Arboretum Cafe

Castle Howard, York YO60 7BY, United Kingdom
+44 1653 648767
$$$ Cafe
(26 Reviews)
Price Range £1–20

Welcome to Arboretum Cafe: A Hidden Gem in Castle Howard

Nestled within the picturesque surroundings of Castle Howard in York, the Arboretum Cafe is more than just a place to grab a bite; it’s an enchanting retreat that captures the essence of homemade comfort food. Whether you're embarking on a leisurely stroll through the stunning arboretum or just seeking a cozy spot to unwind, this charming cafe is the perfect stop.

A Menu Tailored for Every Palate

The cafe's brunch selection shines with mouthwatering choices like the indulgent Bacon Sandwich on Chia Seed Bread with Spicy Tomato Chutney (£7.50) and the savory Sausage Sandwich with Caramelised Onion Chutney (£7.50). For a lighter option, you can't go wrong with the Scrambled Eggs with Chives on Toasted Sourdough (£7.25), perfectly fluffy and flavored. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted, combining locally sourced ingredients with a dash of creativity.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, the Fruit Scone (£3.95) or the delightful Cheese Scone (£3.95) make for a delightful tea-time treat. Pair it with a rich Americano (£3.15) or a frothy Flat White (£3.95) for a quintessentially British cafe experience.

A Welcoming Atmosphere

As you step inside, you'll be greeted by the friendly staff and a warm, inviting ambiance that makes you feel right at home. The cafe's spacious layout provides comfortable seating, perfect for families, friends, and even your four-legged companions, as it’s dog-friendly too. Customers adore the great views and the ability to relax after exploring the scenic paths of the arboretum.

Voices from the Guests

But don’t just take our word for it; listen to the voices of your fellow adventurers. One happy customer, Dave Boddy, raves about the hummus and pesto sandwich, praising the delicious food and reasonable prices. Another local, Tony Thompson, highlights the fresh meat sourced from the Castle Howard farm shop, adding a touch of local authenticity to each meal. The cafe also accommodates various dietary needs, with guests like Katiek singing praises for their gluten-free vegan scones, affirming that every visit can cater to unique tastes and preferences.

All-Around Experience

Arboretum Cafe is a delightful fusion of quality food, warm service, and breathtaking surroundings, making it an ideal spot for a day out. Whether you've spent the morning wandering through the lush floral displays or simply need a place to recharge with delectable cakes after a walk, this cafe promises to exceed your expectations. With a splendid array of homemade offerings and local charm, your visit to Arboretum Cafe will surely become a cherished memory.

So, next time you find yourself in Castle Howard, don’t miss the opportunity to indulge in all that Arboretum Cafe has to offer. You may just find yourself returning for more!

Service options
Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Wheelchair-accessible seating
Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Coffee
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Seating
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Children
Good for kids
Pets
Dogs allowed
Openings Hours

Monday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Saturday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

Sunday

10:00 AM - 04:00 PM

26 Reviews
Dave Boddy

30 Sep 2025

Called in for lunch and we were not disappointed. I ordered the hummus and pesto sandwich, whilst my wife had the cheese and pickle sandwich. The food was very reasonably priced, delicious and quickly served. Overall, well recommended, whether visiting the arboretum itself or the nearby Castle Howard. As we live locally we will be back!

tony thompson

28 Aug 2025

Great place to eat and relax. All the meat is from the Castle Howard farm shop. Great views, great friendly staff, dog friendly. All round good day out.

McWolfenstein

21 Aug 2025

A great place to visit for the day, strolling along the vistas or winding paths. There also a fantastic cafe serving home made food!

Katiek

07 Aug 2025

We enjoyed our visit to the cafe after a rainy walk around the arboretum. We were warmly greeted and served quickly. Half our party had various intolerances and the owner was able to provide gluten free vegan scones and various types of milks. The cakes were lovely including the pear and oat slice and the raspberry crumble. Delicious.

Martin Saunders

03 Aug 2025

Excellent little cafe with smashing staff and the best bacon sarnies we've had in years. Great place to sit down and have a rest and a bite to eat after a good walk in lovely countryside.

anthony everett

15 Jun 2025

Love the Arboretum ,really amazing place to visit but the cafe was losing a lot of trade today as people were being told 20mins wait for soup despite only 3 tables inside and 4 outside being used .....

Dermot Tuohey

14 Jun 2025

I have eaten in here a few times when I have visited the Arboretum. The cafe is part of the visitor centre. The menu is mainly to cater for people wanting a snack but I have enjoyed soup there as well in the past. The is a very good selection of cakes

Steve Wilks

12 Jun 2025

Pleasant surprise next to Castle Howard. Good value cafe with small gift shop. It is possible to walk around the arboretum with your dog. The place is called The Yorkshire Arboretum. Worth a visit.

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