North Yorkshire woodland is a must see blooming in spring

Ray Wood found within the Castle Howard Estate in the Howardian Hills near Malton turns into a “stunning maze of colourful displays” and is especially worth a visit during spring.

As the warmer weather arrives and the sun shines a little bit more, the hundreds of rhododendron varieties begin to flower and offer a “colourful spectacle” for locals and visitors to admire.

Those who have recently visited the Castle Howard house and gardens have complimented the grounds, including the “beautiful” woodland, lakes and walled garden.

When it comes to Ray Wood in particular, many on social media have hailed it as “magic” and “too gorgeous”.

North Yorkshire woodland ‘must be seen to be believed’ in spring

The Castle Howard website reveals about Ray Wood: “Explore the serpentine paths which meander through Ray Wood and discover an impressive botanical collection from around the world.

“Such a large and varied collection means that there is normally something of interest all year round.

“However, make sure to pay us a visit in spring when the rhododendrons begin to flower; it’s a colourful spectacle that must be seen to be believed.

“With nearly 800 species of Rhododendron as well as glades of Pieris, wild roses, magnolias, hydrangeas, viburnums, maples and rowans, Ray Wood is a stunning maze of colourful displays.”

Ray Wood stands on the site of an ancient woodland and has undergone “several transformations” during the past three centuries. 

Sharing more about its history, the Castle Howard website says: “In the 18th century it was renowned for its natural style: the 3rd Earl favoured a design of irregular, serpentine pathways – in fact so mazy were these pathways that members of the Howard family are known to have got lost in them.

“Ray Wood was filled with statues, cascades, fountains, pavilions and summerhouses, but all of these features had disappeared by the middle of the 18th century.

“All that remains of these sophisticated waterworks is the Reservoir, which was rebuilt in the 1850s to supply both of Nesfield’s fountains.

“In the 1940s Ray Wood was clear felled, but in the 1970s George Howard and his designer, James Russell, decided to reinstate the winding paths.”

Fast forward to today, and the botanical collection found within the woodland is of “national importance”.

What’s your favourite kind of spring bloom? (Image: Tripadvisor)

Castle Howard continues: “Many of the plants have come here from across the globe and were brought back to Ray Wood by some of the great plant hunters of the 19th and 20th centuries.”

Over on Tripadvisor, Castle Howard house and gardens currently has a “very good” 4.3/5 rating based on just over 4,000 reviews – more than half of which are rated as “excellent”.

Additionally, it has a 4.6/5-star rating on Google from an impressive 8,619 reviews.

In one review, which also includes praise for Ray Wood, this person posted: “I have always wanted to visit Castle Howard for years, but now having a car and with the weather nice, we went for the first time last Friday.

“The car park was free and there is plenty of spaces. We went through the entrance, and the staff member was genuinely friendly and helpful, it was a nice warm welcome.

“We only went to look round the grounds and garden and it was a real treat.

“We had a picnic, whilst looking out at the views from the boathouse and afterwards we shared a tub of ice cream.

“We then walked through the lovely woods, which lead to the temples.

“We walked around the lake, which offered breathtaking views of the house in the distance.

“We eventually ended up at the gardens which were a joy to look around.”

Someone else wrote: “Beautiful gardens and forest. The walled garden is one of the best around.

“The audio house tour is highly recommended. One can easily spend a day wandering the grounds and forest trails.

“Excellent farm and garden shop, and a children’s play area that makes adults want to join.

“Excellent cafe. All in all, a wonderful place to wander alone, or for a day out with the entire family.”

This visitor put: “If you enjoy a walk round some fabulous gardens, lakes, temples then this is for you.

“I didn’t go in the house as I had a dog with me but the tea rooms, gift shop and farm shop all had something to give you joy. Really worth a visit.”

Elsewhere, one explorer commented: “Stately home open to the public, extensive parklands and beautiful gardens and lake.

“Lovely play area for children. Land train which you can get on which drops you off at either the house or the lake, saves walking back uphill.

“When we visited there was a brass band playing which was very entertaining, combining modern songs with humour, really enjoyed it.

“Several places to eat, I had a Yorkshire rhubarb cake and it was delicious.”

Have you discovered Ray Wood at Castle Howard? Let us know in the comments below.