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Group Visits

Discover everything Castle Howard has to offer with a pre-booked group visit.

Castle Howard is the perfect location for your group, offering a wonderful day out with something for everyone. Explore the House, Grounds, Woodland, Walled Garden and Adventure playground as well as our cafes and shops. No matter who your group is we’d love to welcome you.

Whats included?

Pre-booked groups of 20 or more will enjoy fast-track admission and a discounted price as well as complimentary admission for the group leader and/or coach driver, the driver will also receive a complimentary refreshment voucher.

So that you can have the perfect visit for your group we have a range of options available. Whether you're a school group who want to let off steam at Skelf Island and explore Ray Wood or if you'd like to delve deeper into the history of the House with a Curator, you can choose the option that best suits your group.

We also have catering options available, ranging from vouchers to spend in our cafes and restaurants to private dining experiences in the House.

We're always happy to discuss options with you to make sure your group have the best experience.

 

General admission

Gardens Only Admission

From £12 per adult

From £5.50 per child (2-16yrs)

With 1,000 acres of Grounds, formal gardens, walled gardens, lakes and woodland, there is plenty for you to explore and enjoy with Grounds Only Admission. Access to all our cafes and shops included.

 

House and Gardens Admission

From £17.50 per adult

From £8.50 per child (2-16yrs)

Enjoy access to the House and Grounds during your visit. Admission to the House is according to time slots and we ask that you arrive at the House entrance (a 10 minute walk from the ticket office) for your booked time. You are then free to explore the Grounds afterwards.

 

Tours and Experiences

Private Tours are available for both our beautiful Grounds and House, and offer an exclusive and unique addition to your itineraries.

Tours are available to book each evening after the house has closed to the public, and we offer a morning Tour on a Thursday from 9.30am.

Each Tour lasts approx. 90mins and we recommend that you allocate no less than 3 hours to fully experience all Castle Howard has to offer.

Private Tours are available from 29th March until 2nd November 2024 - subject to availability and pre-booking.

 

 

Private House Tour with Experienced Guide:

Experience the House through the eyes of our passionate House Guides and gain an insight into the Howard Family and the beautiful and varied antiquities in the House.

From £700.00 per group includes access to Grounds and House and private tour of the House with an experienced House Guide.

Max numbers 15 per groups – larger numbers can be catered for upon request.

Private Themed House Tour with a Curator:

Join one of our Curators for a unique insight into the House and its priceless collection of art, antiquities, and Sculpture.

Bespoke tours can be created for those who have a specific interest in certain aspects of the House.

From £900.00 per group includes access to the Grounds and House and Private tour of the house with a Curator

Max numbers is 20 per group – larger numbers can be catered for upon request.

Private Themed Gardens Tour with Head Gardener:

Our Head Gardener will lead you on a tour of the Gardens to discover their past and what it takes to care for the Grounds of a stately home. Access to the House and Grounds also included.

From £900 per group.

Minimum of 15, max of 20 per group.

School visits

We offer admission to school groups at the Grounds only or House and Gardens admission rates outlined above, with one accompanying teacher free of charge per 10 students.

If you are interested in bringing a school group we would love to help you plan a great day trip and are happy to provide more information, please get in touch.

 

 

   

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Make a Booking

To book your group visit or to find out more information, contact our team at groups@castlehoward.co.uk

Let us know how many people are in your group, the date you'd like to visit and what time works best for you.

If you would like any additional information on any of our offers please let us know.

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Coach Driver Information

Castle Howard is located 15 miles north east of York, with easy access from the A64. Please approach Castle Howard via Malton to avoid narrow arches.

Designated coach parking is located outside our Garden Centre, just a short walk away from the Ticket Office. Coach parking is free of charge.

For full Coach arrivals information please read the below document.

Coach information
Coaches.pdf (220k)
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Accessibility

Wherever possible we have installed facilities to enable everyone to enjoy their day. For a full overview of Castle Howard's accessibility please click here.

If you would like any further information or to discuss anything in more detail, please get in touch.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Important answers to your Group Visit questions


What happens when I arrive at Castle Howard?
  • Please ask your coach driver to stop at the Security Hut and follow the instructions of our staff when they arrive.  They will be instructed to proceed to a designated drop off point.
  • Admission tickets and welcome maps (1 between 2, with more available on entry) will be given to the Group Leader/Driver at this initial meeting point, to be distributed as passengers exit the coach.  Please do not drop off at the entrance to the Courtyard, as this poses a risk to arriving pedestrians.
  • After disembarking, please make your way to the Stables Courtyard Entrance, where you will find a Coffee Shop, Café, Farm & Gift Shop, Toilets and Groups Entrance (please see attached map).
What if some of my party have difficulty walking?
  • Do not worry, Castle Howard is fully equipped to welcome all guests. Wheelchairs are available from the Ticket Office and at the House entrance and may be returned to either location. Pathways and doors are ramped for easy access. A lift (maximum weight of 190kg, size 1295mm x 710mm wide) takes wheelchair users to the main floor of the House allowing all rooms to be viewed except for the Chapel and High South.
  • Please note that motorised wheelchairs are not permitted within the main House.
When during our day should we visit the House?
  • Passengers will be asked to arrive at the House entrance at a designated admission time, please note that if you do not arrive at the House at this given time we cannot guarantee admission later in the day.
  • Please always follow the instructions of room stewards.
Daily Opening Times
  • The Ticket Office, Gardens, Stable Courtyard and Garden centre open at 10am.
  • The House is open daily from 10am with last admission at 2:30pm during off-peak periods and 3pm during the summer. We ask you to pre-book a House admission time prior to arrival.
  • The Farm Shop, Gift shop, and Cafes are open daily, for full opening times please see the opening times page here.
How long should I leave for a visit?
  • We recommend you leave at least 2 hours to enjoy everything Castle Howard has to offer.
  • The House route will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.