The extensive gardens
and grounds at Castle Howard provides an ideal setting for the house. Here a few
selected highlights you will find as you wander throughout the grounds.
Ray
Wood This delightful stand of woodland garden stands on a
small rise to the west of the house. Serpentine trails wind through the wood,
at the top of which stands The Reservoir, a lovely pool dating from the 1850s
which feeds the fountains in the gardens below. The woods are notable for the
profusion of rhododendrons, with over 800 species planted amidst azaleas, wild
roses, and magnolias.
Temple
of the Four Winds Built to a design by Vanbrugh, this classical
domed temple with four porticoes stands at the south-west corner of Ray Wood.
The temple, originally dedicated to Diana, was completed in 1739, long after Vanbrugh's
death. The temple gives wonderful views to the New River Bridge and the Mausoleum.
The
Mausoleum Sadly not open to visitors, the circular Mausoleum
is the burial place for members of the Howard family. It was begun by the 3rd
Earl in 1729 to a design by Nicholas Hawksmoor. It was not completed until the
1740s, long after the Earl's death. He was first interred at the parish church
of Bulmer, but his body was moved to the Mausoleum in 1744. The dome, which rises
to a height of 90 feet, is supported by a series of 20 pillars.
The
Frog Pond The South Lake feeds into this small, elongated
pond over a cascade. Beside the pond stands a delightful statue of a shepherd
boy. Rest upon a park bench beside the water and enjoy the views toward the distant
Mausoleum.
The South Parterre and
Atlas Fountain Where Ray Wood is decidedly informal, the South
Parterre is very formal indeed, with low, clipped hedges lining plain grass lawns
and gravel walks in a geometrically precise pattern below the house. The centrepiece
of the parterre is the Atlas Fountain, a glorious sculptural extravagance built
to a design by William Nesfield (1853). The parterre as it stands today is largely
the result of renovations carried out by the 9th Countess in the 1890s, who replaced
Nesfield's box hedges and gravel with grass terraces and yew.
Set in 12 acres of stunning parkland yet only a mile from the city centre stands this 114 bedroom hotel. Close to Chatsworth House, the Peak District and Meadowhall Shopping Centre, the hotel provides a perfect base. Enjoy contemporary dining in the 18/10 restaurant or a lighter snack and cocktail … more >>
Set in an elevated position overlooking the breathtaking countryside of North Yorkshire and Teesdale The Cottage offers 1 double bedroom with ensuite shower room, wash basin and toilet, 1 twin bedroom, separate bathroom with bath, wash basin and toilet, very large sitting/dining room with log fire. Beams throughout the cottage. Fully equipped kitchen.
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