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

‘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

‘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.’

Tickets cost £55 and must be booked in advance.

Family Friendly

Skelf Island Adventure Playground

‘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

‘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.’

Get your tickets for this exciting event here.

Outdoor Exploring

The Great Yorkshire Creature Count

Saturday 24 – Sunday 25 June 2023

‘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.’

Find out more here.

Summer Bat Walk

Friday 28 July 2023

‘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

‘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.’

Find out more here.

Outdoor Adventure Cinema

Friday 11 – Sunday 13 August 2023

‘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.’

Get your tickets here.

Foodie fun

Summer Solstice: From Soil to Soul

Wednesday 21 – Sunday 25 June 2023

‘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.’

Find out more and book your tickets here.

Read more: Everything you need to know about every festival coming to Leeds this summer

Featured image – Supplied