Castle Howard Arboretum

What it’s like

120 acres of trees to wander, red squirrels to spot, and gravel paths that actually work with a buggy.

You're here to walk, not to be entertained at every turn, and that's the appeal. Over 7,000 trees and shrubs from across the globe spread across 120 acres, with gravel paths looping round the lake that make it properly buggy-friendly rather than just technically so. Kids get natural play along the way and seasonal family trails to follow, but the bit they'll remember is the Red Squirrel Enclosure, so save that for when little legs start flagging.

It suits younger children well since under 12s go in free, and a family ticket for two adults and two juniors is £39. Adults are £13.50, which feels steep for a walk in the woods until you remember you've got the whole day and a café doing proper light lunches at the end of it. Most people spend two to three hours here, though nothing stops you wandering longer if the weather's kind.

Dogs on leads are welcome throughout, plus there's an 11-acre off-lead area included in your ticket if yours needs a proper run. Paths are mostly gravel and manageable, though some stretches are uneven or sloped since it's a natural landscape, and there's no hoist facility if that matters for your visit. Ticks are a real thing in the woods and long grass here, so a quick check of kids and pets afterwards is sensible.

One thing worth knowing: this ticket only covers the Arboretum, not Castle Howard House and Gardens next door, so don't turn up expecting one to get you into the other.

Facilities

Need to know

Best for

Under 12s, who go free and get the run of 120 acres

Last entry

4pm

Booking

Advance booking recommended during busy periods and school holidays

Parking

Free on site, hard-standing gravel car park

How long to allow

Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring

Food

On-site café serves seasonal, locally sourced food, light lunches, cakes and hot drinks

Picnics

Allowed in the grounds

Wheelchairs

All-terrain trampers available to pre-book on first come basis

Dogs

On leads welcome. 11-acre off-lead area included with admission

Getting there by bus or train

Malton nearest station (direct buses and taxis)

• Ticks are about in the woods and long grass; check kids and pets after your visit
• Some paths are uneven or sloped and there's no hoist facility for manual transfers
• All-terrain trampers and manual wheelchairs are available but need pre-booking on a first come basis
• There's a Sunday minibus from York city centre between March and October if you're without a car

Plan your visit

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