Discover Harewood House and Its Stunning Grounds

Harewood House is a breathtaking estate in West Yorkshire, England, that's steeped in history and natural beauty. The house itself is a stunning example of 18th-century architecture, with a mix of Georgian and Palladian styles.

Harewood House was built between 1759 and 1771 for Edwin Lascelles, 1st Earl of Harewood. The house features an impressive 180-foot-long facade and a grand staircase with intricate carvings.

One of the highlights of Harewood House is its stunning collection of art and antiques, which includes works by artists such as Thomas Gainsborough and Zoffany.

The Harewood estate was created in its present size by merging two adjacent estates, the Harewood Castle estate and the Gawthorpe estate, in the 17th century.

The Lascelles family purchased the estate in 1738, using money from the West Indian sugar trade, which was generated from owning plantations, slaves, ships, and warehouses.

The house was built between 1759 and 1771 by Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, who employed the services of John Carr to design the building, and Robert Adam to design the interiors.

The Lascelles family has a long and complex history, with members owning plantations in the West Indies and being wealthy plantation and slave owners.

The house remained largely untouched until the 1840s, when Sir Charles Barry was employed to increase the accommodation, adding second storeys to each of the flanking wings to provide extra bedrooms.

Henry Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles, married Princess Mary in 1922, and the couple moved permanently into Harewood House on the death of Henry's father in 1929.

The Harewood estate has a rich and complex history. It was created in its present size by merging two adjacent estates, one based on Harewood Castle and the other on the Gawthorpe Hall manor house.

The Gawthorpe estate was inherited by the Wentworths from the Gascoignes, who then bought the neighbouring Harewood estate from the Ryther family. This significant purchase marked a turning point in the estate's history.

The combined estate was sold to Sir John Cutler, a London merchant, in 1696. He passed it down to the Boulter family, who in turn sold it to the Lascelles in 1721.

Harewood House was built on land bought by Henry Lascelles in 1738, using money from the West Indian sugar trade. This trade was a lucrative business at the time, but one that was also built on the exploitation of enslaved people.

The Lascelles family has a long history with the estate, and it's been in their possession for over 300 years.

The Lascelles family has a rich history tied to Harewood House. They purchased plantations in the West Indies in the late 17th century, generating income that allowed them to purchase the estate in 1738.

Henry Lascelles, a member of the family, purchased the estate in 1738. His son, Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, was a wealthy plantation and slave owner who built the house between 1759 and 1771.

Edwin Lascelles employed John Carr to design the new country house. Carr had previously worked with prominent Yorkshire families, designing their country houses.

The foundations of the house were laid in 1759, and the house was largely complete by 1765. Robert Adam submitted designs for the interiors, which were approved in 1765.

The house remained largely untouched until the 1840s. Sir Charles Barry was then employed by Henry Lascelles, 3rd Earl of Harewood, to increase the accommodation.

Henry Lascelles, 3rd Earl of Harewood, had a large family with thirteen children. Barry added second storeys to each of the flanking wings to provide extra bedrooms.

In 1922, Henry Lascelles, Viscount Lascelles, married Princess Mary, the only daughter of George V. The couple initially lived in the nearby Goldsborough Hall.

Harewood House is a stunning venue with a rich history. It's located in Yorkshire, England, and its landscape was crafted by the famous landscape designer Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

The House itself has a number of beautiful spaces that are perfect for weddings. Harewood is licensed to host civil ceremonies for up to 100 guests across various venues, including the Gallery and the Steward's Room or Billiard Room.

Visitors to Harewood can also explore the beautiful gardens, which include an Italianate Terrace designed by Sir Charles Barry in the 1840s. This Terrace offers stunning views over Yorkshire's landscape and lake.

Take a look at this: Terrace Garden

The Bird Garden & Farm at Harewood House is a unique part of the estate's history. It opened in March 1970.

The garden had a small collection of exotic birds, including species listed as vulnerable or endangered by the IUCN. In fact, more than 5 species were listed in this category.

The Bird Garden was a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), which is a testament to its commitment to animal welfare and conservation.

However, in January 2023, the trustees announced that the Bird Garden would be closing, with the Farm Experience remaining open.

JMW Turner, a celebrated British landscape painter, visited Harewood House at just 22 years old. He was commissioned by Lascelles to paint the house and its gardens, resulting in some of his early works being part of the house's collection.

Harewood House is the perfect setting for an intimate wedding celebration. Harewood is licensed to host civil ceremonies for up to 100 guests.

The House itself offers several unique venues for the ceremony, including the magnificent Gallery and the smaller, more intimate Steward’s Room or Billiard Room.

Harewood House boasts an impressive collection of paintings, furniture, and ceramics.

You can explore the stunning art collection online, but it's even more breathtaking in person.

The house is home to an astounding collection of paintings by masters of the Italian Renaissance.

Family portraits by Reynolds, Hoppner, and Lawrence are also part of the impressive collection.

The 6th Earl collected a number of Renaissance paintings in the early 20th century.

Edward 'Beau' Lascelles was a patron of JMW Turner, who came to Harewood as a young artist at just 22 years old.

Turner painted the new house and its landscape, showcasing his incredible talent.

The current Earl and Countess have also collected modern art, adding to the house's rich cultural heritage.

If you're planning to visit Harewood House, you'll want to know the best time to go. Harewood House is open to the public from April to October.

The house is open daily from 10am to 5pm, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly. If you're looking to visit during the off-season, you might be out of luck.

Pre-booking is essential, so make sure to book your visit in advance to avoid disappointment.

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Harewood House is open to the public from April to October, daily from 10am to 5pm, with pre-booking essential.

The gardens are a must-see, with an Italianate Terrace designed by Sir Charles Barry in the 1840s offering stunning views over Yorkshire's most beautiful landscape and lake. Crafted by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown, Harewood's landscape encompasses over 1000 acres and represents one of Brown's most famous vistas.

The naturalistic Himalayan Garden is a unique space that includes rare and exotic plants from the Himalayan region. It's a far cry from the formality of the Terrace, and it's a great place to explore and discover new species.

If you're interested in visiting Harewood House, be sure to pre-book your ticket in advance. You can also consider joining Historic Houses as a member, which grants you free access to almost three hundred independently owned historic houses across the UK, including Harewood House.

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If you're planning to visit Harewood House, you're in for a treat. Built in the 18th century, this stunning Palladian mansion is a must-see.

Harewood House was designed by renowned architect John Carr, who brought this beautiful building to life. It's a credit to his skill and craftsmanship that it still stands today.

You can save some money on your visit, as Harewood House offers 50% off entry and exhibitions. This is a great incentive to plan your trip and make the most of your time there.

Edwin Lascelles, a wealthy plantation owner, commissioned the construction of Harewood House. His vision and resources helped create this incredible architectural masterpiece.

With 50% off entry and exhibitions, you'll have more money to spend on the other attractions and amenities Harewood House has to offer.

Harewood House is located in Harewood, England, and offers a grand 18th-century country house experience.

The house itself is impressive, with its Georgian architecture and well-preserved interiors showcasing fine furniture, paintings, and decorative arts.

Visitors appreciate the informative guided tours that provide insights into the house's history and its former residents.

The extensive grounds feature formal gardens, a lake, and a bird garden, with the Himalayan garden and the walled garden being particularly praised for their beauty and variety of plants.

Pleasant walking trails and picnic spots are available, making it an enjoyable destination for nature lovers and families alike.

Some areas of the house may be inaccessible during special exhibitions, which can be disappointing if you're hoping to see everything.

The entrance fee is considered reasonable by many, but a few visitors find it steep, especially for families.

The on-site café and farm shop receive mixed reviews, with some praising the quality of food and others finding it overpriced.

Most areas of the house and grounds are wheelchair-friendly, but some parts of the gardens may be challenging for those with mobility issues due to steep paths or steps.