Castle Howard

As part of her birthday week Beccy wanted to go to Castle Howard. I had today off work so I dutifully took her. We started, of course, in the cafe for lunch and a brew which was well earned after an unnecessarily extended car journey in which all those who can't drive set out along the A64. Once inside there were many a good photo to be had, the best of which you can see, with a short narrative, below.

As we walk towards the house, it's dramatic features hove into view.	So too does the garden at the rear of the house.	We scurried indoors and Beccy climbs the stairs into the hall.
Soon after we look up to the dome atop the great house.	Everything about the hall is big.	Beccy looks down at the previous view.
We are greeted in the house by views which extend into the distance, accentuating the size of this huge pile.		At the end of the tour one enters into the chapel.
The chapel is an oasis of serenity in the bustling house.		Eventually we find our way outside to be greeted by this chirpy chappy!
Here we are at the Atlas Fountain at the South side of the house.
The view of the South Facade is nothing if not impressive. The weather provides a dramatic backdrop. Shortly it starts raining.
As it rains we sheltered under some trees with a fabulous view of the Prince of Wales' Fountain. Since the weather didn't improve we took in a very informative display about the Countesses which is in the near derelict East Wing (pictured).
Once the rain eased we went up the hill to see the under-visited Temple of the Four Winds...
... which is more of a summerhouse than a temple.
After taking in the view from the "temple" we got quickly lost in Ray Wood and then found the Polar Bear walk (I think) with another good photo-op.
Once at the bottom of the "walk" we meandered to the North side of the house, which encompasses a grassy square.
Another view from the North.	The drive to the house is punctuated by a large column.