CASTLE Howard has announced it is opening up access to the house, gardens and outside spaces to children living in Ryedale.

The perk is part of the Friends of Castle Howard scheme, which was launched earlier this year and has seen more than 3,000 new members take advantage of unlimited free entry to the home and grounds.

This new addition to the Friends scheme, ready for its second year, will see Castle Howard open the house, gardens and outside spaces to the children of Ryedale Members for free.

Friends of Castle Howard who live within Ryedale are now able to claim up to three free child passes per membership.

Hon Nicholas Howard said: “I

grew up at Castle Howard, and the memories of exploring and playing in the grounds still make me smile today.

“As a family-run estate which is so much a part of life in Ryedale, we wanted to ensure that children from throughout the district can create their own memories here – whether that is children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews or even neighbours.”

The children’s pass offer is open to any new or existing Friend of Castle Howard who live within the district.