Hello RS Community,
I will be traveling to York for two full days on Monday/Tuesday March 26-27. Which would you recommend if you had to choose between the Fairfax house or Castle Howard? Or would you just recommend making time for both? Wondering why the Rick Steves doesn't even mention Castle Howard? Thanks for your thoughts. My other top sites are the free guided city tours, York Castle Museum, time for shopping, evensong, and the Minster. Thanks for any suggestions.
Posted by
Tunbridge Wells
6113 posts
I have to admit that I have been to York numerous times, but have never heard of Fairfax House! It seems to be a good example of a merchant's house, however, Castle Howard is one of England's leading stately homes and is on a completely different scale to Fairfax House.
Getting to Castle Howard would be more of a challenge, as it is from memory, about 15 mils from York.
One of the essentials to me in York is the excellent (and free) Railway Museum, where you can easily spend half a day. The old city walls are also worth walking.
Posted by
Camano Island, WA, usa
1526 posts
I've been to Fairfax House if it is the one commonly called the Merchant's House. There décor is done as if a family still lives there with fresh flowers or season decorations. It is in the center of York so is easy to visit. Castle Howard is worth the visit if just to appreciate the scale of the extravagant lifestyle of the wealthy. It has been used in many Movies and TV. It has classical décor and many family portraits. The Castle Howard Web site shows that public transportation is available; although I would rent an auto to enjoy a circle tour of the countryside. It would take at least 4 hrs to travel and visit.
Posted by
Santa Rosa, CA, USA
1446 posts
We were in York last August and visited Castle Howard. We took a taxi to and from. Normally we have a car, so this was a new experience. The taxi that picked us up from our hotel was on time but for the taxi ride back, it took a long time for them to come. The day was very rainy and cold so it was a challenge to enjoy it as much as we would have liked. There would have been a lot of nice walks on the grounds which we did not do.