Top 5 Castles in Howardian Hills AONB

The Howardian Hills AONB features a diverse range of historic structures. You'll find grand stately homes often referred to as castles, such as Castle Howard, alongside medieval fortifications and even mock medieval towers like the Castle Howard Mock Medieval Tower. The area offers a blend of natural beauty and architectural interest.

While many sites are grand stately homes, Crayke Castle has a defensive history dating back to potentially Roman times, with a Norman Motte and Bailey castle built there. It was later remodelled into a 15th-century 'Tower House'. Gilling Castle also began as a fortified manor house in the 14th century.

Castle Howard is a magnificent stately home, built between 1699 and 1712, and has been home to the Howard family for over 300 years. It's renowned for its Baroque architecture, opulent interiors, world-class art collections, and 1,000 acres of extensive landscaped grounds. These include formal gardens, lakes, fountains, and follies like the Temple of the Four Winds. It's also a famous filming location.

Crayke Castle is a Grade I listed building with deep historical roots, but it is privately owned and not generally open to the public. However, the village of Crayke offers great vantage points over the Vale of York, and the castle's prominent location provides a glimpse into centuries of regional history.

Gilling Castle, originally a fortified manor, is now home to a prep school. Its most unique feature is the remarkably unchanged 16th-century Great Chamber, adorned with heraldic panels, painted glass windows, and an intricate plasterwork ceiling. Occasional guided tours are available, offering a rare opportunity to explore its historical and architectural significance.

Yes, Castle Howard is particularly family-friendly. Beyond exploring the house and gardens, the estate features the Yorkshire Arboretum and an adventure playground called Skelf Island, making it a diverse attraction for all ages.

The best time to visit often depends on the specific site. For example, the house at Castle Howard is typically open from March until November, while its gardens are open longer. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the extensive grounds and gardens. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, and some sites may host special events year-round.

Yes, the Howardian Hills AONB is excellent for walks. Castle Howard is set within 1,000 acres of landscaped grounds with woodland paths. While Crayke Castle is private, the village offers great views and is part of scenic walks. The Gilling Castle estate also spans approximately 100 acres with woodlands and a lake, offering picturesque settings for walks.

The Howardian Hills AONB offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, running, and gravel biking. For example, there are difficult cycling routes like the 'Castle Howard – Castle Howard Obelisk loop' and moderate running trails such as 'Four Faces Folly and The Pyramid loop'. You can explore more options in the Cycling in Howardian Hills AONB, Running Trails in Howardian Hills AONB, and Gravel biking in Howardian Hills AONB guides.

Yes, several options are available. Castle Howard has tea rooms and coffee shops on its estate. In Crayke Village, the local pub, The Durham Ox, is a 300-year-old establishment known for its flagstone floors and oak panelling. The wider Howardian Hills AONB also has various pubs and cafes in its charming villages.

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of historical grandeur and natural beauty. The magnificent architecture and extensive grounds of places like Castle Howard are highly praised. The historical significance of sites like Crayke Castle and the unique preserved interiors of Gilling Castle also draw considerable interest. The komoot community has shared over 12 photos and given more than 40 upvotes to these highlights, reflecting their popularity.

Yes, Nunnington Hall is another significant historic site in the region. While not a castle, it is an Elizabethan manor house with a rich history, including being garrisoned during the English Civil War. It is owned and managed by the National Trust and is notable for its architecture, gardens, and unique collections, such as a display of miniature rooms.