The popularity of ITV1’s ‘Victoria’ and people planning ahead for Christmas have made Castle Howard the second most searched visitor attraction on TripAdvisor this autumn, as the search rankings were revealed this week.

“High quality costume dramas always prompt a resurgence in interest in historic houses, and with scenes from the incredibly popular Victoria filmed at Castle Howard, we’re delighted to be welcoming more visitors keen to find out more,” comments communications manager, Hannah Cooke. “We’ve also seen a huge surge in bookings for our Christmas period over the last few weeks as families book their visits to see Father Christmas and social groups plan their afternoon tea get-togethers.”

Interest has also been boosted by a series of national press articles featuring the stunning gingerbread replica of the house, which is currently being baked and constructed by architectural foodsmiths, Bompas & Parr, and which will form the centrepiece of our Christmas displays.  The display will feature the house as originally designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, a miniature railway with train passing through a scale model of the Castle Howard station used by Queen Victoria, as well as many of the key architectural landmarks from around the estate.

Visitors have until this Sunday (30 October) to enjoy the house before it closes for 20 days whilst staff transform it into a festive wonderland, with beautiful decorations and Christmas trees in many of the public areas. The grounds – which are incredibly popular at this time of year when the trees take on myriad shades of gold, red and brown – remain open throughout.

The house reopens for Christmas from Saturday 19 November to Friday 23 December.