Harewood House – Visit One Of England’s Most Enchanting Heritage Homes

Harewood House, Yorkshire, England, is one of the oldest buildings in England. Built in 1771, this is one of the few Treasure Houses of England. The first Baron of Harewood, Edwin Lascelles, first commissioned the building and passed it down several generations.

Today, the 8th Earl of Harewood, David Lascelles, occupies the home with his family. He’s the one who decided to open it for public tours. Now, visitors to the area can see the building and everything it offers, making it one of the most popular places in Yorkshire!

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Why Visit Harewood House?

While the most popular tourist attractions in England might always be places like the London Bridge, the Big Ben Clock Tower, and the London Eye, there’s just something about the historic buildings in the entire country.

Each of the older constructions comes with its history, stories, and significance, and the ones that have been open to public visits, like Harewood House and Downton Abbey, have also been updated to include even more features, like art, so people can immerse themselves in the old and the new all at once. It’s also home to some of the best art in the country, and several exhibits are open to the public year-round.

Harewood House in England is one of the best places to have an experience like that, and because of its rich history and breathtaking architecture, one that would stay with you for a lifetime.

The History Of Harewood House

The construction of the building began in 1759. The lead architect on the job was John Carr, one of England’s top architects and the designer of Buxton Crescent in Derbyshire.

Robert Adam did the interiors of the entire estate, while Lancelot “Capability” Brown did all of the exteriors, including the 100 gardens. Three genius minds came together to create something so unique that it still stands in all its glory hundreds of years later.

The Interior Of Harewood House

Even though the estate is open to the public, parts of the estate, especially most of the bedrooms, are still off-limits because the Lascelles family lives there. However, the vast staterooms where past and current members of the royal family have stayed are more than enough to check out on their own.

That’s not all, though. You can also visit the three grand libraries, several drawing rooms, a music room, and a few state bedrooms.

While all those grand areas of Harewood House are amazing to visit, one part of the tour visitors tend to love. That’s the “below the stairs” section of the home. These were the living quarters of the Steward and the Housekeeper, and the area where the staff prepared all the food.

You can walk through the kitchen with all the copper pots and pans still there. Then, make your way to the vegetable preparation area, through to the scullery, and even the pastry room! If you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, you’ll feel like you’re in an episode yourself!

The Exterior Of Harewood House

Harewood House has over 100 acres of lush, green gardens. While you could plan to see them all, unless you’re just zooming through them at the speed of light, you might not be able to get through them all. Some of the most famous gardens that are a must-see if you’re short on time include:

• The Bird Garden: You can see 40 different species of birds, some that are also endangered. This garden alone can easily take up a whole day if you’re fond of birds.
• The Walled Garden: To reach the walled garden, you’ll have to take a short ferry ride, but it’s worth the extra effort. This garden is where almost all of the fruits and vegetables used for cooking inside the main house were grown.
• The Himalayan Garden: One of the estate’s unique gardens. Several walkways guide visitors through the garden toward the breathtaking waterfall at its edge. Indeed, a sight that you shouldn’t miss!

There’s also the Harewood farm. Visitors can hang out with animals, from hares and penguins to goats. They’ve got it all. This part of the Harewood House visit is such a big hit that many people walk around in the gardens and meet the animals!

The Location Of Harewood House

Harewood House is in Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire LS17 9LG, United Kingdom. It’s relatively easy to get to because everyone in the area knows precisely where it is. So if using the GPS gets a little confusing, ask someone in the area, and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Things To Do Leeds

Getting to Harewood House

You can quickly drive to Harewood House yourself by using LS17 9LQ on your GPS. However, if you need to use public transportation, the most convenient option is the bus. Almost 40 buses go to the estate every day from Leeds to Harewood village.

If you want to get to the area via train, you’d have to make your way to ​​Leeds or Harrogate station first. Then take a bus or a taxi from there on towards the estate.

Events At Harewood House

There are many different types of events held at Harewood House throughout the year. From Christmas Fairs to walkathons, there’s always a little something going on here. Even when there isn’t, the daily tours are exciting enough to keep everyone visiting interested throughout their stay!

Where To Stay Near Harewood House

Going through Harewood House is usually an activity that can easily take up an entire day. So it’s best to make arrangements to stay somewhere nearby. You could stay close to Harewood House in the UK by visiting the Harrogate area. 

Rudding Park would be one of the best options. There you’ll have everything you need available at the hotel grounds. Acorn Lodge and Arden House are good options, too, if you’re looking for something a little cozier.

Closing Thoughts

Harewood House is the perfect place to visit if you’re going to be in the Yorkshire area. If you’re a fan of old architecture, heritage pieces, preserved pieces from history, or like to visit lush, green gardens, this would be the perfect place to go to at least once. What’s excellent about Harewood House is that you can enjoy it on your own or take the whole family along. There are so many unique little experiences all in one place. No matter what your interests are, you will find at least one thing here that makes an impact on you!

Looking For Other Places To Explore In England? Start Here:

• Blackpool –  England – 15 Best Things To Do 
• Castle Howard – Yorkshire’s Brideshead Revisited
• Chatsworth House – England
• Harrogate’s Victorian Turkish Baths
• Lotherton Hall – Yorkshire
• Yorkshire Lavender Farms

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