Enjoy a winter break in a cottage on the Castle Howard Estate

Promotional blog provided by Castle Howard Holiday Cottages

Everyone loves the warm weather of summer, but the winter months have their own special charm. Everywhere is quieter and landscapes are constantly transformed by ever-changing weather. People gather for fireside drinks in their local, kids and adults alike hope for the magic of snow, and dark skies provide fantastic star gazing.  During these off-season months, it’s also a great time for individuals to book a break away from home and enjoy crisp walks, cosy nights and a change of scene.  It is also a cost effective time to get away and recharge or spend precious time with family or friends.

Sounds very tempting, doesn’t it?  Then read on to discover more about renting a holiday cottage on the majestic, mesmerising Castle Howard Estate.  The accommodation offered is truly stunning, surrounded by glorious countryside and with lots to see and do.  A stay here provides visitors with a genuine dose of wellness to recharge mind and body.

Whether the booking is for a romantic getaway, a family break, or a gathering of friends… there’s a configuration for every party size with 1-, 2- or 3-bedroom cottages.  Dogs are also warmly welcomed, with a dog bowl and snacks for the ‘pawfect’ stay!

Visitors have the choice of six holiday cottages, five located in Coneysthorpe and one in Welburn. Both villages encapsulate picturesque Yorkshire at its best. The Estate’s grandeur sets high expectations, but guests will not be disappointed by what they find – luxury comes as standard here!

For starters, these elegant, beautifully restored and renovated stone properties absolutely ooze kerb appeal, but inside has the wow factor too!  There’s a real sense of heritage and atmosphere thanks to vintage furniture and antiques from Castle Howard itself, but with some modern additions to enhance modern day life.

Comfort and convenience are well and truly covered.  Central heating, obviously, but each cottage also has at least one log burner for added warmth and that lovely glow of real flames.  Eating in is easy thanks to a well-equipped kitchen, and a dishwasher for washing-up - there’s also a washing machine and dryer.  Smart or Freeview TVs and a DVD player provide entertainment options, plus there’s WiFi to keep folks connected. Bedrooms range from twin to super-king size, with ensuite and family bathrooms offering anything from roll-top, claw-foot baths for long soaks, or walk-in showers for that morning refresh.

Outside, guests love the designated parking and private, furnished gardens, complete with barbecue.  Some gardens are even fully enclosed, so perfect for the dog to explore!  The village location is also a bonus. Chanting Hill Farmhouse in Welburn, is easily walkable to The Crown and Cushion pub and Dogh, a bakery/deli/cafe. Coneysthorpe is closest to Castle Howard, so a cottage here is perfect for exploring the gardens; a daily adventure not to be missed.

Although the Castle closes for January and February, there is no mistaking it’s presence, and winter skies allow for some amazing photo opportunities! The gardens, however, remain open throughout the year and are a delight to visit in the colder months. Over 1000 acres to explore with breathtaking views, lakes, waterways, a waterfall, fountains, temples and monuments, a statue trail (perfect for the kids) and woodland boasting a botanical collection from around the globe. There is also all manner of flora, fauna and fungi, so visitors are guaranteed a real treat. This is nature at its finest, and stunning wildlife and birdlife sightings are perfectly likely on walks around this amazingly diverse landscape.

Visitors who are driven to do more than soak up the scenery, can enjoy adrenalin-fuelled runs, rambles and bike rides. For days out there’s wonderful York, the bustling market town of Malton (Yorkshire’s food capital), the glorious winter beauty of the North York Moors and traditional seaside towns and villages, perfect for fish and chips and wave-watching.

Guests will be delighted to know that the area also boasts everything from delicious bakeries to Michelin-star brasseries, traditional pubs to cosmopolitan wine bars, snuggly tearooms to farmers’ and artisan markets.

There’s something for everyone here and a holiday cottage at Castle Howard can be a peaceful retreat, a cosy break, or an activity-packed break from the norm – which is why those who visit often return. Previous guests have even bought a holiday home here, as owning a home at Castle Howard Lakeside Holiday Park means they can visit as often as they like. Now there’s an idea!