Lauren Tabbron shares her favourite things to do in Manchester
Jess Astbury regales tales of festivities in warmer climates.
Head northbound up the A64 out of York turning off to Welburn about ¾ of a mile after Whitwell-on-the-Hill. Travelling down ‘The Stray’, a two mile long driveway off Mains Lane, you are immediately hit by the size of the place. Sun-dappled lime and beech trees throw dancing morning shadows across the road, and as you roll down into the valley past the mock fortifications and push up to the main drive it begins to dawn on you that this is truly a breathtakingly beautiful place. Still unable to see the house itself you enter into the main grounds and arrive at the Stable Courtyard. Tickets are sold to students with either an NUS or valid University Card for just £10 to see the grounds and house and £8 for just the gardens. It’s then another 400 metre walk to the house itself – I dare call it a house.
The Castle: It took over 100 years to complete, spanning from 1699 to 1811, and brings together the developments of the English baroque period. If you’re particularly interested in chatting up the elderly guides, as one girl seemed to be on my visit, you can find out more about the rooms, hallways and ornaments that decorate the residence.
The Gardens: I spent most of my day roaming around the 1000 acres that surround the house, girl on my arm. Certainly if you’re looking to go for a romantic day out, this is the place for it. The highlight was a long sweep through Ray Wood to the Temple of The Four Winds - giving spectacular views across to the Mausoleum, then around the South Lake (don’t try wading into it as I did) to the Atlas Fountain adjacent to the house.
The Fitzroy Restaurant to the West side of the house gives an expensive yet entertaining lunch – we saw the worst jazz band give a rendition of something you could call music, but it seemed to go down well with the over 60s – jiving across the lawn seems to be their thing. You could also try the Courtyard Café, near the car park, though probably without the comedy factor. If you’re wining and dining a girl (or boy) and looking to push your luck any further head to the Rose Garden, where you can relax, in reasonable quiet, to the gentle rustle of the avenue bordering its east side.
Whether this is a romantic excursion away from the hectic student lifestyle, or just a day out with friends, Castle Howard is a must see this summer. By car or bike this will be a day out which will stay with you through your university years and bring you back again and again. Even if you have no interest in culture you can still appreciate the outstanding beauty of the place just as it is. So please, next time you think of doing something on a day off, mention this to your friends - it’s worth it.
I've cycled there quite a few times, it's not as daunting as it sounds. Go up through Strensall and Sheriff Hutton - the biggest hills are around Bulmer but nothing too terrible. The average casual cyclist should be there in an hour and a half. There's a great pub in nearby Terrington too if you fancy a decent post-cycle pint and bite to eat. Remember to take plenty of water in weather like this though!
Clearly the most impressive thing about the house is that although it took over a hundred years to build, they did it in 10. Outstanding effort.
It also has the best adventure playground I've ever seen...
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