Capture The Castle - Castle Howard Photography Competition

Castle Howard, one of Yorkshire’s grandest country houses, is inviting amateur photographers to put their camera skills to the test and capture the castle, its grounds and gardens as well as the wider estate in a new photography competition ‘Castle Howard: Through My Eyes’, from Saturday 14 March to Thursday 31 December.
 

Photographer Nick Howard

From its imposing architecture, sweeping vistas, lakes, woodland, monuments and fountains to the formal gardens, flora and fauna and rolling Howardian Hills, Castle Howard offers endless opportunities to be inspired.

Nick Howard, who will judge the competition, commented: ‘Having grown up at Castle Howard I am well aware of the unique qualities of our beautiful Yorkshire landscape, with every season bringing something new to admire and enjoy. As a keen photographer myself, I feel inspired every time I venture out, camera in hand, and look forward to reviewing the many fantastic entries I am sure we will receive.’

For more information please click here:  http://www.treasurehouses.co.uk/news/Capture%20The%20Castle

Christmas at the Treasure Houses of England

Expect a fabulous feast of festive entertainment and events this Christmas at the magnificent Treasure Houses of England.  Shop in style with magical Christmas markets and discover beautifully and stylishly decorated Treasure Houses for a unique and inspired day out, not to mention the opportunity to pick up some beautifully bespoke presents for your nearest and dearest.

Beaulieu

Christmas at Beaulieu is a time of magic with fun, activities and entertainment for all.  Beaulieu’s festive celebrations (21 December – 5 January) will feature carol singing around the Grand Piano in the decorated Palace House complete with a magnificent Christmas tree.  Victorian characters will be on show- to divulge fascinating details on life – upstairs and downstairs at Christmas time.

Blenheim Palace

Blenheim Palace’s will be decorated for a ‘Dickensian’ Christmas (9 November – 13 December) with plenty to see and do, from late night shopping, storytelling, carol singers, Santa’s grotto and more. The renowned Living Crafts for Christmas (15 - 17 November) will also take place showcasing a series of high quality and contemporary creations from over 150 British designer-makers. For festive fun and splendor visit Britain’s Greatest Palace this Christmas.

Burghley House

Burghley House’s Crafts for Christmas - (28 November –1st December) will be the perfect place to pick up some very special presents featuring a wide range of new products and ideas. Graham Pickett Antiques will also be at Burghley in their usual Old Kitchen location with fabulous furniture and divine collectables.

Castle Howard

Enjoy Castle Howard in all its festive glory and take in the magical Christmas atmosphere of the candlelit house.  There will be yuletide entertainment, festive foods and gifts from 23 November to 22 December, plus a late night Carols and Candlelight event on 19 December will include a late night market, Christmas parade and carols in front of the house as dusk falls.

Chatsworth

From 9 Nov until the 23 Dec, Chatsworth will be magically transformed for the Christmas season, with the lower floors of the house decorated in the theme of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.  With events such as twilight evenings, Christmas markets and nativities starring real farmyard animals, as well as beautiful festive displays, there is something for everyone at Chatsworth this winter.

Hatfield House

Don’t miss Hatfield’s Frost Fair (22 – 24 November) held in Marquees on Palace Green, childhood home of Elizabeth 1 you’ll find wonderful original and unusual crafts and gifts for the family and home alongside exclusive ranges from The Hatfield Gift Shop.  Plus drop in to workshops, including creative Christmas decorating using fresh flowers and greenery.

Holkham Hall

Catch awe-inspiring Holkham Hall on two weekends (7/ 8 and 14/15 Dec) and get festive with a traditional Christmas in true Holkham style! See the magnificent state rooms beautifully decorated, complete with handmade decorations. Or walk through the snowy winter wonderland, where there’s a chance for children to see Father Christmas in his magical grotto.

Leeds Castle

Christmas is growing at Leeds Castle this year. Nature has crept into the magnificent castle rooms to create a glittering Twelve Days of Christmas from 7 to 24 Dec. Meet real reindeer on the castle island and children will love our new husky sleigh rides. Our first Christmas Market with German style chalets and traditional carousel rides is here from 7 – 22 Dec, open daily from 11am to 6pm with late night shopping until 9pm on 12, 13, 19 and 20 Dec.

Woburn Abbey

Book now for Woburn Abbey’s Luminaries Woburnensis on Saturday 7th December. Explore the magical gardens illuminated after dark and discover the trail ice and fire sculptures. Visit the gift hall to pick out that perfect present and snuggle up with a hot drink to listen to the live band.


www.treasurehouses.co.uk

NSPCC Christmas Fair at Castle Howard

Castle Howard

Friday 8th November 2013.

Each year, this popular shopping fair raises over £30,000 for the NSPCC and is organised by the volunteers of the Norton & Villages fundraising committee.

This year there will be over 50 stalls selling a wide range of gifts for adults, teenagers and children. There will also be a raffle with prizes kindly donated by local businesses.
All proceeds go directly to the NSPCC. Tickets cost £7.00 per person (under 13s free), available on the day from our ticket office. Open from 9.30am until 3.30pm.

Or why not attend a special preview evening on Thursday 7 November with wine and canapés. Tickets cost £15.00 and must be bought in advance by emailing: admin@nspcccastlehowardchristmasfair.org

To find out more visit http://www.nspcccastlehowardchristmasfair.org/Home.html

Chills and Thrills at Castle Howard

Castle Howard firs Halloween event

Castle Howard will host its first ever Halloween event when the magnificent  grounds of the historic house are transformed into a spooky wonderland for a family friendly ‘Chills and Thrills’ spectacular on Wednesday 30th October 2013.

Walk the flare lit path and catch glimpses of the house and statues rising out of the mist before encountering the headless horseman and his flame bearing guards amongst the trees.  The fire damaged South East wing will be brought to life by our spine-chilling story tellers, whilst terror face painters and magic mirrors will transform you into a frightening sight this Halloween.

The ‘Horses of Halloween’ grand finale will see Yorkshire based Atkinson Action Horses, who have appeared in productions including War Horse, The King’s Speech and Wuthering Heights, perform death defying stunts and breathtaking displays with fire and explosions.

Fire eaters and stilt walkers will appear from the darkness and owls, toads and creepy crawlies will take up residence in the eerie grounds of Castle Howard this Halloween. There’ll be prizes for the most ghoulish costume and best carved pumpkin too.

Katy Pryor, Events Manager said: ‘This is our first ever Halloween event and now that we are putting together the finishing touches we’re all getting very excited. It will be a unique Halloween experience, with Castle Howard making the perfect backdrop for this family friendly evening’

Tickets are on sale now and cost £15 for adults, £10 for concessions and Under 5s go free. Gates open at 4.30pm with tasty Halloween treats on offer throughout the evening.

To find out more, or to book visit www.castlehoward.co.uk

Castle Howard Autumn and Christmas event listings

Tuesday 10 September & Tuesday 8 October
Stable Courtyard Craft & Produce Markets – 10am
Over 25 stalls selling delicious food and beautiful crafts in the stunning surroundings of Castle Howard Stable Courtyard.
Free admission

Friday 4 October
Photography Course – 10.30am – 5pm
An ‘Introduction to Landscape Photography’ with York photographer Chris Ceaser including photographic sessions in the grounds and gardens, lunch and exclusive opportunity to shoot in the Long Gallery.
6 places only per course, £115

Friday 11 October
From Bach to Bond – 7.30pm
A charity piano recital to raise funds for York Against Cancer. Yorkshire born Emmanuel Vass will perform a range of pieces from Back and Debussy to Gershwin as well as his own arrangements of the Bond theme and Bohemian Rhapsody.
Tickets £15

Wednesday 30 October
Chills & Thrills Halloween Spectacular – 5.30pm – 8pm (approx)
An evening of Halloween entertainment for all the family. Castle Howard will be transformed into a spooky wonderland with witches, wizard, ghosts and ghouls. There’ll be spooky storytelling, face painters, fire eaters and stilt walkers as well as a ‘Horses of Halloween’ stunt riding show.
Adults £15, Concessions (Under 16s/Senior/Students) £10

Friday 8 November
NSPCC Christmas Fair – 9.30am – 3.30pm
Over 50 stalls selling a wide range of gifts perfect for Christmas fill the House. All proceeds go directly to the NSPCC and each year the fair raises over £30,000 for the charity.
Tickets £7

Celebrate your wedding with us. Photo Ryan Browne

Sunday 10 November
Wedding Open Day – 11am – 3pm
Meet our professional wedding team and a handful of our carefully selected wedding suppliers and discover Yorkshire’s most romantic venue, dressed for a civil ceremony and wedding breakfast. Pre-register at www.castlehoward.co.uk to receive complimentary admission.

Saturday 16 November
Premium Monumental Tour – 10.00am
This all-day event begins with a circuit tour that takes in the Avenue, Gatehouse, Mock Fortifications, Pyramid, Mausoleum, and Temple with exclusive access to these buildings, followed by lunch and access to the Castle Howard archives.
Tickets £60.00

Saturday 23 November – Sunday 22 December
Christmas at Castle Howard
See Castle Howard in all its festive glory and take in the magical Christmas atmosphere of the candlelit House. There will be yuletide entertainment, festive foods and gifts, plus pre-book a fireside audience with Father Christmas at weekends (charges apply).
Usual admission prices apply

Weekends from Saturday 23^rd November – 22^nd December
A Fireside Audience with Father Christmas
Join Father Christmas and his wizard friend for festive stories, singing and magic tricks in front of a roaring fire in the Grecian Hall
£12 per child, accompanying adults usual admission prices apply.

23^rd, 24^th, 25^th November & 9^th, 10^th, 15^th, 16^th, 19^th December
Christmas Courtyard Craft & Produce Markets – 10am – 4pm

Christmas in The Great Hall at
Castle Howard. Photo Andy Bulmer

With over 20 stalls, our Christmas markets sell an array of handmade gifts and local produce perfect for the festive season. Stop by our gift shops, farm shop or plant centre too and pick up that extra something special.
Free admission

Thursday 19^th December
Christmas Carols & Candlelight - Last House admission 6.30pm, Courtyard and Market close at 8.30pm.Come along and enjoy an extended day of Christmas festivities; see the house at dusk, enjoy carols on the South Front and join our Christmas parade. This event includes a courtyard market, audiences with Father Christmas and the chance to meet reindeer.
Usual admission prices apply

For more information on any of our events visit www.castlehoward.co.uk

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Castle Howard sits within a 10,000-acre estate, in the Howardian Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is located 15 miles north east of York, just off the A64.

Summer at the Treasure Houses of England - Great Days Out

Forget old-fashioned images of historic houses - today’s enigmatic Treasure Houses present something for everyone with a wealth of entertainment from special exhibitions, superb shopping and afternoon tea to children’s play areas, discovery tours and activity days. Discover Capability Brown landscapes and contemporary sculpture gardens while the kids amuse themselves in spiraling mazes.

Presenting a spectacular schedule of summer events, from live theatre performances, free runners, drive –in movies and historical characters, to dressing up boxes and quiz trails – not to mention an array of wildlife, farm animals, cycle trails and walking paths - expect an animated and action-packed experience for all the family.

The Treasure Houses of England are a spellbinding storybook spanning nine centuries, presenting visitors with a living history of England through the ages amidst beautifully scenic backdrops that have featured in TV and films such as ‘Harry Potter’ and ‘Sherlock Holmes’.

For a distinctive summer’s day out, take a trip to the houses for a magical mix of things to see and do – here’s just a few highlights:

 
Beaulieu’s popular drop-in summer workshops for younger visitors take place on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday throughout August.  Supported by the Caravan Club and linking in with the attraction’s BOND IN MOTION exhibition, the workshops will be on a Special Agent theme with poster and badge making, and model building with Meccano.

 

Families can hear about the daily life of people who lived and worked at Blenheim Palace in the 1920s, through the eyes of Mrs Crumpet the ‘Head Gardeners Wife’ with costumed entertainment ‘Stories from the Gardens’ bringing history to life over the summer holidays (21 July – 31 August).  Expend their energy with Blenheim Palace’s Active Spring Kids Camp (30 July - 3 August, 9am to 5pm, 7 to 16 years) where a variety of activities include archery/swing building, team building/adventure games, survival skills/cooking and more.   Take a trip by train to The Pleasure Gardens, where a bevy of exotic butterflies await.  Muddle round the Marlborough Maze, or let the kids loose on the action-packed Adventure Playground.

Burghley’s Garden of Surprises combines fun and history, featuring a moss house, the swivelling Caesar busts, basins of water, jets and a mirrored maze – all designed for optimum enjoyment for all ages.

 

Embark on a family adventure at Castle Howard for a magical and memorable day out.  Jump on the land-train and go wild down at the Lakeside Adventure Playground where 17-high energy, confidence-building pieces of equipment will amuse and entertain kids and adults alike.  Catch Castle Howard’s boat and set sail across the Great Lake to spy the wildlife and discover the parkland with their new illustrated trail and Geoffrey the Lion. And don’t miss their Get Active Weekend (26 – 27 August) to get stuck in to a range of new activities for all the family from weird and wonderful bikes to archery and climbing.
 
Visit Chatsworth this summer for a season of family fun in the house, garden, farmyard and adventure playground.   Children and adults can explore the new Climbing Forest in the adventure playground, meet lots of friendly animals and enjoy an array of free seasonal activities in the farmyard.

 


 

Harewood invites visitors into its beautiful Bird Garden to see many species of rare and exotic birds from all over the world, including penguins, flamingos and parrots. Follow up with a spell in the Adventure Playground and climb, clamber, slide and swing your way around. Inside the house, play dress up in servants’ clothes and step back to Victorian times or discover the hidden delights behind the cupboard doors…

From a fun children’s quiz to Horrible Histories written by Terry Deary – Hatfield House presents an eclectic mix of entertainment. Bloody Hollow is an exciting adventure play area featuring a rope bridge, aerial runway and a tree house, plus all the favourites such as swings, springies and a seesaw. Don’t forget to have a tractor ride and meet all the animals at Hatfield Park Farm.

 Holkham Hall’s Bygones Museum houses a vast collection of more than 4,000 fascinating exhibits ranging from mechanical toys and agricultural tools to vintage cars and massive steam engines dating from the Victorian period to the mid-1900s.  Outside, hit the cycle park to explore even more of the estate – and new for 2012 – both adults and youngsters can savour the experience with a recumbent (lie back cycle) or scooter!  Don’t miss Holkham’s watery world too with leisurely lake cruises and boat hire, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try water zorbing to really get your heart racing.  Then schedule in a visit to the beach at Holkham - one of the largest Nature Reserves and most unspoilt and beautiful stretches of sand in the country.


At Leeds Castle, dive into the The Knights’ Realm Playground - a huge adventure playground built entirely in wood. Climb the Maiden’s Tower, scale the Revetment Wall, joust along an aerial runway, cross the perilous bridge between the New Castle and Gloriette and explore the Secret Tunnels. Slides, bash bags and rope walkways all add to the fun.  Throw into the mix a Toddlers' Play Area, spiralling Maze and underworld Grotto, Turf Maze and daily falconry displays (except Tuesday’s & Thursday’s) – and Leeds Castle ensures a formidable formula of fun for all the family.

Boasting 30 acres of serene formal and natural garden environments – the Abbey Gardens at Woburn Abbey include everything from manicured lawns and colourful flowerbeds to peaceful woodland glades and ponds teeming with life.  Discover the bog garden - a recent addition with its carnivorous plants, the romance of the recently restored Doric Temple and watch the recreation work in progress on the rockery and grotto.  Offering free children's activities such as quiz booklets to help them discover lots of fun facts; they can also take part in free entertainments in Woburn’s gardens, including storytelling, and art and craft activities (21st July to 5th September).



The Treasure Houses of England (THE) is a consortium of 10 of the country’s finest palaces, historic houses and castles. Unique in character, each property has its own magical blend of magnificent architecture, fabulous surroundings, world class collections and family attractions to enjoy.

For more information visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Polo Returns To One Of Yorkshire’s Finest Country Houses, Castle Howard, For Fifth Annual Tournament

What could be more quintessentially English during this Jubilee year than enjoying Pimms and a picnic alongside an exciting day of polo, all against the backdrop of one of the finest country houses Yorkshire has to offer?

White Rose Polo Club will be returning for the Castle Howard Cup on Sunday 24 June, sponsored by Paladin Capital. This tournament, which offers an ideal day out for all the family, is popular with spectators who come with cars to line the pitch in the beautiful grounds with a special polo picnic. The action begins at 10.30 as White Rose members compete against one another for a club trophy, before a professional club side takes on team Castle Howard in the afternoon in a battle to be crowned Paladin Capital Castle Howard Cup Champion 2012, one of the region’s most prestigious titles of the polo season. This match features some of the strongest players in the region, including White Rose Polo Coach, Tony Wesche, whose handicap of 2 goals places him in the top echelon of Yorkshire. Also playing will be Argentinian professional, Hugo Suarez, who heads up the ex-racehorse retraining programme for the club.

Each year a VIP marquee overlooks the pitch and offers spectacular views of Castle Howard – the perfect backdrop to the day’s exciting polo. VIP guests experience true indulgence in the form of food served by the Star Inn at Harome, washed down with plenty of Champagne – royal treatment at its finest in the most spectacular surroundings.

The gates open at 10.30am and tickets can be booked by phoning Sarah at White Rose Polo on 01430 875767 or by visiting the website www.whiterosepolo.co.uk

Easter Holidays at the Treasure Houses of England

 
Expect an Easter egg extravaganza at a multitude of venues, such as with Blenheim Palace with their enticing Easter Egg Challenge (6-7 April) around their glorious Pleasure Gardens.  BAFTA award-winning TV series characters Peppa Pig and George with The Piplings will be at Blenheim Palace to meet families (8-9 April). Piplings Yojojo, Lau Lau, Nok Tok and De Li also invite you to join the fun for their interactive yoga sessions (8-9 April).

During the Easter holidays, 31st March – 15th April, young visitors to Beaulieu can join in a Hare-Brained Easter Trail. Look for the hares, find the answers to the clues and collect a sweet treat at the end of the trail.



Explore the superb Sculpture Garden and Garden of Surprises at Burghley’s Easter Egg Hunt (8 April); and get involved with Chatsworth’s Easter Eggstravaganza (31 March – 15 April), featuring trails in the house, garden and farmyard, as well as themed crafts and much more.

Castle Howard’s Traditional Easter Fair (6-9 April) will see an old-fashioned dray pulled by Shire horses that will deliver you to a bevy of fantastic fair rides and the huge adventure playground. Enjoy lunch at the Boathouse and become transformed into some wild and imaginative creatures courtesy of the incredible face painters for a fun-filled and adventurous day out.

Sticky fingers and rosy cheeks abound at Harewood this Easter Weekend (6-9 April) Celebrating Easter traditions from across the world, there’s some unique activities inside and out for all the family.  We’ve made Easter at Harewood the best place to get in the Easter spirit, with a superb Children’s Craft Village, Easter egg trails through the bird garden, a now famous Easter Egg hunt around the grounds and the chance to see Harewood’s very own chef demonstrating traditional chocolate egg making.

There’s lots of Easter Fun for children at Holkham Hall (6-9 April) with an ‘Egg-stacle’ course in the beautiful walled garden and appearances of the Bouncing Bunny or Mad Hatter, with crafts and egg-citing Easter fun in the Bygones Musuem.  On Easter Sunday 8th April and Easter Monday 9th Holkham is turning back the clocks to the Edwardian era commemorating the sinking of The Titanic with “titanic Tea-time Treats” bringing historic cookery to life in the Old Kitchen of the hall. 

Children can follow a trail through the grounds of Leeds Castle to collect a chocolate Easter egg from the Bunny Burrows.  With lots of animal fun, crafts and even Easter Egg Archery! (6-9 April)

 




Revel in the beautiful outdoors of Woburn Abbey (reopening 30 March) and explore their magnificent Deer Park and Abbey Grounds as well as following the Easter Egg Trail in the Abbey Gardens.  The 19th century Hornbeam maze is open for the Easter weekend providing a fun challenge for adults and children alike (additional charge).

For more information visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk

Holiday Fun at the Treasure Houses of England

Promising a mesmerising mix of entertainment especially for children, The Treasure Houses of England are poised to deliver a fabulous feast of family fun this February Half Term.

FEBRUARY HALF TERM
 

From 11th to 19th, take part in Beaulieu’s James Bond-themed quiz and enjoy the new Bond in Motion exhibition where there are over 50 original James Bond vehicles -  plus take part in an undercover army commando course.

 

Jump aboard the land-train for a joy ride down to the Lakeside Adventure Playground at Castle Howard, which is suitable for children (and adults!) of all ages.

 

Similarly, Chatsworth’s Farmyard and Adventure Playground offers an enticing array of activities for all (11-19 February).

 

To celebrate spring, Harewood gardens and grounds are hosting a range of activities and demonstrations for all the family including walks and talks from experts, alpaca wool spinning, pottery classes and a chance to enjoy the fresh air and fun in a glorious location.

 

Visit the brilliant Bloody Hollow – Hatfield House’s adventure playground (free to anyone who has purchased a ticket from the park) and Hatfield Park Farm (free for accompanied children) to see the various farmyard animals and play amongst spectacular surrounds.  The stableyard will also be hosting a great array of children’s activities during half term (15-19 February).

 

Leed’s Castle presents the Birds and Beasts Roadshow (11-19 February), which houses a huge range of animals, birds, spiders and snakes in a marquee near the maze. Get up close and personal with a bevy of creepy crawlies for an unforgettably fun and educational experience.

 

The Pleasure Gardens at Blenheim Palace is the perfect place for families to let off steam during February half term. Hop on the miniature train from the Palace for family fun in the Pleasure Gardens including the giant Marlborough Hedge Maze, Adventure Play Area, the Butterfly House and the Gardens Cafe.

The Treasure Houses of England (THE) is a consortium of 10 of the country’s finest palaces, historic houses and castles. Unique in character, each property has its own magical blend of magnificent architecture, fabulous surroundings, world class collections and family attractions to enjoy.

For more information visit www.treasurehouses.co.uk