With the longer and sunnier days fast approaching, there's no better place to spend your summer than the iconic Castle Howard.
Castle Howard in York is a fantastic day out for all the family.
The fascinating 300-year-old stately home is situated in a beautiful 9,000-acre estate, making it the perfect place to explore in the glorious sunshine this summer.
Whether you're looking to connect with nature, enjoy some delicious food with friends or absorb yourself in art and culture - Castle Howard are putting on a whole host of events for you to take part in.
Keep reading to find out what you can get up to.
Culture, history and art
People We Love
Friday 19 May - Sunday 15 October 2023
Image: Castle Howard
'Experience a special Castle Howard edition of international artwork ‘People We Love’ by KMA. Multiple high-definition screens set in Castle Howard’s beautiful Chapel will show portraits of local residents gazing at a picture of someone they love.'
'This contemplative and thought- provoking art installation, which celebrates the local Ryedale community, is a contemporary contrastto the beautiful, historic portraits on display in the House. A must-see for art lovers, and people interested in seeing Castle Howard’s Chapel brought to life in a new, unique way.'
This exhibition is free however pre-booking is advised, book your spot here.
If Walls Could Talk
Friday 22 September 2023
'Join the Curator of Collections and Archives, Eleanor Brooke-Peat, and travel back in time to the 1880s to discover Castle Howard’s 19th century interiors, including historic textiles and wallpapers comprised from long-lost samples recently rediscovered in the estate.'
'The talk will explore the newly launched Castle Howard Indienne Collection, a bespoke collection of designs developed in partnership with Watts 1874, which was inspired by a vast redecoration project lasting more than twenty years, led by Rosalind Howard, 9th Countess of Carlisle.'
Tickets range from £10 - £47 and can be purchased here.
Guided Tours and Behind The Scenes
Between April - October
Image: Castle Howard
'Discover over 300 years of history with our Guided Tours and behind the scenes events, which invite you beyond the crimson ropes to typically unseen parts of our House, follies and monuments.'
'Choose between four different tours: a guided house tour after hours; go behind. closed doors with our Curators; journey across the Estate to discover famous monuments or visit the spectacular 18th century Mausoleum, described as one of the finest buildings of its kind in northern Europe.'
'Skelf Island, Castle Howard’s legendary Adventure Playground, is named after the historic site Castle Howard sits on, Henderskelfe. Set on an island and reachable by a rope bridge, the Playground is a web of ingenious treetop nests in the woodland canopy connected by slides, nets, and climbing equipment, allowing young visitors to go on an adventure like no other.'
Entry to the playground is free with a Gardens ticket or a House and Gardens ticket.
Yorkshire Balloon Fiesta
Friday 25 - Monday 28 August 2023
Image: Castle Howard
'Yorkshire’s iconic Balloon Fiesta is landing at Castle Howard for the very first time with a family-friendly line-up of music and entertainment, including: Ella Henderson, Sam Ryder, Sister Sledge, Blue, Rak Su, Toploader, Raver Tots, Dick & Dom, Mr Motivator, Symphonic Ibiza, Ministry of Sound Disco and more to be announced, plus hot air balloons in the beautiful Yorkshire sky.'
'Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s big wildlife census is back for the fourth year running! Join us for a whole weekend of wild activities - from mini beasting and storytelling to bird watching and guided walks with wildlife experts - and help us to discover, count and record the creatures that live in our walled garden.'
'Join Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for this evening experience and take a walk on the wild side as we search for our fascinating, flying friends! Learn more about the brilliant world of bats and how to use bat detectors. As sun sets across the estate from 9pm, we’ll head out and identify different species of bat through their echolocation frequencies.'
Tickets cost £15 for an adult and £10 for a child, get yours here.
Summer events
Castle Howard Multisport Event
Saturday 22 - Sunday 23 July
Image: Castle Howard
'Swim through Castle Howard’s Great Lake, cycle through the Howardian Hills, run through the undulating countryside of the estate before a sprint finish tops everything off in style right in front of the main doors of the house. Throughout the weekend, athletes and spectators will be able to enjoy a fun-packed festival village featuring live music, shopping, food and drink, children’s entertainment, yoga and more.'
'Enjoy a film screening like no other in Castle Howard’s Grounds, with a fantastic line-up of open-air films hosted by Adventure Cinema including Elvis, Matilda the Musical, Grease, TheGreatest Showman Sing-A-Long and Top Gun: Maverick.'
'Castle Howard has partnered with Jolly Allotment, experts in fire-cooking, gut-health and wellness, for a beautiful series of events in June. Eat amazing suppers in the Walled Garden, forage on the Castle Howard Estate, relax with yoga, try out herbal-tea making – and more, all in celebration of wellbeing for people and planet. Meet new people, eat some amazing food, and relax in our beautiful surroundings.'
Whether you're a fan of a classic Mr. Whippy or after something a bit more artisanal, we've got you covered in this list of the best ice cream places in Leeds.
It's hot enough to warrant a treat, we'd say, and if you're going to do it you might as well go the whole hog and truly indulge in the best ice cream the city has to offer.
Keep reading to discover the very best ice cream spots in Leeds.
Melting Point
The Corn Exchange, Leeds
New to Leeds and new to the Corn Exchange is the fabulous Melting Point, an independent ice cream and gelato serving up weird and wonderful flavours.
It's like Willy Wonka if he made ice cream instead of chocolate, and we're absolutely obsessed. The list of flavours change daily, so not visit is the same but you can rest assured each one is delicious.
Tsujiri
17 Ludgate Hill, LS2 7HZ
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Serving up authentic flavours like matcha and hōjicha, Tsujiri is one of our new favourite dessert spots in Leeds.
This Japanese dessert house offers everything from classic soft serves to more adventurous sundaes, with an array of toppings to customise your treat. Options include boba pearls, cracker, genmai, kinako, kuromitsu, red bean, sesame, shiratama. Perfect for those seeking a unique and refreshing dessert experience.
Knoops
Trinity Centre, 26-28 Albion St, LS1 6HX
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you adore chocolate, you'll be thrilled to know that Knoops has ventured into ice cream. Their soft serve is a dreamy treat topped with your choice of chocolate flakes – whether you prefer milk, white, or dark chocolate, you get to pick the chocolate you love the most, all finished with a signature Knoops chocolate disc.
Their ice cream also stars in their thick, creamy milkshakes. Choose from six different chocolate percentages and add extra flavours for a personalised indulgence. Perfect for those who love to mix things up.
Mr Whippy Leeds
Around Leeds
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Mr Whippy Leeds has been around for over 50 years, operating the largest fleet of modern ice cream vans and trailers in Leeds.
Mr Whippy Leeds is, simply put, iconic. The fleet of vintage ice cream trucks, painted pink, white and blue, are gorgeous to look at and serve just as wonderfully pleasing ice creams. In recent years, they've noticed a shift from 99p cones to more extravagant options - now they are creating thee 'super Sundaes' which you can pick up from one of the trucks around the city.
Ice Scoop Gelato
From Ferrero Rocher to Kinder Bueno, if you fancy a naughty chocolate ice cream Ice Scoop Gelato has you covered. Honestly, there's a whole host of amazing flavours here. All are available to enjoy by the scoop or in a cone, or alternatively push the boat out and order yours with a crepe or waffles.
Amorino
Victoria Gate, George St, Leeds LS2 7HY
Image: Amorino
This authentic Italian gelato spot is famous in Leeds and for good reason. Scoops come served in a chocolate cone, with gelato presented in the shape of a flower and the option to add on macarons. Find flavours like Banana del Brasile and Dulce de Leche here alongside more traditional choices.
Where to watch the 2026 World Cup in Leeds city centre and beyond
Clementine Hall
Kick-off for the 2026 World Cup is almost upon us so it's time to find out in Leeds where we'll be watching, preferably with a pint in hand.
International tournaments are always a special occasion we eagerly await to come around and while we’re sure you could walk into any old pub and enjoy yourself, there are some seriously good venues showing the 2026 World Cup this year.
So, with that in mind, we thought we’d put together a list of the best places to watch the World Cup in Leeds. You’re welcome.
Get yourself on one of Leeds' best terraces to enjoy a spritz or two before heading into the main bar to watch the matches.
Meanwood Tavern
607 Meanwood Rd, Meanwood, LS6 4HQ
Over in Meanwood, the much-loved Meanwood Tavern will be showing the games with screens at the front and back of the pub. Walk-ins welcome but booking encouraged.
BOX
15 Infirmary St, LS1 2JS
Image: The Hoot Leeds
It's an absolute classic, but BOX will of course be showing all the games on their multitude of screens. We also recommend booking a table for this spot as it's always a busy one.
Hyde Park Book Club
27-29 Headingley Ln., Headingley, LS6 1BL
Image: The Hoot Leeds
A favourite amongst students, Hyde Park Book Club will be showing every England game and more on the big screen.
Trinity Kitchen
27 Albion St, LS1 5ER
Image: Supplied
Trinity Kitchen will turn into one of the city’s biggest hotspots to watch the World Cup this summer.
The space is getting ready to be transformed into an evening fan zone with three super-size screens, a brand-new bar, DJs, brass bands and space for up to 1,000 supporters.
The space will be completely free to attend and will open just in time for the start of the tournament on Thursday 11 June.
This fantastic events venue will be showing all the England World Cup Games, so get your tables booked and make sure to head for some food at Galleria beforehand.
Brewery Wharf Tavern
Tetley's Brewery Wharf, 3 Brewery Pl, LS10 1NE
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' newest pubs right by the canal will be showing all the England games, booking is recommended.
The Melbourne
476 Roundhay Rd, Roundhay, LS8 2HU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're in Roundhay then The Melbourne is the place to be. They'll be showing all the England games on their swanky new 75inch telly and they'll even have some new beers on the lines to celebrate the occasion.
This absolute gem of a pub will be showing all the England World Cup games on multiple screens, including some big ones. If you're a fan of a huge beer garden, then this is the spot for you.
This fabulous pub on the edge of the River Aire will be showing the footy on a huge screen in their expansive beer garden. If that doesn't scream summer, we don't know what does.
Brudenell Social Club
33 Queen's Rd, Burley, LS6 1NY
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' most iconic gig venues will be showing the footy both outdoor and indoor, they'll also of course be providing plenty of pints, pies and good vibes.
Brotherhood
54 New Briggate, LS1 6NU
Image: The Hoot Leeds
One of Leeds' most iconic sports bars will be showing every single match of the World Cup alongside plenty of drink deals and food on offer to keep you fuelled up.
If you're looking for a proper fan zone atmosphere, than Beaverworks is your best bet. For £5 a ticket, expect BBQs at each game, beer towers, DJs and a free beer or cider.
4TheFans at the O2 Academy
55 Cookridge St, Leeds LS2 3AW
Image: 4TheFans
4TheFans will be creating the ultimate atmosphere at the O2 Academy, expect a production and sound experience built for global superstars, combining the noise, the passion and the atmosphere into one electric, next-level fan experience.
Clementine Hall -
20th June 2023 
