February Half-Term Outdoor Fun at Castle Howard

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The achingly stunning Baroque masterpiece that’s Castle Howard is all the time a good suggestion (regardless of the climate) and has quick turn into this household’s completely satisfied place ‘up north’.

In 2026, they’re celebrating the legacy of Sir John Vanbrugh, whose imaginative and prescient created this iconic place and while a lot of the historical past is misplaced on my youngest little one, Florence, 4, the Gardens and Skelf Island Journey Playground definitely garnered her approval and was the place we spent most of our time (the home is at present closed for the winter).

My usually arduous to please two teenagers adore it all too whether or not they’re strolling across the grounds, enjoying with their little sister at Skelf; recognizing peacocks with their vibrant plumage, using the practice, or, in fact, eating on the persistently wonderful Courtyard Cafe.

My private spotlight, together with the peacocks, every time we go to (unsurprisingly having written a bestselling children’s book on Greek myths) is the Atlas Fountain which sits on the centre of the South Parterre and overlooks the home in virtually a protecting vogue.

The fountain was commissioned by the seventh Earl in 1850 from the panorama gardener William Andrews Nesfield and the ocean gods that encompass Atlas have been carved by the sculptor John Thomas and transported from London by railway would you imagine.

In 2010 it underwent huge restoration and is solely breathtaking to look at.

The Gardens are equally majestic. House to foliage, woodland, statues, temples and a lake adjoining to Skelf Island, there’s a lot to see and do.

Situated by itself island and reached by a spectacular rope bridge, the Skelf journey playground encompasses zip wires, climbing frames, slides, nets and difficult climbing gear and better of all, it’s appropriate for all ages so even I needed to have a go on the swings too!

You possibly can toast marshmallows purchased from the adjoining cafe/store (or your chilly fingertips) on an open hearth; cross the lake by boat or by bridge and revel in countless enjoyable on swings, slides and climbing frames in between sandwiches and ice lotions for those who’re peckish.

Florence by no means needed to go away!

And naturally, nothing beats a (surprisingly) sunny al fresco lunch, and in February no much less, on Valentine’s Day as well, so we felt very fortunate certainly!

With dishes conjured from the Property’s fare and native suppliers, we relished completely cooked fish and chips, a tangy Caesar Salad, and cheese burger of epic proportions and unparalleled style. Solely Florence had room for dessert (vanilla ice cream) which could simply be a ‘household first’ right here!