North Yorkshire's ultimate in stately homes is exploding the myth that it's not 'child friendly'.

Throughout the summer, Castle Howard has daily events and activities to impress the younger members of your family!

Become a history detective, seek out monsters, and lose your way in the woods! Perhaps you would prefer to become an archaeologist or play games from yesteryear?

These are just some of the activities available for children at Castle Howard this summer.

Stately homes are often thought of as stuffy and boring, and many parents think that they are not entertaining enough for children, and many children would agree!

Having fun!

However, Castle Howard plans to address this idea with a programme of exciting activities that will run daily throughout the school holidays until Sunday 31st August 2003.

All activities are designed to interpret the house from a child's perspective, showing them just how interesting a stately home can be.

'Don't touch' is a phrase that children often hear, but at Castle Howard they can don white gloves and handle items from the House, including statue fragments, wallpaper, paintings, upholstery and much more.

Things to do

The 9th Earl of Carlisle would often decorate letters and envelopes addressed to his children, with mythical dragons and toy soldiers. With his designs on hand to inspire you, you can get 'Enveloptastic' and design your own and post them home.

Relive the summers of Victorian and Edwardian children, as you revisit the favourite play areas of the children who have lived at Castle Howard, and test your own skills at traditional garden games such as croquet and quoits.

Become an archaeologist as you join in the search for the lost village of Henderskelfe. Learn from the experts and have a go at sieving, pot washing, find identification and more.

Journey through time, but beware of monsters lurking behind hedges! Learn how to avoid angering the gods of antiquity on the Myths and Monsters tour.

Walk through the maze-like paths of Ray Wood, hearing tales of wild beasts and make sure that you don't get lost on the Wild Wood tour.

As a grand finale explore the house on a private 'Kids Only' (Mum or Dad can come too if they must) tour of the House. Listen to stories about the family members and their pets. See the House from a child's point of view and discover what it was like to be a child living in such a big and grand home.

With so many daily discoveries happening there is a reason to visit Castle Howard time and time again. With 3-day passes and Gold season tickets available make sure that you don't miss out on any of the exciting events.

Discover that Castle Howard really does have more 4 kids!!!!

All this plus historical characters, gardens tours, boat trips, horse & carriage rides, land train rides, adventure playground, gift shops, craft studios cafeterias and an ice-cream van!