A VISIT by my folks from Scotland lent the perfect opportunity to spend a day at Castle Howard. Aware that my parents weren't keen on touring stately homes, I knew how to sell the idea to them. I mentioned the 'B' word. Immediately, their enthusiasm rose and they were looking forward to visiting 'Brideshead'.

It's a sign of just how well-loved the 1980s TV dramatisation of Evelyn Waugh's story is that all these years on, the very name can still draw people to this corner of North Yorkshire.

Of course Castle Howard, the grand 18th-century family seat of the Howard family, is enough of a pull in its own right.

What with the palatial splendour of the palace itself, grounds, woods and gardens for as far as the eye can see, a fun adventure playground and peacocks playing a 'will-they-won't they' game with their tails - there's more than enough to hold the interest of all members of the family, Brideshead fans or otherwise.

And yet, the Brideshead connection is the icing on the cake.

This is something Castle Howard recognises, hosting as it does an exhibition on the television series with an insight into how the production affected life at the house.

Visitors to Castle Howard can choose two types of tickets: one for the house and grounds, the second for grounds only.

First-time visitors shouldn't miss a wander through the grand house, savouring its wealth of pictures, furniture, tapestries and china: it's an impressive glimpse at how the other half used to live. Today, the rooms are still used by paying guests during the shooting season.

The big draw is the Great Hall - the centrepiece of the house - full of columns and huge fireplaces beneath a gilded and decorated dome towering some 70 feet above.

The Howards enjoyed collecting and present owner Simon has a weakness for hippos. You can enjoy looking at his collection of various hippo-shaped knick-knacks, some sent to him by members of the public.

But if looking around old houses isn't your bag, don't dismiss a trip to Castle Howard.

The setting is unrivalled and a ticket to the grounds alone guarantees hours of enjoyment.

You can wander through the wonderfully-fragrant rose gardens, take a trek down to the lakeside, stopping to enjoy a snack or ice cream at the caf on the water's edge while the children release their energy in the neighbouring adventure playground.

There is the Ray Wood to explore, walks around the grounds with plenty of space to sit and enjoy a picnic with the family.

Alternatively, you can buy refreshments from the Hayloft Caf or the self-service Fitzroy Room in the house.

The Stable Courtyard houses shops selling books, glass and pottery. There is also the Plant Centre, where you can buy plants, seeds and garden accessories.

And if that weren't enough, there are the magnificent peacocks.

The house shop sells bags of food - which many visitors buy in the hope of bribing the birds to open their tails. I watched amused as time and time again, the birds ignored this feed and kept their feathers closed.

And then it happened. It was almost 5.30pm, the grounds had emptied and we were heading back to the car. Two birds mounted the steps in front of the fountain and began calling to the others. As if by magic, they all began to open their tails, revealing vibrant blues and purples.

A perfect ending to a delightful afternoon.