Buy your admission ticket online for a reduced price compared to purchasing at the Ticket Office.Our onsite outlets operate on a cashless basis.
Castle Howard is one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions, recognised in 2025 with major awards including Visit York Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award, and in 2026 with a Silver Visit England Award for Excellence.
The House will be closed until Thursday 12th November as it undergoes a magical transformation for A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard. The team will be hard at work creating an immersive festive experience inspired by the beloved world of Charles Dickens, ready to welcome visitors for a truly magical Christmas season.
Please select the 2026 Gardens Tickets option if you would like to visit the Grounds during these dates.
Until 11th November. For Gardens tickets during our Christmas period, visit the Christmas page. Explore Castle Howard’s famous Gardens, with two grand lakes, ornamental woodland, the Walled Garden (open seasonally), grand temples and historic statues.
All Gardens tickets include access to the award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, shops and cafes. Dogs on leads are very welcome.
12th November – 3rd January. Charles Dickens’ classic novels are brought to life in grand Christmas style, leaping off the page with projections, soundscapes, and theatrical surprises. This Victorian extravaganza will leave you full to the brim with festive cheer, so climb aboard your carriage and join us for a traditional Christmas like no other!
Discover the stories behind Castle Howard with one of our experienced House Guides. Engaging, knowledgeable and passionate about the Howard family, our guides bring the House to life through its history, art, architecture and the lives of the Howard family across generations.
To ensure privacy and exclusivity, tours take place outside of public opening hours at either 9.00am or from 3.15pm, giving you sole access to the House.
Tours typically last 60–75 minutes and additional requests or bespoke elements can be arranged with a member of our team.
Private tours are available to be booked for up to 15 people. The price remains the same regardless of the number of people on the tour.
Experience Castle Howard through the eyes of one of its leading experts. Our Curator-Led Private Tours are hosted by Chief Curators Dr Chris Ridgway or Matthew Wood, offering rare insight into the history, architecture and collections of this extraordinary House.
Each tour is thoughtfully tailored to your interests, whether you wish to explore the great architectural vision of Vanbrugh and Hawksmoor, delve into the Howard family story or focus on a particular collection.
For those wishing to broaden the experience, tours can be extended to include the Walled Garden and wider landscape, encompassing the Mausoleum, Temple of the Four Winds, follies and Estate parkland.
Sudden Branch Drop (also known as Summer Branch Drop or Limb Drop) is when large trees unexpectedly drop their branches. This is most likely to occur when there is a sudden downpour after a long period of warm and dry weather.
There are many large trees in the Gardens at Castle Howard. Due to the recent weather conditions we're asking visitors to be vigilant, and avoid sitting under large trees. If you notice any signs of Sudden Branch Drop during your visit please speak to a member of staff.
Ticket Office9am - 3pm
Gardens, Grounds and Skelf Island Adventure Playground Members Only: 9am - 10am All visitors: 10am - 4pm (last entry 3pm)
HouseClosed until 12th November
Farm Shop10am - 5pm
Garden Centre 10am - 5pm
Jellycat Shop 11am - 4pm (Thursday-Sunday)
Courtyard Coffee Shop 9.30am - 5pm
Courtyard Café10am - 5pm
Boathouse Café & Kitchen Variable, check with the Ticket Office on your arrival
Visitor Centre and Tickets9am - 4pm
ArboretumMembers only: 9am - 10am All visitors: 10am-4pm (last entry 3pm)
Shop & Café 10am - 4pm, last food orders 3.30pm
Accepted Affiliate and Discount Schemes
Admission for all of our affiliate schemes can be redeemed on the day at the Ticket Office by presenting a valid membership card or proof of entitlement.
If you are looking to enhance your visit with Guided Tours, special events and more, check out our What's On calendar.
See What's On
Group discounts available for bookings of 20 or more people, please visit our Group Visits page.
Find out about Group Visits
Download a copy of our visitor map and start planning your visit by clicking on the attachment below.