Castle Howard is preparing to welcome visitors for its latest Christmas extravaganza, with restoration work and new research uncovering fascinating links between the historic estate, the Victorian era and celebrated novelist Charles Dickens. The stately home announced earlier this year that its 2026 Christmas experience, ‘A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard’, will take inspiration from the works of one of Britain’s best-known writers.
Dickens’ beloved stories will be brought to life through immersive installations, soundscapes and projections, while items from Castle Howard’s collection and historic connections will help create the Victorian-inspired experience.
Following a series of multi-award-winning Christmas events, which attracted record-breaking visitor numbers in 2025, this year’s experience opens to the public on 12 November.
What’s set to be special about Castle Howard Christmas 2026?
Among the highlights will be a Victorian carriage going on display inside the House for the first time. Castle Howard records reveal that the carriage was made by Barker & Co of Chandos Street in 1879 for Rosalind, 9th Countess of Carlisle. It cost £190 at the time.
Castle Howard Curator Matthew Wood said the carriage provides an intriguing connection to the world in which Dickens lived and wrote: “We’re very excited to display this beautiful piece of history as part of the Dickens-themed installations – perhaps Dickens himself may have travelled in something similar.
“The carriage is a Brougham, a type of enclosed carriage developed in the 1830s by Lord Brougham which was designed to be light, fast and economical, requiring only one horse. The carriage has yellow and black livery which was used by the Howard family on their carriages in the Victorian era, and the doors are further decorated with the Howard lion. In the 1980s the carriage was found in farm buildings on the estate and was then restored.”
Dickens and Castle Howard
Dickens’ connection with the Castle Howard Estate is well documented and stretches back to 1843, when the novelist visited the Malton area after becoming friends with local solicitor Charles Smithson. Smithson ran a legal firm in Chancery Lane, Malton, and lived at Easthorpe Hall on the Castle Howard Estate. Although the hall no longer survives, Dickens stayed there for several weeks in July 1843.
The visit appears to have left a strong impression on the writer. In letters, Dickens referred to his friends in the area, describing those “close to Castle Howard” as the “jolliest of the jolly”.
Eleanor Whaley, a volunteer at Malton Museum, said the Christmas event provides an opportunity to highlight a lesser-known chapter of the area’s literary history saying: “I’m thrilled that Castle Howard is celebrating Dickens this Christmas; it’s fantastic to share the connection to Malton’s history.”
The Dickens connection has continued to be celebrated locally. In 2025, the Howardian Hills National Landscape marked its 40th birthday by erecting a Charles Dickens bench on the Castle Howard Estate.
Now, the connection between Dickens, Malton and Castle Howard will form part of the estate’s Christmas celebrations, combining literary history with objects from its own collection.
A Dickens of a Christmas at Castle Howard runs from 12 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. Tickets are on sale now here.
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Feature Image Credit: Supplied
