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Group Visits

We welcome Groups to book at Castle Howard for a memorable day out.

Castle Howard is a perfect day out, whether it is part of a touring itinerary, a day trip or as part of an educational visit for students. 

There is plenty to explore, from the incredible interiors in the House to the Walled Garden.

We offer discounted group rates for: 

  • Travel Trade & FIT Partners 
  • Associations and Education Organisers 
  • Private Groups 

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.

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.

To learn more and book, get in touch at Groups@castlehoward.co.uk.

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.

This 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.

This includes access to the Grounds and House and a 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.

Minimum of 15, max of 20 per group.

What's included?

Booking a group allows for a range of benefits, including designated coach parking, a fast-track entry and a warm welcome into Castle Howard. 

For international visitors, we offer a Digital Audio Guide in nine different languages. 

Get in touch now to book your group and discover what makes Castle Howard A Place Like No Other.

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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 Driver Information
Coaches.pdf (220k)
Terms & Conditions and Essential Information
Gardens Map
house

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

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).
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.
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.
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.

Discover More

News
Major Restoration of Historic Interiors is Unveiled
News
Following a major renovation of its historic interiors, Castle Howard’s 21st Century Renaissance will open to the public on 25 April 2025. It will include the unveiling of its lost Tapestry Drawing Ro...
News
Castle Howard reports Christmas event as the most successful to date, with 30% of visitors travelling from outside of Yorkshire, and thousands of free or subsidised tickets issued to Essential Carers ...
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A group of guide dog puppies from across Yorkshire have been exploring Alice’s Christmas Wonderland as part of a ‘school trip’ to Castle Howard ahead of the festive season.
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Environment Bank, the leading off-site Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) provider, announces the launch of a large-scale 30-year restoration and rewilding project at the Castle Howard Estate in North Yorksh...
Blog
By Curator Blogger   //  Wed 21st August
Curator, Tapestry Drawing Room, Entablature
If you have visited us lately, you may have noticed that work is now well underway in the Tapestry Drawing Room, which is being reinstated in the style of Vanbrugh, and will be hung with the Vanderban...
Blog
By Curator Blogger   //  Thu 6th June
Curator, Crimson Dining Room
When Castle Howard was built in the early eighteenth century, what we now know as the Crimson Dining Room was the State Bed Chamber. Preceded by a Drawing Room and followed by a Dressing Room, the bed...
Blog
By Curator Blogger   //  Wed 22nd May
Curator, Tapestry Drawing Room, Entablature
At Castle Howard rich architectural detailing can be found all over the building. One of the main features of the principal rooms are the ornate cornice, frieze, and architrave, collectively known...
Blog
By Curator Blogger   //  Tue 7th May
Curator, Tapestry Drawing Room, Restoration
Exciting changes are afoot in the house this year! After years of careful planning, the latest project to restore rooms affected by the catastrophic fire of 1940 is now underway. Image 1 - Drawing ...
Blog
By Curator Blogger   //  Mon 8th April
museum room, curator, house restoration
The Museum Room is a transitional space, being the literal turning point between the Baroque house and Palladian west wing, which has this winter had its own transformation.