Castle Howard: Five events taking place at the 300-year Yorkshire stately home this autumn including pumpkin picking, nature walks and a tour of the 18th century mausoleum

As the leaves begin to change colour and we turn the page on summer, many families and friends will be looking for things to do to make the most of the next season.

Luckily for them, there are plenty of things to do in the grounds of Castle Howard including exploring the architecture and autumnal wildlife across the estate.

Castle Howard has appeared on a variety of hit films and TV shows such as Brideshead Revisited and the Netflix period drama Bridgerton.

This autumn you can explore the spookier side of the stately home including an exclusive tour around the Mausoleum or pick your own pumpkins in time for Halloween.

Outdoor adventurers can embark on Castle Howard’s series of nature walks across the wider estate and learn about the fungi and ancient trees.

Autumn events at Castle Howard

Mausoleum Tour

Date: October 19, 2024

Price: Adult £50, Silver Member £28, Gold Member £15 and pre-booking is required.

What’s on: Visitors can enjoy a rare opportunity to explore the 18th century mausoleum described as one of the finest buildings of its kind in northern Europe.

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Pumpkin Patch

Date: October 1 to 31, 2024

Price: Free to enter but cost of pumpkins to take home varies.

What’s on: The Castle Howard Garden Centre Pumpkin Patch returns where visitors can explore and choose their favourite pumpkin.

Skelf Island Adventure Playground

Date: Open daily from 10am to 5pm

Price: The playground is free with a House and Gardens ticket. Pre-booking is advised and pre-bookers receive a 10 per cent discount.

What’s on: This playground is named after the historic site Castle Howard sits on, Henderskelfe and is set on an island reachable by a rope bridge. It is a web of indigenous treetop nests in the woodland canopy connected by slides, nets and climbing equipment.

Fungi Foray

Date: October 3, 2024 from 10.30am to 1.30pm

Price: Adult £15 and Child £10

What’s on: Explore the weird and wonderful biology of fungi and learn some identification skills on this foray through Ray Wood with a wildlife expert from Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.

Ancient Tree Walks

Date: October 17, 2024

Price: Adult £15, Member £10. Pre-booking is required.

What’s on: Learn all about some of the oldest trees on the estate. This walking tour will be guided by Forestry Manager Duncan Leckie who will visit ancient and veteran trees in the grounds, car park, stray and park farm and explore the history and management of them.