A VISIT to Castle Howard never fails to disappoint.

There is so much to delight, from the splendid architecture of the 18th century house, to the beautiful gardens, lakes, terraces and woodland.

As you approach the house, the autumn colours are spectacular, with an avenue of golds, yellows and reds framing the road.

Walking through the entrance archway, you may be distracted by the shops in Stable Courtyard, a gift shop stocked with beautiful wares, a children’s toy shop and a fantastic farm shop selling fresh produce, including meat from locally reared animals - including from Castle Howard estate.

It is tempting to stop and browse, but save that for later.

Designed by Sir John Vanbrugh and built between 1699 and 1712, the stately home is a magnificent sight as you approach it.

Most first-time visitors are keen to admire its fine interior, but those, like me, who have visited before, there is plenty to interest and entertain within the grounds.

I would recommend the wonderful Atlas Fountain as a first port of call. Dating from 1850, the fountain and pond was designed by William Andrews Nesfield. It is a fantastic sight - four Tritons blowing water through shells over Atlas, who kneels on a pedestal in the centre, bearing a globe on his back.

The sculpted sea gods that surround Atlas were carved in Portland stone by John Thomas who was paid £1183 10s 3d (equivalent to £108,010 in 2015) for his work. The figures were transported by rail from London to Castle Howard Railway Station, which ceased to operate as a passenger service in 1930 and is today in private ownership.

The pedestals, shells and basin were made by local craftsmen. A feat of water engineering, it takes water from a stream in the nearby village of Coneysthorpe and uses a steam engine to pump it uphill to Ray Wood Reservoir, to the east of the house.

The fountain was turned on for the first time in October 1853. It was overhauled in 1983 and most recently in 2012. It looked beautiful the day we visited, with dark grey clouds behind it.

From here, the visitor can walk around South Lake, to a cascading waterfall tumbling down to New River.

From here, it is a short walk to the Temple of the Four Winds. Designed by Vanbrugh in 1724, but remained unfinished at the time of his death in 1726. The interiors were finally decorated in 1738.

The temple was originally used as a place for refreshment and reading, beneath it is a cellar where servants prepared the food they served to the family above.

There’s a far-reaching view from here across the Howardian Hills, with cows and sheep grazing. Visible at the top of a small hill, is Castle Howard Mausoleum. An impressive sight from the outside, its burial vault contains 63 catacombs. Visitors can join specially-guided tours of the building by prior booking.

Walking along the edge of the grounds, the path turns left through Ray Wood. Many of the trees, shrubs and flowers are the original introductions of species to this country, gathered by the great plant-hunters of the 19th and early 20th centuries. A number of the rhododendrons - a wonderful sight in spring - came from the nursery of James Russell, the famous horticulturalist who designed the wood.

At this time of year the wood is alive with rich crimson, orange and yellow, against a backdrop of evergreens.

It is at this point that young children speed up, hearing the excited squeal of other youngsters at the playground beside Castle Howard’s Great Lake.

With sides, swings, rope bridges and other fun play equipment, this large area has been imaginatively designed to ensure a fun-filled time.

Parents can sit beside the playground on picnic tables, and buy refreshments from either a kiosk or the Boathouse Café. There are also tables to the rear of the café overlooking the lake. You can sit and watch the antics of wildfowl on the still waters. We spotted a heron striding silently through the reed beds.

To end the day, we walked back to the house, by way of the rose garden with its pond full of brightly coloured koi carp.

In the run up to Christmas, visitors can combine their visit to the house and gardens with a sumptuous festive afternoon tea in the elegant Grecian Hall. Tour the house before enjoying a private dining experience. This can be booked on selected dates, from November 19 to December 23.

*Castle Howard is 15 miles north east of York and easily accessible from the A64 which connects Leeds, York and the Yorkshire coast.

*Castle Howard, York YO60 7DD W: castlehoward.co.uk T: 01653 648576