Harewood House

So much love for these fabulous people 💛

Our volunteers bring a wealth of experience and get involved for lots of different reasons – some love heritage, some love gardens (some love heritage AND gardens), some want to build up their employability skills and some just really love spending time with the friends they’ve made here!

Whatever the reason, we're so grateful for their time and enthusiasm. As an independent educational charity, we rely of the generosity of our staff, volunteers, Members, partners and funders to help make sure Harewood remains open for everyone to enjoy.

If you're interested in finding out more, drop lovely Volunteer Coordinator Sarah an email: [email protected] or give us a call on 0113 218 1042. We'd love to hear from you!

📷 Harewood House Trust staff and volunteer Summer social captured by the incredibly talented Sam Booth

We've got Downtown Science on repeat in the Courtyard office as we gear up for their live set at Make it Harewood tomorrow! Who's ready to join us? 🎧

🌟 DJ Downtown Science, BBQ, Luigi’s Pizza & Bar🌟
Sat 17 + Sun 18 Aug | 11am–3pm | The Courtyard

FREE*Wool Weaving: Flowers
Sat 17 Aug | 11am–3pm | Suitable for ages 4+
Get crafty with Meg to create beautiful wool-woven flowers inspired by plants found in our gardens. Perfect for little hands and big imaginations!

FREE*Family Embroidery Workshop
Sun 18 Aug | 2–4pm | Suitable for age 9+
Join textile artist Cecilia Charlton in a family-friendly workshop where you can explore the art of Bargello Embroidery. No experience needed—just creativity!

🎟️ Craft Workshops

Cecilia Charlton: Bargello Embroidery Workshop
Sun 18 Aug | 11am–1pm | Suitable for age 15+
Tickets: https://buff.ly/4dkBPFY
Learn the fundamentals of Bargello Embroidery and create your own vibrant design. Take home all the materials to finish your project!

Art Club: Sculpture Workshop
Sun 18 Aug | 10:30–11:30am, 12–1pm + 1.30–2.30pm | Suitable for ages 5+
Ticket: https://buff.ly/4dnQT5D
Unleash your child’s creativity at our special sculpture workshop. Construct, decorate, and bring home a masterpiece made from recycled materials.

* Wool weaving and family embroidery included with Harewood admission and free to drop in and out of.

Make It Harewood: Weekend One This summer, as part of our Biennial season, we're celebrating all things craft. Throughout August, join us for a series of weekends dedicated to making, music and merriment, with demonstrations,…

Friends, followers, visitors and Members 💛 last chance to vote for us!

Thank you so much to everyone who nominated Harewood House Trust in North Leeds & Wetherby Mumbler News Page awards. We're thrilled to have been shortlisted for Mumbler's Favourite Family Attraction or Day Out sponsored by Car Shades and we'd LOVE it if you might consider voting for Harewood House Trust in the final round!

Voting closes tomorrow

Shortlist Vote - North Leeds Mumbler | Your Local Parenting Community You are now invited to vote for your favourite finalists. You DO NOT HAVE to vote in every category. The organisation or individual with the most votes in each category...Read More

Adventure Babies Harrogate the wonderful people behind our ultimate sensory class are leading a Summer Special next week. This incredibly popular class is nearly sold out - there are only two spaces left at 12.40 on Tuesday!

Watch your little ones’ eyes light up as they engage in sensory play, music, and interactive storytelling.

Classes support language and communications development as well as stimulating all of the senses to build and strengthen brain connections. Encouraging your little one in the best way possible for their all-round development.

Adventure Babies at Harewood – Summer Special Experience the ultimate sensory baby class under our magical summer tent! Adventure Babies presents a one-off special filled with giggles, wonder, and exploration. Watch your little ones' eyes…

For the first 200 years, the Courtyard was know by another name, The Stables, and used as it's name suggests 🐴

By the mid 20th century, horses were replaced with cars and when Harewood opened to the public in the late 1960s, it changed once more. It's now home to Harewood gift shop, our volunteer led secondhand book shop, the visitor information centre, our delicious cafe and the education department.

Like the rest of Harewood, the Courtyard has seen much change over the years and we look forward to future developments.

Unfortunately, we've recently discovered some damage to the historic pillars. Whilst we wholeheartedly encourage creativity, we kindly ask that people visiting with children please supervise whilst using pens and crayons in the Courtyard.

Due to the historic materials used to build the stables in 18th century, they are quite difficult to clean without causing further damage.

Thank you so much for helping us preserve and protect this extraordinary place 💜

We have another cracking week of free discovery talks including special guests for Make it Harewood 🎭🖼️🎨🧵🧶

Mon 12 with Marie in the Main Library
Tue 13 with Sue on the Housekeepers of Harewood in the Old Kitchens
Wed 14 with Avril on Lady Mary Lascelles in the Cinnamon Drawing Room
Thu 15 with Jane on Missing Portraits in the Cinnamon Drawing Room
Fri 16 with Ann in the Gallery

MAKE IT HAREWOOD specials:
Sat 17
11am Meet the Makers with G.F.Smith Colorplan in The Courtyard
12pm with Fergus on 'Modern' art in a Stately Home in the House

Sun 18 with Emily on 'Modern' art in a Stately Home in the House

With the exception of Meet the Makers, all talks take place in the House at noon.

Entry to our Daily Discovery talks is included in our general admission tickets and membership.

📷 Ashley Karrell Missing Portrait series of Arthur France and David Harewood displayed above Temitayo Ogunbiyi You Will Find Lagos in Jand Living, part of Harewood Biennial 2024: Create/Elevate, Drew Forsyth

Thank you so much to everyone who nominated Harewood House Trust in North Leeds & Wetherby Mumbler News Page awards. We're buzzing to have been shortlisted for Mumbler's Favourite Family Attraction or Day Out sponsored by .shades.uk

Voting is open until Friday 16 August and we would LOVE it if you might consider voting for us 💛

Shortlist Vote - North Leeds Mumbler | Your Local Parenting Community You are now invited to vote for your favourite finalists. You DO NOT HAVE to vote in every category. The organisation or individual with the most votes in each category...Read More

Fancy learning a new craft? 🧵 The incredibly talented Cecilia Charlton returns to lead Bargello Embroidery workshops as part of Make it Harewood summer of craft. Over half the tickets have already sold for this popular event so if you're planning on joining us next weekend you better get a wiggle on! Only 8 places left - https://buff.ly/46UiiKl

Embroidery plays a huge role within the House but even more so for Create/Elevate. Common Threads is a series of collaboratively embroidered textile panels by four groups of women BWA Advice Centre in Burnley, Shantona Womens Centre Leeds, Community Arts by ZK Pendle and Ra'ana Liaquat Craftsmen's Colony (RLCC) Karachi, Pakistan.

Introduced by textile artist .kettle.144, who has a long-standing relationship with the RLCC where local women produce beautiful up-cycled products.

📷 Common Threads for Harewood Biennial 2024: Create/Elevate, Drew Forsyth

Twas 4 months before Christmas and all through Harewood House, everyone was stirring because general sale is now open for Father Christmas Experience: Mischief at the Workshop 🤶🎅🧑‍🎄

You’ll meet Peppermint in the sorting room, Mrs Christmas at her workbench and Father Christmas and Sherbet in the study. They need your help because the cheeky angels from the House have sneaked into the workshop and are causing chaos!

A fabulously festive experience which is best enjoyed by children aged 4 and above.

Huge thank you to everyone who submitted the post Father Christmas survey last year. It's thanks to you, that we also have a brand new Father Christmas Early Years Experience.

The Early Years experience is a shorter event to ensure children under 4 have the best experience possible 👼

Father Christmas Experience: Mischief at the Workshop Father Christmas and Mrs Christmas are thrilled to invite you to Harewood House for an exclusive behind the scenes tour of their festive workshop. You’ll meet Peppermint the elf in the sorting…

A little reminder that this weekend we’re celebrating all things VW. So if you’re driven by a passion for cars, your visit will be fantastic! But if not, don't worry because we have a whole host of summer activities on offer to keep you and your family revved up!

The site will look a little different including entry requirements so please check our website before visiting.

Members MUST pre book to visit this weekend. If you don't, you'll need to buy a VW Festival day ticket on arrival.

VW Festival The UK's largest family friendly VW show returns to Harewood again this summer between Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th August, with campsites opening to pre-booked campers from midday on Friday 9th…

Public Service Announcement: FREE family friendly workshops this month

Make it Harewood is back and is bigger than ever. Spanning the last three weekends in August we've got a heap of free drop-in workshops and demonstrations to give you a taster of a whole range of crafts.

Watch screen printing demos with artist Ellie Way, make your own woven flowers and bees, and join textile artist Cecilia Charlton to learn all about embroidery.

If you're looking for more in depth sessions, Jim Parkyn is returning with the popular model making workshops and artist Rosa Harradine will help you make cobweb brooms and brushes.

Jim is the helping hand behind many classic characters including Wallace and Gromit, Shaun The Sheep, Creature Comforts and animated feature films and commercials.

Booking now open. Suitable for ages 4+.

Make It: Craft Workshops FAMILY WORKSHOP SCHEDULE – ART CLUB: SCULPTURE WORKSHOP Sunday 18 Aug | 10:30–11:30am, 12–1pm + 1.30–2.30pm | Suitable for ages 5+ | Education Suite We are running a Make It Harewood…

Beep beep 🚗✨ we're revving up for VW Festival this weekend!

Celebrating the iconic Volkswagen brand, from vintage classics to modern marvels, there's something for every VW enthusiast 🏁❤️

Even if cars aren't usually your thing, VW Festival is an amazing family-friendly event filled with live music and plenty of entertainment to keep you going all weekend long. Including 3 stages, family activities, fairground rides, trade stands, dog shows, circus workshops, show and shine, club displays and incredible street food.

Free to Harewood Members but you MUST book in advance to guarantee entry! Since this is one of our most popular annual events, free tickets are limited and allocated on a first come, first serve basis. So drop it into sports gear and get booking!

If you're not a member, you can purchase tickets online in advance at the discounted rate to access Harewood and the event this weekend!

Photo taken by James Stubley courtesy VW Festival

https://buff.ly/3LRmlNA

VW Festival The UK's largest family friendly VW show returns to Harewood again this summer between Saturday 10th - Sunday 11th August, with campsites opening to pre-booked campers from midday on Friday 9th…

I accuse team member Tabitha of sharing the secrets of Lady Jane Fleming in the State Dining Room 🫵

No this isn't a game of Cluedo - Tabitha really did lead a free talk in the House yesterday as part of our free Daily Talks programme.

Our amazing Visitor Experience team are a fountain of knowledge when it comes to Harewood history, brimming with fascinating tales and stories of scandal and success.

Don't miss these free talks, included with your Harewood admission, this Monday - Thursday at 12pm:

Mon 5 Aug with Bettina on the Chinese Wallpaper in East Bedroom
Tue 6 Aug with Amanda one the Jelly Moulds in the Old Kitchens
Wed 7 Aug with Marie in the Main Library
Thu 8 Aug with Fergus in the Old Library

Please note: no talks will take place Fri 9 - Sun 11 Aug as its VW Festival 🚗✨ Beep beep! https://buff.ly/3WRau8M

📷 Lady Jane Fleming for 2023 Reframing Reynolds Tom Arber

Since we're celebrating the UKs most prized motor cars and their proud owners this weekend, it would be rude not to mention the glorious British summer we're having!

Looks like the weather is going to hold out a little longer for Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club, North of England Rally this Sunday, so pack those picnic blankets and head on over for a quintessentially English family day out 🧺 🍓

And if that's not enough to fill your car boots, we've got VW Festival returning next weekend with a full weekend of live entertainment, music and VW’s galore 🚗

Entry to both events are free to members but pre booking essential for VW Festival!

Rolls Royce Enthusiasts Club, North of England Rally The Rolls Royce Rally brings together some of the UK’s most prized motor cars and their proud owners, and 2024 marks the 44th year that the rally has been held at Harewood. Why not take some…

Our grounds have been home to otters, moles, rats, badgers, and toads for centuries, making it the perfect setting for an outdoor performance of Wind in the Willows 🐸

While we don't have recent photos of these elusive creatures, our friends at Boxtree Productions will bring their stories to the stage on Thursday 15 August.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the adventure and whimsy of this beloved story whilst our slightly more visible neighbors roam the 120 acres of woodland and grounds 🌿🎭 https://buff.ly/3Wu20mn

We can't promise any wildlife sightings on the day but you are more than welcome to visit Harewood earlier to explore our House, gardens and grounds. Just show you theatre ticket on arrival for £5 early bird entry.

After making a list and checking it twice, the main man himself would like to invite you to his workshop for an exclusive behind the scenes tour 🔨🎨 🧵

Priority booking is now open to Members so you better watch out (for an email with a magical access code) and you better not cry (if you're not a Member, you can join us today or wait until general sale opens next week)

He's coming to Harewood 30 November - 24 December...are you? 🥕 🥛 🍪

Wow, we're overwhelmed by the buzz Harewood Biennial 2024: Create/Elevate has created! Hearing all the amazing feedback from our visitors, Members, and partners has been so inspiring. It's clear that this exhibition is really resonating with people.

We've also heard from people who haven't visited yet, and they've shared a range of opinions too. We totally get that everyone engages with art and history in their own unique way. That's what makes these conversations so valuable.

Create/Elevate is not just about seeing amazing art, it’s about diving into a dialogue that deepens our understanding of our shared histories and collective futures. All the works presented build on the story of Harewood, incorporating new perspectives from voices spanning Ghana, Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Kosovo, Nigeria, Lebanon, Bangladesh and Venezuela.

So, if you're on the fence, we warmly invite you to come and see for yourself. Experience the narratives, the artistry, and the powerful conversations in person.

https://buff.ly/46q0RAU

Yippee! The Playscape and Rope Maze are back open!

Thanks so much for your patience this weekend. We're excited to see how our young visitors and Members play there for the rest of the summer - we never tire of seeing the worlds they create with their imaginations.

Please do remember that parents must supervise children of all ages on the Playscape, making sure that kids play within their abilities and are being considerate of other families 🫶

Unfortunately the pop up playscape and rope maze will be closed temporarily. We're sorry for any disappointment, and we'll let you know as soon as we have an update. There's still lots of summer fun to be had, with our Mini Rovers driving experience, summer scavenger hunt, lawn games and hundreds of acres to explore!

“Children thrive on play. They use it to explore the world like little scientists. When a toddler watches a spoon clatter to the floor, then drops it again and again, they’re carrying out an experiment. . . Learning through play is also how children develop essential skills they’ll carry with them their whole lives.” The LEGO Foundation

We couldn't agree more! Play is central to our vision for Harewood, so we're excited to be launching Tree Toddlers, our enchanting new outdoor programme for curious pre-schoolers aged 3-5. Every session is brimming with activities and experiences that will ignite young explorers’ minds. Booking now open for taster sessions in August, and more will be available in the autumn too! https://buff.ly/3YeuF1r

Then of course, we've got our new play area coming next year. Watch out for more information soon!

We are very chuffed to be in the final 4 for the North Leeds Mumbler Award for Favourite Family Attraction or Day Out - thank you so much for all your votes, it means a lot to us. From creating all our extra seasonal family activities to developing plans for the new play area, people all across Harewood work really hard to make a brilliant day out for your families - and we're so glad you enjoy it! There are so many exciting things to come and we're grateful to all our Members and visitors who are supporting us along the way.

North Leeds and Wetherby residents can vote for us to win the award (which, btw, we did last year 🕶️ at https://buff.ly/3SkvX7n.

📷 Tom Arber

We did say we have a jam packed summer of fun planned!

If you're seeking something different and educational for your family this summer have a look at our Holiday Club. You can drop them off for three full days of adventure at Harewood, exploring History, Art and Nature.

Booking now open for July, August and October 🌿Only a few spots are left in July and August.

August Holiday Club Ensure your youngsters have a blast this half term with our Holiday Club. Drop them off for three full days of adventure at Harewood, exploring History, Art and Nature. Alternatively, choose…

School's out for Summer! 🎉

It's all go at Harewood, as we get the grounds ready for our Summer Launch this weekend with Wild Rumpus and Raggle Taggle Arts

From broomsticks to lampshades, piping to bamboo, our giant upcycled marble run is a ridiculous playful intervention. Grab a cedar ball, and see if you can get it to roll all the way to the bottom!

Summer at Harewood Join us for a summer of creative play with our brand new Playscape, created by the wonderful Wild Rumpus. With over 100 acres of gardens to explore, Harewood House one of England’s 18th century…

📢 Important info: our website will be undergoing important maintenance from 5pm today, and will be unavailable for 24-48 hours. You can still pre-book tickets by going direct to our ticketing platform (link below) or by giving us a call within working hours on 0113 218 1000, and you can buy on the gate too. Thanks for your understanding.

Buy tickets: https://buff.ly/4bLuiym

If Julie's story inspired you to try something new, we've got just the thing! From wool weaving, sculpture and embroidery, to screen printing, model making and hand crafted brooms, Make it Harewood returns for three jam packed weekends this August.

Weekend One 🗿 🪡 🌺
Saturday 17 + Sunday 18 August

Weekend Two 🎶 🎨 🦌
Saturday 24, Sunday 25 + Monday 26 August

Weekend Three🧹🐦 🚩
Saturday 31 August – Sunday 1 September

Harewood has always been a place that celebrates artistic expression. Craft is rooted in the complex history of the House and as an educational charity, we continue our long tradition of working with diverse range of artists to share skills and knowledge that help us to remember, reflect and reimagine our history.

We've got something for everyone this August, so let you creativity run free!

Make It Harewood: Weekend One This summer, as part of our Biennial season, we're celebrating all things craft. Throughout August, join us for a series of weekends dedicated to making, music and merriment, with demonstrations,…

So parents, how are you organising the summer holidays? Got a spreadsheet going? "Call in-laws!!!" scribbled on the back of your hand? However you're managing it, you're heroes, and we're here to help out. Fill your holidays with fun, learning and adventure with all our new family experiences...

🤹‍♂️ Pop up interactive Playscape from the wonderful Wild Rumpus (plus a giant marble run, a roving band and free theatre on the Playscape Launch Weekend 20 + 21 Jul)
👩‍👩‍👦 Rope Maze
🚘 Mini Rovers - an adventurous driving experience for kids
😎 Holiday Clubs - drop off sessions for ages 7-11
🌲 Tree Toddlers - brand new outdoor sessions for little 'uns
🎨 Make it Harewood family craft weekends throughout August

Plus summer scavenger hunts, lawn games, the Adventure Playground (still open until building the new one gets underway later this year!), acres and acres of beautiful grounds to roam and a House full of treasures too. And to keep everyone going through all these delights, kids get a free lunch bag with every adult hot meal over £10!

Don't forget that the best value way to enjoy all this and get unlimited visits all summer is to be a Harewood Member (you'll also get 10% off food, drink and gifts, and priority booking for Father Christmas in early August).

This is Julie, an award winning artist and member of our Visitor Experience team 🖼️

As part of Biennial season, we're sharing the unique stories of Harewood and exploring the vibrant world of art and craft through the eyes of our dedicated staff, volunteers, and Members.

Julie is a dynamic figurative, expressionist painter who brings the essence of human existence to life through her vivid depictions of female figures and faces. Drawing inspiration from Joshua Reynolds' iconic portrait of Lady Worsley, Julie has crafted a mesmerizing series of her own unique interpretations, reimagining Harewood's legendary Lady with her signature flair.

We're overwhelmed by Julie's talent and would like share how her creative journey began – it’s a surprising story!

Craft Spotlight Series #1: Julie Cross Julie Cross, Visitor Experience Team Member, Harewood House Trust Julie is a dynamic figurative, expressionist painter who brings the essence of human existence to life through her vivid…

We've got an unforgettable summer lined up for you and your family. With singing, dancing, sword fighting and a giant marble run...need we say more?

Wild Rumpus and Raggle Taggle Arts will kick off our summer holidays with a weekend bursting with play, high-energy theatre performances and live music. All alongside out brand-new Playscape and giant upcycled marble run! 🟡 🏃‍♂️

Entry to this event is included with a Freedom ticket and is free for members.

Playscape at Harewood: Summer Launch Weekend Join us this July as we celebrate the start of Summer, and the launch of our brand new Playscape! Harewood House is the place to make core family memories this Summer. Built in the 18th century,…