Huge big English pile from another Era set in magnificent grounds that are well maintained. Still I'm at an age where these places hold very little interest for me unless there's something real special or unique such as Highclere Castle and its Egyptian heritage display. As best as I understand it this place is now used for arts, culture, music, food and other activities and accessible to the great unwashed whose ancestors likely paid with their labour so the gentry could live comfortably from the toil of others. read more

The first thing I recommend anyone does before they think of visiting Harewood House, is to plan plan plan your visit. For starters pick your season, there are many; early season, main season and low season. Prices vary for each, in fact they vary massively. In low season adult tickets are £5 but in the high season they inflate to £13, I believe they've just lowered them from the previous rate, but still an eight pound difference depending on your time of year is a hefty one. Also in the early season with the low prices, certain things are not open on the full ticket, like the stately homes, which quite frankly sucks. I see this as a cheat in to forcing people to visit in high season with high prices. But all that unpleasantness aside, Harewood House is the beautiful combination of the spectacular, the picturesque, the decadent and the historical. The many many state rooms are steeped in history and should you care to find out, there is all the information you could require to know. Depending on your season and your ticket you can visit the below the stairs area with servants quarters and kitchen type areas. If it's a beautiful day then the Harewood grounds are well worthy of exploration. 100 Acres of beauty and garden art easily take a chunk of the day away, and it's difficult to fit everything in all on one day. The sculpture garden changes depending on the featured artist, but the works range from the small to the imposing and all are excellent to gawp at in awe and jealousy. The Himalayan Garden is sheer spectacle and beauty with Asian influences visible everywhere. The Terrace is what many have described as breathtaking, and with so many colours and historical restorations it really is. Children seem to go wacky over the penguins and flamingos in the Bird Garden, and maybe it's the sheer shock of penguins wandering around in a stately home that is hard to bend the brain around, but it's all charming and lovely. Speaking of kids and big kids, the adventure playground, when it's open is awesome, and I believe it's been voted the best in Yorkshire, so it's almost certain to be worthy of a dip in. It is a fascinating day out should you be willing to fork out the entry fee. Paying for one isn't too bad, but if there are multiples in your collective, then it can work out expensive. Students can go free on Wednesdays which is a score point, and should be taken advantage of. read more

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Harewood House is a stunning example of a stately home. It has an outstanding art collections, fascinating state rooms and a very interesting 'Below Stairs' exhibition. The house is set in spectacular landscaped grounds, the entrance is through an amazing arched gatehouse (get a picture of your car under it if you can). There are formal gardens and also gentle woodland walks, a Bhutanese Stupa, waterfall and Himalayan Garden. There is a lot for families to do at the house, even if you just bring a picnic and enjoy the grounds. The bird garden is quite amazing with an outstanding amount of rare birds. The pengiuns are also funny as well as the flamingos. There's llamas and ostriches which are quiet tame. The down side is that the bird garden area is down a steep hill so it can be a long walk to the car with tired children. Lots of fun read more

Harewood House - The approach to Harewood House - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Everything about it was great. I do wish we could have seen up stairs but it was in available. The swan boats were also unavailable. The parts of the house that were open were great. The back terrace was great. The bird house was really the best part of my day. You also can feed the farm animals if you choose. A lot of things to do for all ages. read more

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Love this place ideal for family days outs and if you are on your own lots to do especially visiting the museum it's awesome and good sight seeing ventures :-) read more

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With its beautiful gardens, fascinating bird collection and incredible state rooms Harewood must rate as one of the finest Stately Homes in the country. And it is a home as Lord Harewood still lives in the house itself - you occasionally see him around the place. The house itself is an incredible example of Robert Adam's architecture - a completely unique design on a massively grand scale. Inside the decor is breath-taking - the largest and best collection of Chippendale furniture in the world is here, with the state bed its centre-piece. This bed is incredible and worth the entry fee alone! Endless glorious paintings adorn the walls as you walk round with the Gallery - a room that occupies one full end of the house - containing works by Belleni, El Grecco and Titian. Helpful and knowledgable staff are on hand to answr any questions you might have and there is also an excellent audio guide. The gardens are stunning and you can walk to the other side of the lake on a lakeside path that winds through lush and beautiful foilage - if you go in the spring the blossom on some of the bushes is spectacular. These were designed the remrkable Capability Brown. There is also a Buddhist Stupa in one section of the garden that was built by monks from Bhutan. This is at the top of an oriental garden which is well worth a look - cross the stream by the stepping stones if you dare! One thing that Harewood is famous for is its Bird Garden. This forms part of the area beside the lake and is filled with exotic species from around the wolrd, some of which roam free. My kids loved the penguin feeding session but also enjoyed the cockatoos which mimicked them (with Yorkshire accents too!). The Bird Garden itself is a great walk on its own but we like to go round the lake after. There is so much to do here that you can spend a full day easily - what's more you can keep going back and it's always fun - that's saying something if you have small children (as i do). Either take a picnic (loads of places to flop out and eat) or try some of the nice food at the cafe in the stables (this is by the entrance to the Bird Garden). Some nice and distinctly non-tacky stuff in the souvenir shop - and amazing fudge too! A great day out by anyone's standards and loads for anyone who's interested in culture and the history of such buildings. read more

Heritage is one thing our great city doesn't lack in and that can most certainly be said about the grand Harewood House. It's a terrific example of architecture and design and pulls thousands of people from around the world to see it's grand design. It was built in the mid-18th century and has magnificent interiors by Robert Adam, furniture by Thomas Chippendale and paintings by JMW Turner, Reynolds, Titian and El Greco, among others. An Italianate Terrace, designed by Sir Charles Barry, stretches along the South Front of the House and provides exceptional views of Lancelot 'Capability' Brown's landscape and lake. But it's appeal doesn't stop there. The frequently changing exhibitions allows even the most seasoned visitor something new to peruse and the garden is overseen by one of the best in the business. You can enjoy one of the many splendid walks (highly recommended to blast away those Sunday cobwebs), taking in all the stunning landscape or simply sample some tasty treats in the cafe area. Their events are mightily impressive too. You can expect to see many top draw concerts, featuring artists such as Will Young and Girls Aloud in the past. Or if you want something a bit more serene, they have outdoor opera and classical concerts throughout the warmer months. I love the drive-in sessions too, recreating my own version of Grease and imagining the T-Birds will rock up some time soon. It really has a lot to offer and if that lot doesn't whet your appetite maybe one of the many car rallies, kite festivals or animals shows will. After all, if it's good enough for Noddy and his friends then surely it's good enough for you. read more

Harewood House - From official website - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

Whilst I can't review this gorgeous spot based on a standard visit, I can highly recommend it based on event hire, an plain beauty alone. A few weeks ago two friends spent their special day here, to get married, and on a glorious spring day I couldn't think of a more romantic spot. As far as facilities go, there's a wee cafe that's well stocked with various alcoholic and non alcoholic refreshment. They also serve a number of snacks and meals, but I didn't partake of those, being as the wedding was well catered for with a huge hog roast. The staff couldn't do enough for us, in any case, and so expect very friendly service. The grounds themselves are stunning. Bearing in mind I only checked out a tiny portion, as the service was upstairs from the courtyard and reception mainly in that space, what little I did manage to view was wonderful. There's certainly enough to make a lovely afternoon of it, walking and takin it all in, with a fairly decent playground area if you've wee ones to entertain. The little shop was also great, boasting a variety of arty pieces, locally crafted boozes of differing kinds, and other exciting bits. (We bought a cheap bottle of prosecco for a tenner and some peach vodka, with the idea it might make for a tasty cocktail - I'd advise against that as the two did not mix!) Apparently there's even a Sam Smiths within walking distance if you want to polish off the experience with a pint. Can't wait to come back for a proper visit! read more

Not Really wheelchair friendly. Well I went with my wife yesterday to Harewood House and paid for my wife and I was allowed in for free as a carer and to be honest maybe it should have been the other way around as this place is not really accessible if you are a powered wheelchair user, the only place my wife could get to was the courtyard and back of the house in the garden, we did not bother with the house visit as powered wheelchair users where not allowed to use the lifts but instead would have to use one of there manual wheelchairs which is really a get out and of not much use to powered wheelchair users who do not use manual wheelchairs for very good reason, i.e they are in most cases unable to use them for various health reasons. Also they claim one can use manual wheelchairs in the areas such as the bird garden as this and the lakeside walk also not suitable for powered wheelchairs, well to be honest a carer would have to be extremely fit to push a person about these areas due to the design, now OK not much can be done in this area and so my view going by our experience is that Harewood House is not at all suitable for wheelchair users full stop. read more

I have visited Harewood House many times with my children and friends and also as a childminder. I have always found it a fantastic and beautiful place to go. There is so much to see and do. We used to take a picnic first and have it on the grass opposite the House. Then we would get an ice cream and walk towards the Bird Garden which was always fascinating for the children to see all the different kinds of birds in such a lovely setting. They always enjoyed seeing the penguins as well. Then we would walk around the lake and I have had a boat ride which was very nice At the end of the lake there is a small maze which the children loved to run around it and collect sticks etc. When we got back to the House area, we would go to the cafe and have a drink and something nice to eat then we went to the gardens at the back of the House. I always enjoyed it and have fond memories of going there. read more

I have enjoyed Harewood House on many visits, as a child and as an adult. As a child I loved the adventure playground, I now enjoy all of the other aspects of the grounds. The huge grounds will delight anybody who enjoys walking. The mixture of beautiful scenery is one of my favourite things about Harewood House. Yorkshire countryside, the elaborate and floral terraced gardens of the house, and the rich, varied plants of the lakeside walk. There is also a boat trip available on the lake. The bird garden has a large collection of different types of birds, the highlight being the Humboldt penguins. The stately home is a Grade 1 listed building, and is filled with opulent art, decor and antique furniture from throughout its history. I have never used the cafe as it tends to be too expensive for me, but bringing your own food for a picnic is a great treat in the gorgeous grounds. The Harewood House grounds also host events such as steam fairs, rallys, crafts and Christmas markets, and in recent years the Wireless music festival. Visitors who are not travelling by car should be aware that there is a frequent shuttle from inside the roadside entrance to the attractions. The 31 bus stops right by Harewood House, from Leeds, Harrogate or Ripon. read more

When I visited Harewood House I was stunned by the entrance fee - nearly £15 in high season - and felt it would be difficult for any country house and estate, no matter how interesting, to be worth such an astronomical rate. Harewood House is, however, a fantastic place for a day out. The house itself contains an art collection of national importance, with paintings by Turner and El Greco and a contemporary sculpture by Jacob Epstein among those on display, and it's a beautiful, serene place to walk around. The well preserved 'below stairs' area is a genuinely fascinating slice of life in days gone by, and there are nice touches like letting you explore cupboards to find all the original utensils still there. Outside, over 100 acres of gardens are open to the public and you can easily lose hours in them on a sunny day. The Himalayan Garden is a magical place where you feel as if you're halfway across the world rather than on the outskirts of Leeds, and it'll take you a while to get over the shock of seeing penguins waddling around contentedly in the Bird Garden. All in all, Harewood House is a great day out but £15 is still a bit too steep - visit in low season, or take if you're a student visit on a Wednesday when entry is free with a valid NUS. read more

Harewood House - Photo taken from www.harewood.org - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

There is so much to do here in the grounds alone. Stunning gardens, outstanding art collections, Royal Family memorabilia, restored Old Kitchen, breathtaking scenery, lakeside Bird Garden, with Penguins, Storks, Flamingos and many rare breeds. You can watch the Penguins being fed, daily at 2pm. The adventure playground is large and exciting, with a smaller section for 2 - 7 year olds, and large areas for football or family games of cricket. There are excellent baby facilities, with a microwave and free bowls and spoons for warming up milk or food. I have bought a Harewood Card which means free entry to the house and grounds whenever we want to go, it also entitles us to a discount in the cafe and to any events that are on. There is so much to do there that we visit every fortnight. The children never grow tired of the adventure playground or watching the penguins. read more

Harewood is a great place to go for a family day out. It's very child-friendly; there are lovely ornamental gardens with interesting modern sculptures adding to the fun (one is like a mirror room), a fantastic adventure playground with sections for younger and older children and the fabulous bird garden, with the penguins being the star attraction. There are many more exotic birds though, parrots, flamingos etc. Even the house tour isn't too long for children and the former kitchens are open downstairs and add another dimension to the tour; so often you only get to see the 'upstairs' life of a stately home. The chapel is worth a visit too, but perhaps not with young children - it is quite a walk away. There is a cafe and gift shop in an nclosed courtyard area, or picnic areas in the grounds if the weather is fine. Harewood is also renowned in the north east as a host of outdoor live music, so it's worth checking out the website to see what events are coming up. read more

Harewood House is a stately home situated near the city centre. Events often take place there such as dog shows, concerts and exhibitions but it is really nice to just visit for a day out. I went to see The Who here when the O2 wireless festival took place..it was fantastic. The grounds are beautiful. read more

I had gone to Harewood's house for a friend's wedding reception and I must say I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw, especially with the grounds. It really does take you back to another time and era. read more

A great day out especially if the weather is fine. Just Park up and have a wander down to the bird garden, see all the different types of birds and be sure to stop by and watch the peguins being fed. Lunch can be a bit on the expensive side but there are plenty of grounds where you can spread out a picnic blanket and enjoy your own food. The planetarium is very good but it's an extra expense. Once you've explored the grounds the House is a great walk through history and if you watched the recent Lost in Austin this is where Mr Darcy lived!! Head downstairs and watch the cooking demonstrations or dress and a servant!! They also hold concerts and events throughout the year including a dog show, steam engine rally and Proms night. You can also enjoy drive in movies which this year was Dirty Dancing. LOts for all the family and if you want to enjoy it all the more you can purchase a Harewood Card which allows unlimited access, 10% of food drink and shop purchases and discount off events read more

Harewood House is something of a puzzle to me. It's expensive to go round (£30 or so for a family) so if you are on a budget Lotherton Hall or Temple Newsam might be a better alternative locally. At the same time, it's not really a top drawer stately home. For that Castle Howard is a better bet. Having said that, there's an adventure playground, bird garden, and plenty of grounds. My favourite parts are the long border near the house (spectacular) and the red kites wheeling over the house, if you're lucky. read more