Available to York residents only - see details of York Residents' Festival

Castle Howard is delighted to welcome York Residents during York Residents' Festival, with complimentary Gardens Admission and offers in the Farm Shop and Courtyard Café. Please note, free tickets for York Residents' Festival 2026 are now sold out.

Visiting Castle Howard's Gardens and Adventure Playground

Castle Howard is one of Britain’s finest stately homes, situated just outside York in the Howardian Hills. Built over 300 years ago by Sir John Vanbrugh, today it remains home to the Howard family.

With 1,000 acres of parkland to explore, Castle Howard is a haven of peace and tranquility with extensive woodland walks, temples, lakes and fountains. The monumental landscape offers breathtaking views at every turn, taking in the countryside of the Howardian Hills.

The Castle Howard Gardens are dog-friendly, but we ask all dogs to be kept on leads to protect our wildlife. Visit our award-winning Skelf Island Adventure Playground, our magical playground set on an island, to let off steam with little ones.

Offer Details
Castle Howard is offering York Residents complimentary Gardens tickets. These are subject to availability. We are making 1000 tickets available over the weekend, with 500 available on the Saturday, and 500 available on the Sunday. Please note, free tickets for York Residents' Festival 2026 are now sold out.

Securing tickets (sold out)
Tickets must be booked online, in advance via the Castle Howard website. Choose the York Resident's weekend ticket type. You must be eligible for your ticket to be valid. You can book a maximum of four tickets per order. You can only book for York residents, you cannot book extra tickets for guests.

Ticket eligibility
On the day of your visit we will check your name against those booked, and ask to see a valid York Card, student card or identity card that proves York residency on your arrival at the Ticket Office. If presenting an identity card, this must clearly state 'York' (e.g. driving licence or older person's bus pass). If you don't have any of the above, we would accept a utility bill with a York City postcode (YO10, YO24, YO31, YO32, YO19, YO23, YO26, YO30). You can only book for York residents, you cannot book extra tickets for guests.

Discounts in our Farm Shop and Courtyard Café

Anyone visiting Castle Howard on 31st January or 1st February can take advantage of these fantastic discounts.

• Spend £30 at the Castle Howard Butcher in our Farm Shop and receive a free bottle of wine
• 10% off all items in the Garden Centre
• 10% off all hot food in the Courtyard Café and Boathouse Kitchen