Castle Howard and Fountains Abbey day trip from York

On this small-group tour from York you will be taken to two of Yorkshire’s most celebrated destinations in the company of a knowledgeable local driver-guide. You’ll travel with an experienced guide, exploring the countryside of North Yorkshire on the way to Fountains Abbey and Castle Howard.
The day begins with a journey past the city of Ripon to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park. The site is home to a breathtaking combination of attractions, including the amazingly well-preserved ruins of Fountains Abbey, one of the UK’s largest Cistercian monasteries. During your time at Fountains Abbey you can explore the monastery ruins, the world-renowned Georgian Water Gardens and the wonderful Studley Royal Estate. You can stroll along a riverside path, visit the watermill and enjoy a drink in the beautifully appointed Lakeside Café. Finally, the tour continues from Fountains Abbey through the medieval deer park, home to three breeds of deer and beautiful views down to Ripon Cathedral in the centre of Ripon.
The next stop is the rural village of Kilburn, where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch, enjoy a tour of the Robert Thompson Mouseman Visitor Centre – or take an exhilarating walk around Yorkshire's famous White Horse, a fantastic route which (on a clear day) offers breathtaking views across the Yorkshire countryside.
In the afternoon the tour continues with a drive through the countryside to the world-famous Castle Howard Estate. During your visit to Castle Howard you’ll be able access the extensive estate, grounds and gardens. You can discover the magnificent Temple of the Four Winds – Castle Howard’s summer house – which enjoys a fantastic position at the corner of the estate and offers unspoilt views of the surrounding countryside. You will also be able to explore the amazing house itself. Castle Howard has been the home of the Howard family since it was first built in 1706; the ‘castle’ has been one of England’s grandest and best-loved stately homes ever since, welcoming Royalty, dignitaries, heads of state, important politicians and celebrated special guests ever since. The filming of ‘Brideshead Revisited’ – both the TV adaptation and the Hollywood movie – took place on the estate and in many rooms of the house. Your tour of the house will be enhanced by the guides stationed in almost every room of the house.
Leaving Castle Howard, you’ll return to York to conclude the tour.