A Day Trip to Castle Howard in York

If you're planning a visit to Castle Howard, make sure to set aside a full day as the estate is vast and located far from the city center. For transportation, you can take the Castleline bus from the train station or city center. Simply board the bus, swipe your card, and ask the driver for a Return Ticket, which costs £4. This ticket also offers a 15% Castle Discount at the ticket office. Buses from York city center to the estate run every two hours, with departures around 9 AM and 11 AM. Return trips have similar intervals, so it's best to check Google Maps for the schedule on your travel day. Note that the bus stops are spaced far apart and travel through rural areas, so press the stop button only when you're close to your destination to avoid premature stops. Important tips: If you want to enter indoor areas or ride the Christmas train, reservations are required. Arrive early for the train, as it stops running by 4 PM. During our visit, only Gardens Only tickets were available, costing £12 each, and we paid £19.5 for two people after the discount, which is less than £10 per person. Tickets including indoor access are £24 per person. Castle Howard, built over 100 years ago, spans 13,000 acres and is incredibly large. Just exploring the exterior took us over two hours. The castle offers stunning views from every angle, with a large fountain at the entrance and a small pyramid further in. On the castle's side, there's a large lake with plump white geese. Walking along the lake to the left, you'll find a square temple with a sign warning of potential falling debris, so entry is prohibited. Behind the castle is another large lake filled with pigeons, and further on is a children's playground. The staff have adorned every tree in the castle with lights, creating a beautiful scene at night. #York #ChristmasHolidayTravel #CastleHoward