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Summer at Castle Howard

Enjoy a sublime summer day out at Castle Howard. Visit the House, Gardens, and award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, cafés, Farm Shop, Gift Shop and Garden Centre.

A visit promises a special day against a backdrop of magnificent architecture, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes. See the House interiors transformed, as we reveal the results of a major project, Castle Howard’s 21st Century Renaissance, to visitors for the first time.

Run free in the Gardens, with acres of woodland, parkland and Gardens to play in. Don’t miss the award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, full of adventures for children of all ages.

Book tickets

Find out more about Castle Howard's 21st Century Renaissance

Summer holiday fun

Rover’s Grand Tour: Young adventurers can follow in the footsteps of Rover, a famous dog in Castle Howard’s history, included in House & Gardens tickets. Embark on a grand tour of the House spotting animals and learning about Rover’s big adventures. Take part in Rover's Grand Tour from 23rd July - 1st September.

Skelf Island Adventure Playground: The perfect place for young explorers to let off steam, Skelf Island Adventure Playground is open every day. Navigate rope bridges, whizz down slides, discover ingenious treetop nests and don't forget the zip wire.

Family ticket: Save when you book online! House & Gardens Family Tickets, for two adults and two children, are just £70, saving almost £20 compared to individual tickets.

Book Tickets

Find out more about Skelf Island

Text reads: a summer of live music at beautiful Castle Howard
Sun 20 Jul 2025 - Sun 17 Aug 2025
Included with Both House & Garden and Garden Ticket
Wed 23 Jul 2025 - Mon 01 Sep 2025
Included with House & Garden Ticket
Thu 24 Jul 2025 - Thu 16 Oct 2025
Hop aboard The Dame for a scenic boat ride around the Great Lake, spotting swans and other local wildlife. Take in breathtaking views of the House from across the water. Available weekends and school holidays. Pre-book online with your admissions tickets, or at the Boathouse on the day.
The tours will depart from the main House and visit the parkland and farmland areas on the Estate, as well as the monuments that are beyond the Grounds. This is a fantastic way to learn more about nature and the wider Estate at Castle Howard, while discovering new areas and seeing our iconic architecture from new perspectives. Available 25th July and 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th August at 11.30am and 1pm.

Save money on your visits with Membership 

If you’d like a lovely place to visit regularly, why not purchase a Membership?

Members enjoy unlimited access to the House, Gardens and Adventure Playground in the main season, which means regular visits to Skelf Island! Members also get additional benefits, like priority booking for our Christmas events, and loyalty points on purchases in the shops and cafés.

Find out more

Summer Eating and Drinking

Pick the perfect spot to enjoy a Picnic Afternoon Tea in the Gardens, with dainty sandwiches and hand-baked scones 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 enjoy seasonal dishes in the stunning historic courtyard.
Discover a wide range of seasonal produce and butchery products in our Farm Shop. From locally sourced fruit and veg to Estate-reared meat, find everything you need to stock up for a summer barbecue.