A MINIATURE pony and donkey will add to Easter festivities at a North Yorkshire stately home.

Castle Howard's Easter celebrations, between Good Friday, April 14 and Easter Monday April 17, will include a petting farm, straw bale maze and an animal trail, with a miniature pony, micropigs, rabbits, guinea pigs and alpacas on show.

Rachel Underwood, marketing manager, said: "We have many farms with all kinds of animals and livestock right across the Castle Howard Estate, and farming is such an important part of life in Ryedale, so we’re delighted to be bringing a true taste of countryside life into the grounds for this special Easter celebration.

"There’s something for children of all ages, from the straw bale maze, where visitors are challenged to race to the scarecrow standing at its heart, to a farmyard-themed Easter Trail around the gardens – with a delicious chocolate treat for anyone finding all of the animals on their trail sheet."

Spring flowers are beginning to bloom around the grounds, and boat trips are available on the Great Lake.

Easter Farm Fun is included with Gardens Only or House and Gardens admission, which costs from £11.95 for adults, £7.95 for children.

For more information, including prices and opening times, go to castlehoward.co.uk