The drive to Castle Howard is always an impressive one, whether undertaken by carriage in times gone by, or in today’s speedier motors.
The grand house is approached on seemingly endless straight roads – and if you’ve booked an estate property for the weekend, you can turn off and live like a Castle Howard local.
True, it might be the life of the local schoolmaster rather than the residents of the big house, but there’s definitely an essence of grandeur in the collection of estate properties in the pretty villages of Coneysthorpe and Welburn.
Stunning Castle Howard. a jewel in Yorkshire’s crown. (Image: Nick Howard) Our weekend home was The Green in truly picture-postcard Coneysthorpe. It’s a place that is irresistible to wander around and there are walks from the doorstep to explore the area.
Pristine cottages are clustered in the village and ours overlooked the village green – from where you can see majestic Castle Howard in the distance. Walk there in about half and hour or it’s just a five-minute drive.
The properties are full of character with furnishings true to their period. Heritage paint shades colour the walls, antique furniture fills the rooms and paintings and period fabrics add to the atmosphere. Ignoring the modern kitchens and bathrooms, you could definitely be on the set of a period drama channelling Alison Steadman in character in a lace bonnet and morning dress.
Tempting as it is to watch Bridgerton or Brideshead Revisited reruns when you’re staying in the village, it’s much nicer – depending on the season – to cosy up by the fire and read, or enjoy the patio gardens. The Green, which sleeps four in two bedrooms, was certainly well equipped and super comfy for life indoors and out.
We headed to the impressive Castle Howard Farm Shop to stock up on estate beef from the butchery for our evening barbecue as well as full Yorkshire breakfast ingredients (it’s got to be done). We took in lunch at Courtyard Cafe, feasting on delicious fishcakes – but you can dive into afternoon tea if that’s your thing, it feels like a the perfect place to do it.
The Castle Howard cottages are really special places to unwind and escape modern day stresses; unspoilt and with a real sense of place.
A 3-night weekend at The Green in January 2025, £425
castlehoward.co.uk
Start with brunch at the Courtyard Café. Depending on the season, try a Picnic Afternoon Tea by the South Lake, with spectacular views of the House. Take home treats from the Farm Shop which is home to a home to a butchery, deli, and produce from local suppliers.
Time it right and there could be an evening dinner or supper club, such as Beef and Beer or Venison and Gin dinners. These celebrate Estate-reared produce, with menus created by Head Chef Nathan Richardson-Kelly.
Explore the outdoors
Visit the Temple of the Four Winds via the South Lake, and view the farmland, New River Bridge and Mausoleum. Explore Ray Wood, jewelled with vibrant rhododendrons in May and June, before emerging at the Boathouse. Take a boat trip to spot wildlife on the Great Lake in the summer months. Seasonal experiences include Yorkshire Wildlife Trust events, like a Bat Walk or Fungi Foray.
A family day out
Head to Skelf Island, Castle Howard’s award-winning adventure playground, and have fun on the play and climbing equipment. Refuel at the Boathouse Café or Kitchen, with family-friendly refreshments and ice cream
