heritage

Castle Howard has been home to the Howard family for
more than 300 years.
Explore iconic architecture and beautiful interiors when you visit the House, including the Great Hall which rises 70 feet into the air.
2026 marks 300 years since the death of Sir John Vanbrugh, the architect of this beautiful building. Celebrating Castle Howard's beautiful Baroque architecture, a new exhibition—curated by architect Roz Barr—explores Sir John Vanbrugh's visionary use of scale, shadow and light in the creation of one of Britain's most iconic stately homes.
Also new for this summer, The Library of the Four Winds, a luminous revolving artwork which takes over the Temple of the Four Winds situated in the grounds, created by internationally renowned artist and designer Es Devlin. The artwork honours the Year of Reading, and is designed as a place where everyone is invited to sit, read and relax.
The House is open from Spring to October, and is dressed for Christmas from November to January. The Gardens and Grounds are also open daily (see website for opening times), and include lakes, follies, woodland, temples and statues – all of which bring colour and drama of the four seasons.

Accessible We have an Access Guide for each area of the attraction HERE.
Children welcome
Dogs welcome Dogs welcome on leads allowed in the grounds only.
No access in the house itself

24 miles from Thirsk Tourist Information.
From Thirsk take the A170 towards Helmsley. At Sproxton take the B1257 Malton road through Hovingham to Slingsby. Castle Howard is signposted on the right