Close to the heart of The Vale of Snaith is the village of Carlton, just 2 miles from the Town Centre of the medieval market town of Snaith.  One of the jewels of the village is Carlton Towers, the magnificent home of Lord Gerald Fitzalan Howard, brother of the Duke of Norfolk. The oldest part of the building dates to 1614 and this is enhanced by the mainly gothic exterior and imposing clock tower, overlooking 250 acres of stunning parkland.  Inside there are sweeping staircases and impressive ornate rooms.

With all this on offer, it is no wonder it has been chosen to play the part of Windsor Castle in two series of Victoria (ITV), Hetton Abbey in the film A Handful of Dust and a chateau in France for an episode of Darling Buds of May. Other filming includes the series Love, Lies and Records, Guest Wing, Salvage Hunters, and Masterchef, as well as various music videos and Bollywood Blockbusters.

Although the grounds are sometimes closed to the public because of private functions, it is often possible to walk towards the Towers to view the front of this imposing building.

In the former stables there is a Tea Room which is open at the weekends in winter months. The parkland boasts a beautiful lake on which, in winter before climate change, championship ice skating was staged.  The Snaith & Cowick Walking Group walk alongside the lake, four times a year, by permission of Carlton Towers.

The River Aire meanders between Carlton and Snaith and the remains of an 18th century toll bridge will give you an idea of times gone by before railways and canals were built.  An interpretation board and bench on the Snaith side invite you to learn more about the river’s story. It is one of 15 interpretation boards complementing fifteen local Heritage Walks laminated cards bring the past to life as you enjoy walking on picturesque country lanes. There are many more great walks around this part of The Vale of Snaith listed in our Directory of Vale of Snaith Walks.

In the vibrant town centre of Snaith, Christmas Festivities are underway.  There are many ancient buildings, several displaying a Blue Plaque. There is also a wide variety of outlets for food and drink and accommodation are all ready to welcome walkers. See Walkers Are Welcome in The Vale of Snaith website https://snaithvalewalking.chessck.co.uk/