Castle Howard in Yorkshire is a house, rather than a castle as its name suggests.  However it is a wonderful building, full of historical interest none the less.

There is also a miniture train to take visitors from the car part to the house entrance and, if they wish, on to the lake.  For the terminally lazy like me this was something to be grateful for, as the walks between the various parts of the estate can be lengthy.

Castle Howard was built nearly 300 years ago and the Howard family has lived in it since that time.  A fascinating exhibition to celebrate the approaching tercentenary is an added attraction to the building.  Be sure to sign in and help the volume of signatures of visitors reach its target.

The building of Castle Howard took more than 100 years before it could be said to be completed.  Which just goes to prove how much time and effort are put into putting together stately homes such as these.

It comes as a great surprise to the visitors to Castle Howard when they learn that the architect who built the house had in fact never built anything before in his life.

Sadly some of the house was destroyed in a fire in 1940.  However restoration efforts were put underway and the house is now restored to its former glory.  The guides who are posted throughout the house will happily point out to visitors where the fire took place, what survived and what was restored.

There is also a Domes 2000 exhibition showing various domes on various buildings around the world.  If you can think of one to add to this extensive list then there is a box to post your suggestion in.

The rooms of Castle Howard are lavish and varied with an assortment of different styles and antiques in each.  However, like many of the houses, there is no photography allowed inside and therefore no photos on these pages.

The tour of the house covers the Grand Staircase and China Landing where there are collections of china in the latter and a variety of portraits in the former.  Through to lavish bedrooms and dressing rooms is the way to the Antique Passage which is as its name suggests full of antiques from around the world.

Then the Great Hall and Garden hall can be seen - this is where the fire took place.

Following this these is The Picture Collection, the Music Room, the Reynolds Room, the Orleans Room and the Museum Room - each of these houses a variety of antiques and paintings by some of the most famous artists such as Reynolds and Gainsborough.

Then there is the Long Gallery South and North split in the centre by the Octagon.  Here there are more portraits and antiques to view before arriving at the Chapel and Chapel Lobby, the final stops on the tour of the house.

Castle Howard has been seen in the television production of Brideshead Revisited.  To commemorate this fact there is an exhibition set up within the house giving an interesting behind the scenes look at the production.   You can also purchase the programme at the gift shop if you wish.

If you are fortunate to be at the house on a suitable day there is a boat ride on the nearby lake that can be taken.  I did not get the chance to take part in this activity but I am sure it would be a pleasure for those who do, as the setting is very beautiful.

Near to the lake there is also an adventure playground for youngsters to play on.

There are also several rose gardens to wander through, some of which are pictured here on this page.

The Atlas Fountain is one of several watery features in the grounds of Castle Howard.  However on the day I happened to be visiting it was the only one working.  Each of the fountains and the waterfall are only open on certain days of the week.  The Atlas Fountain was first turned on in 1853.

If the Atlas Fountain has inspired you to discover more about fountains, then please visit The World of Fountains web site, part of Garden-Fountains.com, a place which can also help you if you want to add elegant fountains to your own residence.

The Temple of the Four Winds stands well away from the house itself and at the far end of the walk along the edge of Ray Wood.  The wood by the way offers the visitors a selection of walks to be taken.

The Temple itself is on the very edge of the hill and as its name suggests is open to all the four winds (however it is not open to the public).

Flagging the steps of the Temple are four female statues (pictured below).  By going up the steps you can clearly see into the building which is unfurnished.

Castle Howard is a lovely place to visit, with a variety of exhibitions showing both the history of the house and looking into the future.  However be warned that a lot of the grounds would be far less enjoyable in wet weather.