Castle Howard Parkland and Monuments Walk
North Yorkshire
Castle Howard, in the Howardian Hills north east of York, asks dogs to stay on a short lead at all times across its farmed parkland, and this is the estate's own 8km Parkland and Monuments walk, which follows public paths and tracks outside the paid gardens. This is the estate's own 8km Parkland and Monuments walk, which follows public paths and tracks outside the paid gardens. From the Obelisk it runs up the tree-lined avenue and along a road verge to Coneysthorpe, with its green and Georgian chapel, then along the edge of Ray Wood and out to Bog Hall and Low Gaterley. It returns past the Temple of the Four Winds, over the New River Bridge beneath the Mausoleum and back along the Centenary Way, with views of the house across the Great Lake. There are about 90 metres of gentle climbing on tracks, field paths and lane, muddy in winter.
This is a dog friendly walk from one of the most dog-welcoming big houses in Yorkshire. Castle Howard asks for dogs on a short lead in its grounds, and the route crosses farmed parkland, so treat this as an on-lead walk throughout. Take extra care on the verge near the start, beside a busy road with fast traffic. Ticks are active in the estate woods from April to November. Parking at the courtyard is free, and the Courtyard Café, which does not need a ticket, welcomes well-behaved dogs inside and has water bowls.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 8.0 km (5.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, Park, Lake
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- Toilets, Courtyard Café, coffee shop and farm shop at the Castle Howard courtyard (no entry fee needed); dogs welcome inside the cafes.
- Parking
- Castle Howard courtyard car park, free.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Castle Howard Parkland and Monuments Walk, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
The Velveteen Bath House
Sleeps 4 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £1,183 / 7 nights
Ryehills Farm - The Old Dairy
Sleeps 4 · 1 dog · Enclosed garden
from £807 / 7 nights
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All dog friendly stays in North YorkshireFrequently Asked Questions
Is Castle Howard Parkland and Monuments Walk dog friendly?
Castle Howard is one of the most dog-welcoming big houses in Yorkshire, and this 8km estate walk is designed with dogs in mind. Parking at the courtyard is free, and the Courtyard Café — which doesn't require a ticket to access — welcomes well-behaved dogs inside and has water bowls available.
Can dogs be off lead at Castle Howard Parkland and Monuments Walk?
Dogs need to be kept on a short lead throughout this walk. The route crosses farmed parkland, and Castle Howard asks all visitors to keep their dogs on a short lead across the estate grounds.
What should I know before visiting Castle Howard Parkland and Monuments Walk with my dog?
Take extra care near the start of the route, where a section of road verge runs alongside a busy road with fast-moving traffic. Ticks are active in the estate's woods from April to November, so it's worth checking yourself and your dog after the walk. The paths and tracks can get muddy in winter, so sturdy footwear is a good idea.
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