Top events and activities to do this Spring at Castle Howard

With the iconic Castle Howard reopening to public on 1st April, Spring is the ideal time to visit this 300-year-old stately house, Estate and family home in North Yorkshire.

Famous as the backdrop to Netflix smash-hit Bridgerton, and Brideshead Revisited, there’s so much more to explore across the almost 9,000 acre Estate including a calendar jam-packed with events and experiences for the whole family. What’s more, Castle Howard was recently crowned Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the Visit York Tourism Awards 2023.
So, whether you’re an arts and culture buff, searching for a sweet Easter treat or looking to get back to nature, Castle Howard is a place like no other.

Culture, history and art:
Step into the 300-year-old Howard family home and be immersed in history and beauty. Explore the beautiful rooms, taking in the showstopping Great Hall, sweeping Long Gallery, and sublime arts and crafts Chapel. You can book a guided tour, or use the digital guide, narrated by Nick Howard, to discover more about Castle Howard’s stories, collection and architecture.
Date/times: House open daily from 1st April, 10am – 3pm

People We Love:
Experience a special Castle Howard edition of international artwork ‘People We Love’ by KMA. Multiple high-definition screens set in Castle Howard’s beautiful Chapel will show portraits of local residents gazing at a picture of someone they love. This contemplative and thought-provoking art installation, which celebrates the local Ryedale community, is a contemporary contrast to the beautiful, historic portraits on display in the House. A must-see for art lovers, and people interested in seeing Castle Howard’s Chapel brought to life in a new, unique way.

People We Love is commissioned by Mediale using funding by Arts Council England. Supported by Motion. Date/times: Running daily from 19th May – 15th October, 10am – 3pm. People We Love is free with a House and Gardens ticket. Pre-booking is advised, and pre-bookers receive a 10% discount. https://www.castlehoward.co.uk/whats-on/event-detail?name=people-we-love

Coronation Exhibition and Afternoon Tea
Mark the momentous occasion of the coronation of King Charles III. Castle Howard’s majestic Long Gallery will play host to an exhibition celebrating the pomp and magnificence of this historic ceremony, featuring luxurious peers’ robes from the Castle Howard collection worn to coronations gone by.

Castle Howard’s full set of Crown Jewels, exact replicas of the historical regalia used in the coronation itself, will also be on display, giving visitors the opportunity to appreciate first-hand their scale and splendour.

Make your day even more quintessentially British with a Coronation Afternoon Tea in Castle Howard’s Grecian Hall. Curated by Castle Howard’s Head Chef, expect an exquisite menu of delicious sweet and savoury items that feature some of Yorkshire's finest produce. Exhibition: 1st April – 23rd July daily, 10am – 3pm. 1st, 6th, 8th May, slots available between 12pm and 2.30pm. The Coronation Exhibition is free with a House and Gardens ticket. Pre-booking is advised, and pre-bookers receive a 10% discount. The Coronation Afternoon Tea is £55, including a House and Gardens ticket with access to the Coronation Exhibition.

For more inspiration on what’s going on at Castle Howard, visit: https://www.castlehoward.co.uk/. Or get in touch with castlehoward@aberfield.com or gsykes@castlehoward.co.uk who will be able to provide further information and images, as well as itinerary suggestions.