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Summer at Castle Howard

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Explore the House, Gardens and award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground; get lost in nature at the Arboretum, home to our new resident red squirrel; visit Playshapes: Castle Constructors, our new interactive installation; and visit our cafés, Farm Shop, Gift Shop and Garden Centre.

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Save this summer

Following the Government announcement on the temporary reduction in VAT for eligible visitor attractions, Castle Howard is delighted to be passing this saving directly on to its visitors. 

Enjoy Great British Summer Savings with 15% off child and family tickets until 1st September.

Save on children's meals:
Enjoy 15% off items from the children's menu at the Courtyard Cafe, Boathouse Cafe and the Arboretum
Includes Skelf Island Bags and children's pizzas
Discount does not apply to takeaway items

Book and save

The perfect day out, whatever the weather

For sunny days

With plenty of shaded spots across the Gardens and Grounds, and at the Arboretum, Castle Howard is a great place to stay cool while still getting out in nature.

Hop aboard The Dame for a scenic boat ride on the Great Lake. Available weekends and school holidays. 

Stay hydrated with a refreshing drink at one of our cafés and pick up an ice cream to enjoy in the shade.

Visit the House, where the rooms offer a cool and welcome relief from the hot weather.

For rainy days

Let the children get creative with our interactive installation, Playshapes: Castle Constructors.

Visit the Stable Courtyard, including the Jellycat Collection which is bursting with the softest, stuffed toys in all shapes and sizes.

Escape the rain with a trip inside the House.
 

Become a Member

Members receive access to the House, parkland, Gardens, Adventure Playground and a range of other exclusive benefits.

Our new Bronze Membership offers fantastic value and is great for families who love to spend time outdoors. 

Plus, Members receive access to the Castle Howard Arboretum, giving unlimited access to two fantastic attractions all year round.

Summer Events

Castle Howard
Sat 28 Mar 2026 - Mon 31 Aug 2026
Arboretum
Tue 12 May 2026 - Sat 31 Oct 2026
Included with Arboretum Ticket
Castle Howard
Sat 23 May 2026 - Sat 31 Oct 2026
Included with Both House & Garden and Garden Ticket
Castle Howard
The Temple of the Four Winds with people sat on benches outside.
Sat 13 Jun 2026 - Sun 27 Sep 2026
Included with Both House & Garden and Garden Ticket

Summer Eating and Drinking

Find the perfect spot for a Picnic Afternoon Tea in the Gardens, created by Castle Howard’s expert chefs. Bookable with Gardens and House & Gardens tickets (must be booked by 12pm the day before).

Discover the Summer Menu at the Courtyard Café and taste seasonal dishes in the historic Stable Courtyard.

Pick up everything you need for summer hosting from the Farm Shop, including locally sourced fruit and vegetables and Estate-reared meat from the butchery. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I claim the 15% discount on child and family tickets?

The 15% discount is automatically applied to all child and family tickets until 1st September. Book tickets here 

Is there a charge to visit Playshapes: Castle Constructors?
Entry to Playshapes: Castle Costructors is included in your admission ticket.
What time is Castle Howard open?
Opening times for Castle Howard including the Jellycat collection, Garden Centre and Arboretum can be found here
Do I need to pay to visit the Jellycat shop?
No. Entry to see the Jellycat collection is free. It is located in the Courtyard by the main car park.
Do I need to book in advance?
No, but during busy periods like school holidays we recommend you do. Plus, buying your admission ticket online is cheaper compared to purchasing at the Ticket Office. You can book your tickets here.
Are there places to eat and drink on site?
Yes, there are several cafés and food outlets available across the Estate, offering a range of refreshments, meals and treats to keep the whole family fuelled. Discover our range of cafés and restaurants here.
How long should we plan to spend at Castle Howard?
We recommend allowing a full day to enjoy everything on offer during half term, from activities and exhibitions to time exploring the House and  Arboretum.
 
Is Castle Howard suitable for younger children?
Absolutely. Our summer activities are designed with families in mind, with activities suitable for a range of ages, encouraging hands-on learning and imaginative play.
 
Is Castle Howard dog friendly?
Yes, dogs are welcome in the grounds at Castle Howard, making it a great day out for the whole family. We kindly ask that dogs are kept on a lead and that owners follow the on-site guidance during their visit.

Well-behaved dogs are welcome in the Arboretum. They should generally be kept on a lead to protect the landscape and wildlife, although there there is an 11-acre off-lead area.