The Groups Limelight – Castle Howard
A place like no other...
Set in nearly 9,000 acres of rolling Yorkshire countryside, in the heart of the Howardian Hills Area, a designated National Landscape, is the world-famous Castle Howard. A 300-year-old stately house, Estate and family home, it’s just 15 miles north of York but is unlike anywhere else – it truly is a place like no other.
New for 2024 is Castle Howard’s first ever headline contemporary sculpture exhibition by internationally renowned artist Sir Tony Cragg, taking place from 3 May until 22 September.
Visitors can expect to enjoy striking art in stunning surroundings, including several large-scale sculptures in the Gardens, as well as sculptures and works on paper in the historic rooms of the House.
Enjoying the artworks against the backdrop of Castle Howard’s beautiful Gardens and landscapes, and inside the magnificent House, will make for a magical artistic experience. Viewing the outdoor sculptures is included in Gardens tickets, and indoor and outdoor sculptures and works on paper is included in House & Gardens tickets.
Children can enjoy a creative art trail around the Grounds as part of the exhibition, plus art and craft activities in the summer holidays.
Itinerary ideas for art and history enthusiasts
• Pre-book your group and enjoy fast-track admission and a discounted price as well as
complimentary admission for the group leader and/or coach driver.
• Walk through 300-years of history, and enjoy Castle Howard’s extensive collection of paintings, sculpture, and objects, in the main House, alongside Tony Cragg’s sculptures and works on paper.
• Visit the House Gift Shop and browse books and homewares inspired by the House interiors,
and enjoy lunch in the stylish Fitzroy Café.
• Stroll through the Gardens and visit Cragg’s outdoor sculptures, plus Castle Howard’s intriguing and beautiful follies.
Itinerary ideas for nature lovers
• Pre-book your group and enjoy fast-track admission and a discounted price as well as
complimentary admission for the group leader and/or coach driver.
• Take an extended walk in Castle Howard’s Grounds spotting Cragg sculptures.
• Start in the 18th century Walled Garden and marvel at the flowers and displays, before visiting the Temple of the Four Winds via the South Lake, and viewing 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, running on selected dates in the summer months. Finish your day at the Courtyard and enjoy a seasonal meal in the Courtyard Café, before browsing the Garden Centre.
More about the artworks
The artworks on display will celebrate Cragg’s rich imagination, showing the diverse ways and materials he uses to make sculpture. The artworks are surprising, hybrid forms that challenge our thoughts and emotions.
You can expect interesting shapes, some up to six metres tall, made from different materials including steel, bronze, glass, and wood, with works on paper in the main House.
A catalogue by curator Dr Jon Wood will include an interview with the artist. The catalogue will be available to purchase from Castle Howard’s House Gift Shop and Farm Shop.
Find, follow & contact Castle Howard
Castle Howard Estate, York, YO60 7DA
Tel: 01653 648 333
Email: groups@castlehoward.co.uk