Friday 6 February 2015

Bimbling around Castle Howard

Hello. This post is rather pic heavy. I've had a lovely afternoon out at Castle Howard in North Yorkshire. The day started sunny so I thought I had better not miss the opportunity to go out. It's about 60 miles each way, over the Humber Bridge, towards Beverley, then on to the B1248 through Bainton, Wetwang, Norton and Malton. It's very well signposted as you can imagine for such a famous building. 
Castle Howard has been a family house for over 300 years. It sits in a 10,000 acre estate, and has a reputation as one of England's most magnificent houses. The house is not open during the winter, but that was ok with me, I just wanted to enjoy a walk around the gardens and estate. There is a £5 charge, which I don't mind paying as I wanted to park close to the house. A map was included in the price.
The sun being quite low meant a lot of shadows, the best side was the back of the house.  
Of course the little fella came too. Some of the paths were hard going and at times it was easier for me to push him on the grass.
Pity about the shadows.
This is the Atlas Fountain. Not working today, the water is frozen.

Through that gate is the courtyard.
The side of the house has a lot of sun.


In the Stable Courtyard is a Cafe, Coffee shop, Farm shop, Book shop, and a Carriage House.

This is the front of the house, mostly in shadow.


Watch out, the owl is about. Pic taken especially for Jane.
Some of the buildings were out of bounds for visitors. These are for staff and residents.

This is the view from the front of the house, looking across the Great Lake. We didn't have time to go over there. There is an Adventure Playground, Boat Trips, Cafe, and a Lakeside Camping and Caravan park.

The Polar Bear Walk goes up into Ray Wood. There are nice walks through there, but inaccessible for buggies.

So we took the flat route to the Temple of the Four Winds. 

From there you can see the New River Bridge. Up stream from this is a Cascade, but it's frozen today, like most of the water. Walkers can go down there and have a look. Beyond the trees is the Mausoleum which says no public access on the map, but the tracks across the field indicate that people do go over there for a closer look. We don't have time today, and I don't fancy pushing the little fella back up the hill. 
On the way back to the house was a lovely spot so sit for a while. We were high up looking over the South Lake. The Prince of Wales Fountain was asleep in the frozen water. It was like a little bit of heaven, so still, not even a whisper of a breeze, and so quiet. I could have sat there for ages, but time was getting on.

A quick walk through the Walled Garden. All the plants were sleeping for the winter. It was all very neat and tidy, the labels in the ground show where everything is planted. It would be worth coming back in the summer to see it at it's best. In the centre is a pond with huge fish. The water trickles in and the ice floats in chunks on the top.  
This brave little chap came right up to my feet.

I popped into the toilet in the courtyard on the way to the car park. Peacocks are free to wander around.

Very useful map, I will keep it for the next time I go.

Fantastic, love the place, it would be good to stay at the camp site.

I called in at the chippy at Wetwang on the way back. It has a reputation for great food. My portion of chips was lovely. Some eaten in the car, and the rest warmed in the microwave with grated cheese on top when I got back. No faff in the kitchen tonight, ha ha.

I popped into Waitrose at Willerby as I was passing, just out of curiosity really. Good grief, aren't they expensive. Even more expensive than Sainsbury's. I found a couple of price reductions, not yellow stickers, theirs are red, and not that noticeable you have to search for them. I got a big bag of spinach, only 31p off, but better than nowt, I like spinach.

Anyway, that's it for tonight, it's gone 11pm and I should be heading up the wooden hill, so I'll say goodnight and Toodle pip.

36 comments:

  1. That was a lovely journey you took us on. You take brilliant photos. That little Robin - I could almost feel those little ice patches on the grass around him. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  2. just imagine living in a place like that. Beautiful grounds and a lovely day out for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi. If they gave me a room tomorrow, I would move in. All that space and fantastic views.

      Delete
  3. You took me back to 1963 when a friends Mum and Dad took us to Castle Howard. I went to the fish and chip shop in Wetwang for the first time last year . The fish and chips are beautiful.

    Sue R

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The chips were scrumptious, I passed on the fish. Well worth a break in the journey.

      Delete
  4. Ooo I love it there. I can't see the place without singing The Brideshead Revisited theme in my head, loved that series.
    Twiggy

    ReplyDelete
  5. Is that the Brideshead Revisited House?
    Oh, the owl...thank you for the owl....I absolutely love owls! Have you clicked onto the owl cam..there are two owlets now!
    AND a robin, a peacock, and Rocky! Flipping great!
    Jane x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Ilona, I'm confused. I thought Rocky was just a visitor, but he seems to have moved in. Did I miss something??? He is adorable!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi. Yes he is adorable, he is staying a while longer. I like to confuse you, cheeky me.

      Delete
  7. Castle Howard is magnificent and what a lovely setting. My favorite photo was of the little robin and I also loved the one of the peacock. What a nice day out for you and Rocky.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi, Oh what a beautiful destination and outing for you,and how fortunate for you to live amongst all that history and iconic architecture.Big sigh!Such pleasure in reading the info and admiring the photos,thankyou for sharing.I know I've said that before but I mean it with sincerity and appreciation.The "little fella" looks so calm, content and warm and huggable.Such a dear boy, Rocky.Glad you took advantage of the sunny weather and had a good day at Castle Howard.Curious,what is the name of the bird?Bye for now,D.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi. Do you mean the owl, the robin, or the peacock. Sorry, I should be more specific. Thank you for asking.

      Delete
  9. What a graceful place is this! And the landscape just scenic!
    Thank you for this great tour. I can see you had great company, too.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Oh so many wonderful photos. Rocky is such a darling♥ What a gorgeous little Robin sigh I didn't get to see one on our recent trip. Castle Howard is such an amazing place to visit. I've so enjoy your outing, many thanks Ilona for taking us along:) Linda x

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi,what a perfect day that looked,beautiful weather,amazing buildings and scenery and wonderful company.The 'little fella' looks great.Thanks for sharing the experience,it sums up the things that make life good.Spring feels just around the corner,no matter how cold it may be,on a bright day like that.Jan.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ooh the Brideshead house! I've just finished reading Madresfield (the house that was inspiration for Brideshead) which was really interesting, typical aristocrats lol. Anyway, what a gorgeous day to visit, love all the pics.
    I think British robins are redder than European ones, for some reason?!

    ReplyDelete
  13. It's always lovely to go along on your trips...see places we'd maybe like to visit too. The lakeside view is fantastic...Rocky is one lucky little dog; but then, it's nice to have a bit of doggy company, so works both ways!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Amazing photos! Castle Howard is so near yet I have never been, I think because it always seems expensive but now I know you can walk around the grounds we may do that half term. Have you been to Temple Newsome in Leeds? Much cheaper to get in and look around if you enjoy history. Lots of art work and interesting artifacts to look at. Rocky is adorable, glad you are seeing more of him. Debbie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Debbie. I don't know how much it is to visit in season and go inside the house. best check the web site for prices before you go. I haven't been to Temple Newsome, thanks for the tip off.

      Delete
  15. It's a while since I've been there. It photographs very well, even in shadows doesn't it.

    Nice to see Rocky out and about with you. Does he need his buggy simple because of old age or has he something else wrong with him now. He's a lovely fellow, I'm sure he appreciates his time with you when you go to so much trouble for him, they do know and understand don't they.

    Love the robin picture too :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sue. Yes, old age and arthritis in his front leg, this cold weather is not good for that.

      Delete
  16. You and your dog had quite a day, Ilona....and how nice of you to think about taking the dog in his buggy. Did anyone look at you funny? The pictures are all wonderful. Looks like a place I'd love to visit.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Linda. Everyone looks, some stop and speak, most of them smile. An elderly person or a disabled child would get pushed around on wheels so I don't see why a geriatric dog should miss out on nice days out. He loves it.

      Delete
  17. I've not been there, but I love Bolton abbey. Have you visited there Ilona? I think you would like it. I've put this trip on my places to visit list- looks great! Xxxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi. I have seen the outside of Bolton Abbey, but not been in the grounds and house. I was passing through once and thought I would take a break there, changed my mind when I saw how much it was to park. Only wanted to stay an hour and take some photo's. Bit disappointed.

      Delete
    2. Yes the parking prices are on the steep side. I've taken a coach full of children to visit there and been charged per child aboard the coach to park, so I know what you mean about the disappointment aspect! It's very similar to Castle Howard by the look of your photos,anyway. That's a cheaper trip, looks very good.

      Delete
  18. Gorgeous photos Ilona, thank you for sharing.
    Jacquie x

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great photos of your day out to Castle Howard - I'm sure I went there about 30 years ago with a friend who was doing some sort of convention/faire/something else - I got to see a little of the inside were all the tables were set up, but besides the toilets I think everything else was out of bounds. I need to ask my friend if that was the place we went to. woofwoof to Rocky :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. I think Rocky is turning into your little hairy son, nice to see you two out and about again....

    ReplyDelete
  21. What a fantastic place! I've heard of Castle Howard but didn't know anything about it - it's definitely somewhere I'd like to visit one day after seeing your photos.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Caste Howard is not too far from me, its a great sight at Christmas but extra expensive to go around the house to see all the rooms decorated by the family with lights and xmas trees galore . There 's lots of large houses that are open to the public all around in North Yorkshire and all worth a look at at least once. I have a friend who swears by the Wetwang fish & chip shop but I have never tried it. Rocky looks so proud and grand sitting in his stroller on his outings, he is a darling little dog and so pleased you have him back again.
    Danneke

    ReplyDelete
  23. What a great place to visit, thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Such stunning photos, it looks an amazing place.

    X x

    ReplyDelete
  25. What a lovely outing at a beautiful historical estate....so glad that Rocky was able to go with you and enjoy the beauty too.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I used to do a delivery run where i passed Castle Howard but i've never been for a visit.
    I remember passing a sculpture made from horseshoes in a village on the 'B' road between Malton and Beverley, at least i think thats where it was.
    Richard Whiteley who used to present Countdown was the Mayor of Wetwang.
    Dave.

    ReplyDelete
  27. lovely to see this post. we cycled through Castle Howard last year. very undulating. had a lovely time.

    ReplyDelete

Some comments will be accepted. I decide which are published.

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.