Sparkling as dusk falls: twilight opening adds light at Castle Howard

Sunday 18 December 2016

Fairy lights, candles and the flicker of the open fire will create a comforting warmth from the cold winter night on Sunday 18 December, when visitors to Castle Howard can experience an extra special evening of festivities during a special twilight opening.

“Our Christmas decorations look beautiful during the day, but there’s something special about exploring the house in the dark.  With the sun going down just before 4pm as we head towards midwinter, some of our late afternoon visitors are already getting a taste of this, but on Sunday 18 December, you’ll be able to enter the house anytime up until 7.00pm,” comments marketing manager, Rachel Underwood.  “The lights and candles, and the flickering flames of the real open fires throughout the house make it even more inviting – a wonderful way to spend the last Sunday before Christmas itself.”

Additional entertainment will be provided for the dusk visitors, including carol singers in the Boar Garden and classical pianist Emmanuel Vass performing in the house.  Children will enjoy meeting the Cairngorm reindeer, and there’s the chance to buy your last Christmas gifts in the gift shop and festive marquee, which will remain open until 8.00pm.

“You don’t need a special ticket to enjoy the twilight opening, so visitors arriving earlier in the day can enjoy a brisk walk through the grounds in the daylight, maybe grab a bite to eat from one of the street food stalls or café and then head into the house as night falls to warm themselves by one of the open fires that will be lit around the house,” adds Rachel.

Tickets can be bought on the day from the ticket office, or bought in advance via the Castle Howard website to save 10%.  Tickets are £18.95 for adults, £17.50 for concessions and £9.95 for children.  A family ticket (two adults and two children) is £47.85, and annual pass holders get in free.  The Christmas tickets include admission to the house and the gardens.

Visitors who can’t make it along on Sunday 18 December still have until Friday 23 December to enjoy the Christmas festivities at Castle Howard, with the house open daily from 10.00am, with last entry 4pm during the week and 5pm each weekend.

For more details or to prebook tickets, please visit www.castlehoward.co.uk or call 01653 348333.

ENDS