other
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Tony Cragg at Castle Howard
A red sculpture stood on a green lawn in front of Castle Howard, with a few clouds in the blue sky
See a world-class exhibition against a beautiful historic backdrop. Tony Cragg at Castle Howard is our headline contemporary sculpture exhibition features artworks in the Gardens and inside the House.
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Stately Sculptures & Mini Artist Trail
A little girl with stripy trousers and a grey jacket pointing and looking at an orange sculpture
Visitors large and small can create their own sculptures with art activities at the Boathouse on selected days throughout summer. A Mini Artist Handbook and an art trail are available for a fun, interactive experience around the Gardens.
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Save money with a Family Ticket

A day out like no other for the whole family

Take advantage of our new £65 Family Ticket, which includes House and Gardens admission for two adults and two children, perfect for family fun this summer.

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Make the most of your visit

Afternoon Tea Picnic Boxes
A picnic afternoon tea displayed on a table, with flowers in a basket
Pick the perfect spot to enjoy a Picnic Afternoon Tea in the Gardens, with dainty sandwiches and hand-baked scones created by Castle Howard’s expert chefs, cakes created in Malton by master pâtissier Florian Poirot. Bookable with Gardens and House & Gardens tickets.
Boat Trips on the Great Lake
A couple laughing and smiling on a boat in a lake, with Castle Howard in the background.
Enjoy a relaxing ride on our pleasure boat, The Dame, and spot an array of Yorkshire Wildlife on the Great Lake. The Dame sets sail from the Boathouse, and boat rides last around 40 minutes. Please check with the Ticket Office for the schedule.
Seek adventure at Skelf Island
The perfect place for young explorers to let off steam, Skelf Island Adventure Playground is open every day. Navigate rope bridges, whizz down slides, discover ingenious treetop nests and don't forget the zip wire.
Discover 300 years of history
Castle Howard has been home to the Howard family for more than 300 years. Explore extraordinary architecture and beautiful interiors when you visit the House, including the Great Hall which rises 70 feet into the air.

Special events this Summer

Outdoor Adventure Cinema
People sat on the grass watching a film on the big screen, overlooking Castle Howard at sunset
Watch your favourite film on the big screen, overlooking Castle Howard. Choose from a family favourite, a blockbuster hit, or a sing-a-long showing. 25th - 28th July.
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'90s Silent Disco
People stood and dancing wearing headphones in front of a stone wall
Experience our historic Boar Garden like never before, with a '90s Silent Disco, complete with state of the art LED headphones and music from some of the UK's best '90s DJs.
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Important dates to help you plan your visit

  • The House and Grounds will be closed on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st July. The Courtyard Café, Farm Shop and Garden Centre will be open as usual.
  • If you are planning to visit Tony Cragg at Castle Howard over the coming weeks, please note that some of the sculptures will be moving for a private event. Masks and Industrial Nature will move on Friday 19th July and return to their usual positions on Monday 22nd July. Sculptures in the Great Hall, Garden Hall and Octagon will also be moved on Friday 19th July. Garden Hall and Octagon sculptures will return on Monday 22nd July and sculptures in the Great Hall will return on Thursday 25th July.