A farm shop, café and chocolate shop are new additions to the 18th century Stable Courtyard at one of England’s finest stately homes. Castle Howard in Yorkshire has been home to the Howard family for 300 years and is set in a 10,000 acre country estate.

Produce from the estate and surrounding region is showcased in the shop and café which encourages both the local community and visitors to use them. The focal point is a traditional butcher’s counter offering Estate organic Aberdeen Angus Beef, Lamb and Game while frequent food sampling tempts visitors to the delicatessen counter offering cheese, pate, and cooked meats.

Food from the farm shop provides the core of a new licensed cafés menu, allowing customers to enjoy seasonal food prepared daily. Next-door the new Castle Howard Chocolate Shop offers hand-crafted chocolates for those with a sweet tooth. The Stable Courtyard also houses gift shops, a glass blowing studio and plant centre. Admission and parking at the retail complex is free, and is open daily. Castle Howard is 15 miles north east of York.

Built in 1699, Castle Howard is, today, still the private home of the Howard family. As a major tourist attraction the house receives hundreds of thousands of visitors annually from all over the world, who come to enjoy a variety of delights.

- There is the magnificent house itself, built by the architect Sir John Vanbrugh, and distinguished by its famous dome.

- Indoors there are enormous collections of art treasures that include important paintings by Canaletto, Holbein, Gainsborough and Reynolds, a magnificent collection of antique sculpture, and the porcelain collections include a spectacular Crown Derby botanical dessert service.

- Outdoors there are temples, lead statues and a startling array of monuments.

- Ray Wood is filled with one of the finest collections of rhododendrons in the world.

- The lakes, fountains and waterways have all recently been restored to full working order, and are a delight to see and hear when playing.

- The Rose Gardens are planted with thousands of old and new roses of all types.

- Attractions for children include an adventure playground, and boat trips on the Great Lake.

- There are two gift shops a new farm shop and chocolate shop opening in October 2004 and three cafeterias located inside the house, at the Stable Block, and at the Boathouse.

- Throughout the season special events include outdoor concerts and other exciting spectacles.

For information tel: 01653 648444. Website: www.castlehoward.co.uk