Harewood House

Harewood House – Harewood’s story is one of continuous evolution, constantly adapting to stay relevant in the present. As a place steeped in history, it thrives because it is cherished by those who care for it and enjoyed by those who visit. Harewood is more than a historical site; it is a living history, brimming with stories yet to be uncovered.— David Lascelles, Earl of Harewood

Harewood House

Harewood House

CLICK HERE FOR WHAT’S ON AT HAREWOOD THROUGH 2026

Free for Members

Great British Food Festival

Saturday 23 – Monday 25 May 2026

With the perfect recipe for the bank holiday weekend, the Great British Food Festival returns to Harewood again this summer.
See more: Great British Food Festival

Free for Members

Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons

Saturday 13 Jun – Sunday 4 Oct 2026

Step into the glamorous world of Cecil Beaton, the legendary photographer who captured some of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, from Hollywood legends and stars of the West End to the British royal family.
See more: Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons
A young boy stands in front of an elderly couple seated on a wooden bench outdoors, sharing a joyful moment together. The woman appears amused, covering her mouth with her hand, while the man smiles warmly, wearing a cap and gloves. Surrounded by trees, they enjoy the beauty of Harewood, where Members return time and again to connect with nature, loved ones, and the special experiences that make each visit unique.

We’re from York and Harewood is an absolutely amazing place to visit. As a Member, I have got to say that it is beautiful and magical at all times of the year and regardless of the weather. I will never tire of Harewood and thoroughly recommend it to all ages.”

Harewood Member – Google Review

Legacy of the Caribbean

Harewood House was built in the 18th century using the profits from the Transatlantic trade in enslaved people. Find out more about Harewood’s history and links to the Caribbean, and explore the ways that we strive to use our platform for positive change.

Legacy of the Caribbean

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Your support makes the magic of Harewood possible

As a charity, the ongoing support of our donors, Members, volunteers and visitors makes a huge difference.

How you can helpDonate now

 

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A Visitor’s Guide to the History of Harewood House

Quick Facts

  • Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire, England

  • Built: 1759–1771

  • Architects: John Carr (exterior), Robert Adam (interiors), Sir Charles Barry (19th-century changes)

  • Family Seat of: The Lascelles family (Earls of Harewood)

  • Today: Managed by the Harewood House Trust, open to visitors most of the year

Timeline of Harewood

Medieval beginnings

  • Harewood Castle and Gawthorpe Hall formed the original estates.

  • Merged into one estate in the late 1600s.

1696

  • Sold to London merchant Sir John Cutler.

1721

  • Bought by the Lascelles family, who made their fortune in the West Indies.

1738

  • Henry Lascelles purchases the estate.

1759–1771

  • Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, builds Harewood House.

  • Architect John Carr designs the exterior; Robert Adam creates elegant interiors.

1840s

  • Sir Charles Barry modernises Harewood for the 3rd Earl, adding extra bedrooms, terraces, and formal gardens.

1922

  • Viscount Lascelles (later 6th Earl) marries Princess Mary, daughter of King George V.

  • The royal couple make Harewood their home from 1929.

1939–1945

  • The house is used as a convalescent hospital during WWII.

1965

  • Princess Mary passes away at Harewood.

2009

  • Wins Large Visitor Attraction of the Year at the national Excellence in England awards.

2023

  • Closure of the Bird Garden, with plans to redevelop the area into a woodland garden.

Highlights for Visitors

🏠 The House

  • Grand Georgian design: a masterpiece of 18th-century architecture.

  • Robert Adam interiors: some of the most refined neoclassical rooms in England.

  • Art collection: Renaissance paintings, portraits by Reynolds, Lawrence, and Hoppner, alongside modern works.

🌳 The Grounds

  • Over 100 acres of gardens, from formal terraces to wild landscapes.

  • Himalayan Garden & Stupa: a tranquil retreat with rare plants.

  • All Saints’ Church: medieval alabaster tombs of the Harewood family.

  • Adventure playground for younger visitors.

  • Former home of the Yorkshire Planetarium (2007–2008).

🐦 Bird Garden & Farm (1970–2023)

  • Home to exotic birds including penguins and flamingos.

  • Closed in 2023 due to repair costs; the area is being transformed into a new woodland garden.

  • The Farm Experience remains open.

Cultural Connections

  • Art: J. M. W. Turner painted Harewood’s landscape (1797–8).

  • Film & TV: Featured in Emmerdale, Victoria, Downton Abbey (2019 film), King Ralph, and BBC’s Mary Berry’s Country House at Christmas.

  • Music: Concerts by Elton John (1999) and Westlife (2006).

  • Heritage: Linked with Britain’s colonial past and the transatlantic slave trade—openly acknowledged today through talks, documentaries, and exhibitions.

Today at Harewood

  • Home of David Lascelles, 8th Earl of Harewood.

  • Operated by the Harewood House Trust, ensuring the estate is preserved for future generations.

  • Open to the public with seasonal exhibitions, guided tours, gardens, family activities, and special events.

✨ Whether you’re drawn to its royal connections, stunning architecture, peaceful gardens, or cultural heritage, Harewood House offers a rich experience for every visitor.

Reimagining the country house

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