Castle Howard: A Grand Tour of England's Finest Country House

Author Dr. Christopher Ridgway, Photographs by Mattia Aquila and Nicholas Howard

An exclusive tour of a famous English historic house—featured in period dramas including Bridgerton and Brideshead Revisited—set on acres of beautiful parkland and gardens.

The iconic architectural marvel Castle Howard is the epitome of English baroque magnificence. Nestled in the rolling hills of North Yorkshire, this grand estate was commissioned by Charles Howard, 3rd Earl of Carlisle, and masterfully crafted by Sir John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor in the early eighteenth century. The residence’s facades reveal Vanbrugh’s signature flair for the dramatic, while inside, extravagant frescoes, intricately carved stonework, and antique furnishings tell the captivating story of centuries of aristocratic elegance. Recent renovations, undertaken by American designer Remy Renzullo, have rejuvenated the castle’s bedrooms, merging history with contemporary opulence.

The domain’s sprawling parkland features meticulously landscaped gardens, a tranquil lake, a monumental neoclassical mausoleum and pyramids, and the breathtaking Atlas fountain. This comprehensive monograph explores the history of Castle Howard, its architecture, its gardens, and the generations of the Howard family who have lived there for more than three hundred years. Featuring previously unpublished archival documents, as well as photographs of the sumptuous interiors and art collections, this book is a celebration of a British national treasure, whose timeless beauty has captured the imagination of filmmakers for decades.

About The Author

Dr. Christopher Ridgway, curator at Castle Howard since 1984, has lectured extensively on the history of country houses. He coauthored The Irish Country House: A New Vision. Mattia Aquila is an interior design and architecture photographer. His photographs have appeared in Venice: A Private Invitation (2022) and Pierre Frey: A Family Legacy of Passion and Creativity (2023). Nicholas Howard manages Castle Howard with his wife, Victoria.