Why Castle Howard is going to need more than visitor attractions to secure its future

Fairytales in the woods, stories in Santa’s Grotto and a visit from the man himself - the public face of one of Yorkshire’s favourite country estates has for weeks celebrated Christmas magic and also boosted visitor numbers.
Emma Ryan
By Emma Ryan
Published 24th Dec 2022, 11:45 BST

But, while the twinkling lights and the carefully curated Christmas programme are most definitely designed to get people feeling festive - they are just a small part of a wider agenda being drawn up for the Castle Howard estate near York.

In a three part weekly series, Country Post editor Emma Ryan looks at the new vision for Castle Howard, the use of new science and why country estates can play a part in rural regeneration.

Ever since the ‘Great Fire of 1940’ which destroyed rooms in the basement, principal and upper levels, as well as the dome, which collapsed into the Great Hall a huge restoration scheme has been underway and is on-going - as are surging costs to fund it.

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The Castle Howard estate near York photographed in winter. The Howard family and leaders at the house are looking to create a sustainable environmental future.The Castle Howard estate near York photographed in winter. The Howard family and leaders at the house are looking to create a sustainable environmental future.
The Castle Howard estate near York photographed in winter. The Howard family and leaders at the house are looking to create a sustainable environmental future.

On the back of lockdown, climate and biodiversity emergencies - as well as issues increasingly facing rural communities - this last 12 months has seen a significant shift in the purpose and direction of Castle Howard, its estate and business.

Castle Howard is re-defining itself and its role to be much more than a visitor attraction.

Leading that is Jasper Hasell in the role of Estate Chief Executive - a position created last year.

Along with the Howard family, Mr Hasell has drawn up a vision that is based around three themes of Restore, Regenerate and Revive and has set about a re-organisation of the business.

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