In a dramatic setting between two lakes with extensive gardens and impressive architecture, Castle Howard is undoubtedly one of Britain’s finest private residences. Built by Sir John Vanbrugh in 1699 for Charles Howard, third Earl of Carlisle, Castle Howard remains the home of the Howard family. With its impressive painted and gilded dome reaching 80ft, Castle Howard has collections of antique furniture; porcelain and sculpture, while the famous Holbein portraits of Henry VIII and the Duke of Norfolk dominate its fabulous collection of paintings. The High South apartments, so disastrously destroyed by fire in 1940, are now open to the public for the first time. During the recent refilming of Brideshead Revisited these bare rooms were converted into a film set and today visitors can witness this extraordinary transformation, with props and painted scenery, and see exhibitions that tell the story of the fire, and how Evelyn Waugh’s famous novel came to be filmed not just once, but twice, at Castle Howard. Designed on a heroic scale, the 1000 acres of gardens are dotted with statues and fountains, and include memorable sights such as The Temple of the Four Winds, the Mausoleum and New River Bridge. The walled garden has collections of old and modern roses, plus ornamental vegetable garden and Ray Wood, acknowledged by the Royal Botanical Collection, Kew, as a "rare botanical jewel" has a unique collection of rare trees, shrubs, rhododendrons, magnolias and azaleas. Attractions include a changing programme of exhibition and events, plus a choice of shops and cafes. Families can also experience the new adventure playground and childrens activities.