Begun in 1699, and taking over 100 years to complete, Castle Howard is still the home of the Howard family and is arguably one of the most beautiful stately homes in England. Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh, the house is set in over 1000 acres of parkland featuring lakes, temples and monuments. Inside paintings by Gainsborough, Reynolds and Holbein adorn the rooms together with Sheraton and Chippendale furniture. Fans of Evelyn Waugh’s ‘Brideshead Revisited’ can revel in a special exhibition recalling the house’s pivotal role in the celebrated TV adaptation.