Get outdoors and explore Castle Howard grounds.

A great place to visit all year round, and if you buy a year’s membership you can visit as many times as you like, so its works out as great value. You also get a discount to any events that they hold, fantastic! The grounds are really expansive and varied so you can explore and see something new every time you go. Walled gardens, avenues of trees, water fountains, the lakes and ponds, Ray wood and of course for adults and children the fabulous play area down by the lakeside.

Temple of the Four Winds

We just headed out towards the temple of four winds to get a great view out over fields and to get a good bit of exercise and fresh air.

Summer 2022 by the lily ponds

We then headed down to the lily ponds, a favourite place that I had visited back in the summer 2022 and I had set up my easel on one of the hottest days of the year. A quiet place to enjoy the tranquil water and listen for birds.

View back towards Castle Howard House

A walk over wet grassland towards the lake and we were rewarded with the sight of serene swans gliding slowly across the dark rippling water, submerging their swan necks to forage for food.

The sunlight was streaming through the wintry trees and catching the ripples, creating amazing patterns that contrasted with the darkness of the trees, and the low afternoon sun reflected the colours onto the whiteness of the swan’s feathers. A pleasing photo opportunity was captured after waiting for the right moment as the swans were in line with the folly in the far distance, over the gate and onto the horizon.

Wintry reflections on the rippling waters.

A nice hot coffee back in the courtyard entrance finished of the visit nicely. Back home to start on today’s inspiration!

Finished painting