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 Castle Howard is a stately home in North Yorkshire. It is hidden from the main roads, but there are a number of public paths in the area that surround the estate.
The construction of Castle Howard was commissioned by Charles Howard, the 3rd Earl of Carlisle, as a grand country residence. The site was originally a medieval castle and manor, but the 3rd Earl envisioned a modern and lavish palace-like home. The renowned architect Sir John Vanbrugh, who was not formally trained as an architect but was a dramatist and designer, created the design. This was one of his first architectural projects, and he collaborated with Nicholas Hawksmoor, an experienced architect. The building process took over a century to complete (1699–1811). During this time, different generations of the Howard family contributed to its development, leading to a blend of Baroque, Palladian, and Neoclassical styles in its architecture. The centerpiece of the estate is its grand dome, a striking feature of Baroque design. The south front features elaborate decoration, while the west wing reflects more subdued Palladian influences. Today, the house's final appearance only partially reflects its original idealized design and rather than having two identical wings, it now showcases an extravagant asymmetry that is at odds with Vanbrugh's Baroque vision.
Castle Howard has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years, though they initially resided in another house nearby while construction was ongoing. The house has witnessed significant historical events, including periods of financial hardship for the family that occasionally delayed construction or maintenance. During World War II, Castle Howard was partially used by the military and suffered a devastating fire in 1940 that destroyed significant portions of the house, including the central dome, and many irreplaceable works of art and furnishings were lost. Post-war, the Howard family undertook extensive restoration efforts, including rebuilding the dome, a scaled down version of St Paul’s Cathedral, and repairing damaged sections. Castle Howard remains a family home but is also a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world.
It’s been featured prominently in popular culture and is famously recognized as the filming location for the 1981 television adaptation of Brideshead Revisited along with the 2008 film version, and not only did it feature in the TV series, Victoria, it was also visited by the real Queen Victoria and Albert in 1850. Its art collection, gardens, and architecture have cemented its reputation as one of the great treasure houses of England.
The estate covers over 13,000 acres, including landscaped gardens, lakes, and woodlands. Features such as the Atlas Fountain, Temple of the Four Winds, and Mausoleum are iconic parts of the landscape. The 11th generation of the Howard Family hosts events throughout the year, from classical concerts to seasonal celebrations, it is not only an architectural gem but also a testament to the endurance and vision of the Howard family through the centuries.
I parked in a couple of places but the estate carpark is easily accessed and is free (at least on the day I visited). VLOS isn't easy so I would take a spotter unless you want to film within the estate grounds (it's not NT, and is owned and run by the family as a business so check out their website for their filming policies). It's fair to say that the grounds are vast and therefore, filming from a secluded area would not be a problem in my experience!
Land owner permission requirements unknown.
View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.
Co-ordinates: 54.12166, -0.907573 • what3words: ///
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