Welcome
Castle Howard is one of England's finest historic houses, set in a thousand acres of sweeping parkland dotted with statues, temples, lakes and fountains. Inside, discover world-renowned collections gathered by succeeding generations of the Howard family. Built over 300 years ago, today it still remains a family home.
Visitors who have entered Castle Howard Grounds via the Ticket Office in the Stable Courtyard can access the Boathouse Cafe, Boathouse Decking area (with view of the Great Lake), Boathouse Kitchen (on selected days), and visitors toilets. In these areas you can enjoy a variety of hot and cold food, enjoy stunning views of Castle Howard Estate, and access the Skelf Island adventure playground.
Level access
There is level access from the car park to:
Boathouse (Decking area and Cafe front)General
Getting here
Arrival
Main entrance
The Boathouse Cafe is level access and doors are propped open. There are some small thresholds that can lead to a bump if unexpected. The area in front of the Boathouse is paved with large slabs, some of which can be uneven.
Orders can be placed at the till point in the Boathouse Cafe. The card machine can be lowered.
Staff are on hand in the Boathouse cafe to assist with access where required.
Assistance dogs are welcome across the Estate. There are some restrictions on where non-assistance dogs are allowed to go (including the Kelly Car land train, the boat, and the playarea). Dogs on leads are welcome in the Boathouse area - there is a water bowl for dogs situated on the Decking.
Getting around inside
Things to See and Do
Public toilet
Boathouse Toilets
Place to eat and drink
Boathouse Cafe and Kitchen
Getting around outside
Boathouse (Decking area and Cafe front)
There are multiple seating areas in the Boathouse area.
The Boathouse Cafe front is equipped with bench picnic table seating. During the summer there are umbrellas on these tables offering shade for visitors. Seating in this area does not have arm or back support. Benches are fixed to the tables. The Cafe front is paved with large slabs, which can be uneven in areas.
There is another outdoor seating area through the Boathouse Cafe, on the Decking area. The door widths to access this area are 90cm wide. Seating is situated on the lakeside, offering wonderful views over the Great Lake. Tables and chairs in this area are wooden with arm and back support. Furniture can be moved for comfortable seating arrangements - staff are on hand to assist with this. The surface of the Decking area is wooden planks, which can become slippery during wet weather. Due to the proximity ofthis seating area ot the Great Lake, wildlife (such as ducks and swans) can be found in this area.