Spend Halloween at Castle Howard - included with your admission tickets!
Celebrate autumn at Castle Howard with pesky pumpkin trails, seasonal displays, adventure playgrounds and spectacular autumn colour throughout one of Yorkshire's most beautiful estates.
- Dates: Autumn activities throughout October, including the Pesky Pumpkin Trail from 1st - 31st October
- Included with Admission: Enjoy the Pesky Pumpkin Trail and seasonal autumn activities as part of your Castle Howard visit.
- Pesky Pumpkin Trail: Search the House for silly squash, giggling gourds and mischievous pumpkins hiding throughout the historic rooms.
- Autumn Photo Opportunities: Discover beautiful autumn displays, seasonal decorations and colourful grounds throughout the estate.
- Pumpkin Patch: Pick up the perfect pumpkin from the Farm Shop and Garden Centre, with pumpkins available in all shapes, sizes and colours.
- Skelf Island Adventure Playground: Climb, slide, zip and explore the award-winning adventure playground.
- Autumn Colour at the Arboretum: Enjoy breathtaking displays of bronze oaks, golden beeches and crimson maples across the Arboretum.
- Family-Friendly Halloween Fun: A seasonal adventure designed for younger visitors, focused on autumn exploration rather than scares.
- Explore the Estate: Discover the House, Gardens, lakeside walks and historic grounds alongside all the autumn activities.
See the stunning Castle Howard Gardens
The gardens at Castle Howard are a masterpiece of horticultural artistry that captivates visitors any time of the year.
From beautiful gardens to serene lakes and woodland, and plenty for children to explore and enjoy, Castle Howard offers something for every member of the family.
Fans of period drama may also recognise Castle Howard as a filming location for Bridgerton, adding an extra layer of magic as what you’ve seen on screen comes to life.
What to expect on your Castle Howard Gardens day out
- The Walled Garden and Woodland Garden
- Beautiful lakes, waterways and countryside walks
- Wildlife & conservation
- Skelf Island Adventure Playground – a must for younger visitors
- Farm shop, gift shop and garden centre
- A choice of cafés and places to eat across the estate
Explore the Gardens
The gardens and grounds offer space to slow down and explore. Each season brings something different, from spring colour and summer blooms, to crisp autumn walks and peaceful winter views across the lakes and parkland.
For families, Skelf Island Adventure Playground is a highlight of any visit. Designed to spark imagination and encourage outdoor play, the playground features climbing structures, zip wires, slides and water play, all set within the wider landscape of the estate.
It’s the perfect place for children to burn off energy while adults relax and enjoy the surroundings, making Castle Howard a family day out.
A Living Landscape
Castle Howard is not just a historic house, but a working estate. Around 2,300 acres of land are actively farmed, while other areas are carefully managed to support wildlife and habitats. A further 3,200 acres are let as nine working farm holdings.
This balance between farming, conservation and heritage helps protect the landscape while supporting biodiversity and the local rural economy.
Make the most of your visit
Whether wandering the gardens, enjoying Skelf Island Adventure Playground or simply taking in the views, Castle Howard offers one of the most rewarding family days out near York.