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Autumn & Halloween at Castle Howard

The leaves have begun to turn and the colours of autumn are creeping into our beautiful corner of North Yorkshire, where we have lots of exciting autumnal adventures planned.

We have a selection of frighteningly fun events for the whole family to enjoy. Pick the perfect pumpkin at our Pumpkin Patch; join us at our Spooky Afternoon Teas; attend our Spooky Afternoon Tea and Q&A with Helena Garcia, much-loved for her gorgeously gothic bakes on Great British Bake Off; bring the children along to our Halloween Storytime and Bath Bomb Workshop, hosted by Helena; join the Skelves on the Great Pumpkin Adventure at Skelf Island; and wrap up warm to watch a Halloween classic at our Outdoor Adventure Cinema.

Book tickets

Events and activities for the family

Pumpkin Patch, 1 - 31 October
The Castle Howard Garden Centre Pumpkin Patch is back for the fourth year running! Whether small, medium, or large, we’ve got varying sizes and colours for carving, decorating and making the most of the spooky season! Head to The Garden Centre and follow signs for PYO pumpkins.
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The Great Pumpkin Adventure with the Skelves, 30 October - 3 November
The pesky Skelves of Skelf Island are performing a brand-new play this half term! Join them on a pumpkin-tastic adventure full of magic and mischief. Watch the show at the Skelf Island Adventure Playground.
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Halloween Storytime & Bath Bomb Workshop with Helena, 12 October
Join Great British Bake Off star Helena Garcia for a reading of her lovely children’s book, ‘My Mummy is a Witch’, a wonderfully witchy story told through the eyes of a little witchling, followed by a crafty and hands-on bath bomb-making workshop for little ones. 12th October.
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House Pumpkin Trail, 8 - 31 October
Help us find a gaggle of pesky pumpkins hiding around the House! Our younger visitors and their families are invited to take part in our Pumpkin Trail and spot the hidden pumpkins during their visit.
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Save money with a Family Ticket

A day out like no other for the whole family
Take advantage of our £65 Family Ticket, which includes House and Gardens admission for two adults and two children, perfect for family fun during autumn.

Book tickets

More atmospheric events and activities

Spooky Afternoon Tea and Q&A with Helena, 12 October
Enjoy a spook-tacular Afternoon Tea in the historic Grecian Hall hosted by Great British Bake Off star Helena Garcia, much loved for her gorgeously gothic bakes, who will be signing her cookbooks and answering your questions about her time in the Bake Off tent. 12th October.
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Spooky Afternoon Tea, 13 October
Great British Bake Off star Helena Garcia, much loved for her gorgeously gothic bakes, has created this spook-tacular Afternoon Tea just for Castle Howard. Enjoy delectable treats in the historic Grecian Hall. 13th October.
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Outdoor Adventure Cinema, 25 - 27 October
Castle Howard has a spook-tacular line up of Halloween films planned for October. Wrap up, bring a cosy blanket, and enjoy a frighteningly fun selection of Halloween classics. Age ratings of films range from U – 15.
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Theatre Performance: HELIOS, 17 October
This unique performance will take place underneath the dome in Castle Howard’s Great Hall. The dome mural, painted by 18th century Venetian painter Antonio Pelligrini, depicts Fall of Phaeton which is the thematic inspiration behind HELIOS.
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Special events to reconnect with nature

Autumn is the perfect time to unwind, cosy up and reconnect with nature. We have a number of fantastic nature events taking place to help you make the most of this spectacular time of year.

Fungi Foray, 3 October
Explore the weird and wonderful biology of fungi through Ray Wood with a wildlife expert from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust. On this guided walk, you’ll learn more about why fungi of all shapes, sizes and colours grow here as well as how to tell your shaggy inkcaps from your jelly-ears!
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Seasonal Ancient Tree Walk, 17 October
Learn about some of the oldest trees on Castle Howard Estate. This walking tour, led by Forestry Manager Duncan Leckie, will visit ancient and explore the history and management of our majestic giants.
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Bespoke Birding Safari, 14 October
Join our birding expert Harry on a unique tour of the Estate to explore and discover the diverse birds and wildlife within the gardens, grounds and wider estate.
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Woodworking Workshops, 26, 27 October & 2, 3 November
Woodwork tools
Craft your own rustic spoon or epic sword using traditional wood carving techniques! Guided by the skilled craftspeople of SylvanKin, you’ll dive into the time-honored art of wood carving, using sustainably sourced local wood.
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Take away a spooky souvenir

Helena Garcia Halloween Pop-Up

2nd September - 31st October

Visit our Helena Garcia Halloween pop-up in the Farm Shop for everything you need to embrace the spooky season, with a beautiful selection of accessories and homewares.