CASTLE Howard is playing homage to autumn with a series of events to welcome in the season.
The North Yorkshire stately home is staging a celebration of the harvest and rural life with its Autumn Harvest and Flower Festival this weekend.
With a nod to the traditional Feast of Michaelmas, which marks the beginning of Autumn and the shortening of days, and which is the festival upon which today’s “Harvest” Festival is based, the festival is now open to visitors.
It features stunning floral installations throughout the house that reflect the autumn landscape and the bounty of the harvest using seasonal flowers and produce.
It is designed by the team behind the hall's popular Christmas displays, as well as local Yorkshire artists and crafters.
Organisers say visitors can expect a creative and lavish spectacle that showcases everything Autumn has to offer.
A highlight of the displays is a striking centrepiece in the Octagon; a Michaelmas dragon breathing flames of wheat.
Other attractions include traditional harvest games including apple bobbing, pumpkin bowling and other garden games, orchard tours and willow workshops.
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