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.'
After probably a few too many champagnes last night, here's 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire to blow away the cobwebs.
It's time for your annual New Year's Day outing and we've rounded up 10 of the best walks in and around Leeds and West Yorkshire so you can win over your family with an all-new wintertime wander.
Whether you're a lover of a good reservoir or have a soft spot for birdwatching, these countywide trails have their own little quirks and we're sure you'll find one that's tailored to you.
So grab your scarf, dust off your old stompers and kick start the New Year by accomplishing one of these lovely West Yorkshire walking routes.
Swinsty Reservoir
Swinsty Reservoir is a beautiful walk just north of Otley, West Yorkshire / Credit: @the_running_mum and @skybluesophie on Instagram
In the picturesque Washburn Valley just north of Otley and west of Harrogate, lies the beautiful Swinsty Reservoir.
This walk is relatively easy, it’s about 3 miles in length and has plenty of flat gravel paths and pitstops for you to rest along the way.
The walk encircles the entire reservoir and provides breath-taking views across the water and the surrounding landscape.
Fewston Reservoir
Fewston Reservoir neighbours Swinsty Reservoir and is a perfect New Year walking spot / Credit: @macaloon on Instagram
If Swinsty isn’t long enough for you and you’d like a bit more of a challenge then try it’s neighbouring reservoir, Fewston.
Wrapping all the way around the beautiful Fewston reservoir, crossing over Fewston embankment you are spoilt for choice with spectacular views of both reservoirs.
You can also extend your walk by exploring nearby routes including Fewston and Timble Ings. The route is mostly flat with some short sections of path with fairly steep gradient and rockier terrain.
Ilkley Moor
One of West Yorkshire's most iconic walking destinations and definitely ideal for Boxing Day / Credit: @thisthewaytodisco on Instagram
Bob over to Ilkley and head towards the iconic Cow and Calf rocks on Ilkley Moor.
Although the walk may seem daunting, there’s an easy path to follow at a moderate gradient to guide you all the way. Hike up to the top, breathe in that good Yorkshire air and marvel at the impressive panoramic views of the town and beyond.
The good news is, there’s a pub just a stone’s throw away if you fancy a cold pint or a well-deserved roast after your walk.
The Otley Chevin
The Otley Chevin has something for all walkers, woodland trails and scenic countryside views / Credit: @carolineinthecountryside on Instagram
The Otley Chevin is a gorgeous forest park overlooking the quaint market town below. It’s the ideal place to take your furry friend for a walk, enjoy the spectacular views and breathe in the good Yorkshire air.
Located the luscious Wharfe Valley the park is full of criss-cross paths, impressive woodlands and breathtaking views at every turn. With walking trails, picnic spots, organised events and woodland to explore, there is something for everyone.
Castle Hill
Huddersfield's highest point also doubles as a fantastic walk with stunning views of West Yorkshire / Credit: @malajusted1 on Instagram
This one’s a steep one but your hard work pays off when you reach its summit, 1,000 feet above sea level, offering some of the best views of Huddersfield and West Yorkshire on a clear day.
For any history lovers or architecture admirers, there’s also an impressive tower dedicated to Queen Victoria which was built to honour her Diamond Jubilee back in 1897.
There’s numerous ways you can trek up to this Huddersfield hilltop but the right way is visiting rural watering hole The Victoria as you stroll back down. Let’s face it, nothing feels more rewarding than grabbing a crisp pint in a cosy pub after a pretty steep walk.
Newmiller Dam
Credit: @
If feeling the burn wasn’t on your Boxing Day itinerary, there’s a much simpler and flatter walk that lasts just under an hour and feels like a mini oasis , even if it is adjacent to a main road.
Up for a little detour? Newmiller Dam near Wakefield has a handful of off-track routes you can explore to extend your walk’s duration with benches scattered throughout to take in all its natural beauty.
This reservoir has a cute café attached to it, The Boathouse, which is quite the spectacle, offering up amazing food, themed events as well as being the home to an engagement or two over the years.
RSPB St. Aidans
St. Aidans is the perfect place for a long stroll and a spot of birdwatching right here in Leeds / Credit: The Hoot Leeds / @f.e.wildlifephotography on Instagram
Although this Leeds wildlife haven isn’t open on New Year's Day, this list has plenty of walks to pick from for the second biggest day of the year, and this spot can slot in somewhere else in your seasonal schedule.
Thinking you won’t spot any beautiful birds during the wintertime? The RSPB note you should keep an eye out for short eared owls, geese and ducks.
Home to a reservoir, pool and five lakes, you can follow a range of official routes ranging from 20 minutes to an hour or take a detour if you fancy immersing yourself in all the glory St. Aidans has to offer.
Baitings Reservoir
On the edge of West Yorkshire is the glorious Baitings Reservoir with an equally grand dam / Credit: @dronejp_ on Instagram
If you’re venturing over the moors this New Year to visit friends and family in Greater Manchester, why not stop off at this next site on the way back home?
Baitings Reservoir next to Ripponden gives you the choice to walk around the large-spanning enclosed water or roam around the accompanying hillsides.
Use the natural resources to your advantage and live out your Glinda fantasy by giving hair a little “toss toss” as you walk across the raised dam path which is usually a little bit windy.
Withens Clough
Next to Hebden Bridge is Withens Clough a West Yorkshire walk with two pubs closeby/ Credit: @ericbroug on Instagram
Two pubs, multiple views of Stoodley Pike and nestled next to a cute Calderdale village, if that didn't grab your attention we don’t know what will.
Less than five miles from Hebden Bridge and bordering Cragg Vale, Withens Clough is an hour long walk with the moors surrounding you on either side.
This walk is a crowd pleaser with two pubs within 15 minutes from the trail serving up food fit for everyone, vegans and veggies too.
Brontë Waterfall
You might feel inspired to write a prose or two while you're walking around Brontë Waterfall/ Credit: @mostlymedieval on Instagram
Situated in Haworth, if you start from Main Street this walk takes 45 minutes, or there’s a free car park at Penistone Hill Country Park which shortens your trail to 25 minutes if you’ve just devoured your Boxing Day leftovers .
As you rove along you’ll stumble upon ‘Charlotte’s Chair’, an L-shaped stone believed to be the sacred spot where this Bronte sister put pen to paper.
The website may encourage you to dip your feet in the cold moorland water, but on a cold winter’s day this might be too adventurous.
The top 10 dishes to cure a hangover in and around Leeds
Clementine Hall
Whether your hangover cravings are a full english and grease or a healthy light bite, we've found the best places in Leeds to visit to cure your hangover.
Whether you've had a few too many champagnes over the festive period or a chilled one at the pub got out of hand (we've all been there), we all know and loathe that next morning of regret and realising the impact that a hangover can have on the day.
Luckily, the Leeds food scene is full of salty, chocolately, carb-loaded dishes that will sort you right out. So grab some paracetamol and some water and grab one of our top picks to get rid of your hangover.
Fat Hippo Burger
Fat Hippo, Otley Road, Headingley and Boar Lane
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're after proper dirty, stacked, greasy burgers to get your chops around - then the answer is, and always will be, Fat Hippo burger. Forget about calories, and get stuck in.
Pretty much anything at this Aussie-inspired brunch spot will cure your heavy head, but our personal favourite is the steak and eggs. Perfectly pink and dripping in gooey egg yolk, it's a complete winner.
Tucked away inside one of Leeds' most architectural beauty spots, Bruschetta is the indie coffee, cake and breakfast menu you absolutely need to try: hangover or no hangover. If you are struggling to stomach anything that might remind you of last night's dining or drinking options, the flavours in the Full Algerian brekkie should be a go-to. We're talking harissa spiced cannellini beans on toasted bruschetta, poached egg and spiced merguez sausage with homemade roasted pine nut and za’atar oil: a unique combination of spices that'll sort you out and perfectly match the coffee blend.
Authentic Greek gyros
Thatziki, Trinity Kitchen
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Nothing is better for a hangover than a gyros box fit for Zeus himself. Shavings of the famous 24-hour marinated meat served in a box on a bed of seasoned fries, fresh salads and a sauce of your choice.
Thatziki is serving up authentic Greek cuisine which transports you straight to the Mediterranean – we’re talking juicy gyros, crispy halloumi fries and a range of hotboxes filled to the brim with marinated meat, fresh Greek salads, seasoned fries and warm pita bread. Available now on all delivery platforms, it’s time to treat yourself and get your Greek on.
Tofu dog, pickle, cheese, FA Secret Sauce and crispy onions - trust us on this one. These vegan hot dogs at one of our favourite Kirkgate market stalls are just 10/10 and so filling it will fill all your Sunday morning cravings. Even better, you don't need to make the journey into tower as these are now available on delivery in Leeds.
The Kirkgate Market stall is over a year into its meat-free journey. The owner gave up meat in 2019 after reading the UN Climate Report and made the decision to risk ‘financial suicide’ to back their beliefs and switch to meat-free dishes. The popular Kirkgate venue now offers an entirely meat-free menu and on it you’ll find a range of incredible plant-based offerings, including the Royale Not Dog and loaded fries.
Fluffy pancakes with streaky bacon
Moose Coffee, Bond Court
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Nothing will soak up the sins of yesterday more than a stack of fluffy American pancakes. Top them off with crispy streaky bacon and super sweet maple syrup, and you can kiss that hangover goodbye.
At Moose you'll also find plenty of other hangover cures like huevos rancheros and fluffy french toast.
Brooklyn's Finest Cheeseburger
Meat:Stack, Boar Lane, Leeds city centre
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Meat:Stack is always a Hoot favourite when it comes to curing those hangover blues and the ‘Brooklyn’s Finest Cheeseburger’ a collaboration with Scream For Pizza, is one of our favourites. This features a garlic butter and blue cheese base, spicy pepperoni tomato sugo, house ranch, mozzarella cheese and crunchy onions. If you love pizza and burgers then you absolutely NEED to get your chops around this, it features all your fave parts of a pizza combined with Meat:Stack’s delicious grass fed, aged beef smashed patties - absolutely unreal. And to go with your pizza burger you obvs have to get matching fries, right? The ‘Screaming Fries’ are stacked high with the delicious tomato sugo, lashings of parmesan cheese and finished off with a generous sprinkling of oregano. Meat:Stack’s fries are always perfect, but these have been given that extra ‘oomph’ factor which makes them even more lip-smacking than usual.
If you can't decide between a roast dinner early afternoon or an all-day-breakfast, this hybrid is the meal to set you back to your usual equilibrium. Wapentake are known for their 'yorkies on anything' approach, and anyone in Yorkshire will agree that they're a brilliant hangover food. Topped with baked eggs, crispy bacon and Henderson's relish, have a bite and you'll be reet in no time.
There's a new pie stop in town, and they're perfect for the morning after the night before (as well as in the evenings and every other meal). Inspired by the seasons, expect a range of Yorkshire pies, with classic steak and ale, chicken and bacon with all the trimmings, as well as vegan options aplenty and sweet treats (including brownies) for those looking for a lighter bite to start or end the night.
Hooyah burgers have become a big name in Leeds- especially on Deliveroo, so if you're waking up with a sore head, you won't even have to leave the house to get your hands on these huge sharer portions of fries. The Chic-a-go are 100% vegan with crumbled falafel, onions, mint and yoghurt on a bed of curly and french fries: it's an ideal balance of flavour and carbs that won't unsettle your stomach and just the combination for 'the day after the night before'.
Clementine Hall -
20th June 2023 
