14th January, 2025

Forever

A thought for your day, with my good wishes …

Garden as though you will live forever.

― William Kent

Given interest in the video I included with last week’s quote, and since we’re a mere (!) 64 days away from spring in the northern hemisphere, I decided to feature more of the walled garden and Castle Howard itself – above, and in videos below – in today’s post. Little did I know when making my way to this beautiful property that it’s a sight with which many may be familiar, as the show Bridgerton is among those filmed at this location.

Castle Howard is just under a half hour’s drive from York, England. I made my way there as I meandered around Yorkshire from my home base in Harrogate in mid-May last year. If I’d left the B&B in which I was staying with Castle Howard as my destination, the drive would have been slightly less than an hour through beautiful countryside.

When travelling, though I love, hopping in a rental car and exploring my surrounds with general plans and no rigid timelines. This approach served me well on May 16th, when I spotted an impressive looking building in the distance. I followed the road and my instincts, which led me through beautiful countryside and uphill. I passed under what’s known as the Gate House, and pulled over to soak up the gorgeous views of the countryside. Heading uphill again, I passed through another gate –the Carmire Gate, which is a folly – and up to the grounds of this country house, which is 15 miles north of the city of York.

I spent a fair bit of time in the property’s walled garden, and you can see a couple of videos of this “countryhouse” and its grounds. The property has served as a filming location for small and big screens, including the show Bridgerton. I learned that only today, as I spent my time at Castle Howard soaking up the sights, sounds and sensations rather than statistical bits of info.

Speaking of stats, this is no small property. I also learned today that the estate consists of approximately 8,800 acres of land,, with almost three quarters of it – 6,100 acres – in farmland. There are 2,100 acres of woodland and another 600 acres of parkland. This is a stunning part of Yorkshire, and I’ll make my way there again in the year ahead.

Images © 2025 Shelagh Donnelly. All rights reserved.

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Images © 2025 Shelagh Donnelly. All rights reserved.