The house was built between 1759 and 1771 for Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood.
It holds one of the most important collections of Thomas Chippendale furniture in the world, as he was commissioned to furnish the entire house.
The 1,000-acre parkland contains a 32-acre lake designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.
The Bird Garden is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums and focuses on conservation programs for endangered species.
The house was the primary filming location for the 'Downton Abbey' feature film and television series.
The State Floor remains largely as it was designed in the 18th century, maintaining its original decorative schemes.
Harewood House Trust is a registered charity dedicated to the preservation of the house, its collections, and its grounds.
The estate once served as a convalescent hospital during World War I.
Harewood House is a neoclassical country house designed by John Carr and Robert Adam, situated on an expansive estate in West Yorkshire. The interior features significant Chippendale furniture commissioned specifically for the house. The grounds include a 1,000-acre landscape designed by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown. The site hosts an established bird garden, home to a collection of exotic species including penguins and flamingos. The house operates as an independent charitable trust focused on art conservation, education, and public access. It contains an extensive collection of Renaissance masterpieces and contemporary art commissions. The estate acts as a site for film and television production, frequently utilized for period dramas. The grounds include formal gardens, a Himalayan garden, and a lake. The trust manages a rolling program of temporary exhibitions and seasonal events.
The South Terrace provides a panoramic view of the 'Capability' Brown-designed landscape and lake.
Check the website for daily bird feeding times, as these are highlights for visitors.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes to navigate the extensive parkland and garden trails.
Visit the 'Below Stairs' area to understand the operational history of the household staff.
Do not attempt to see both the entire house and the vast grounds in under three hours, as you will likely miss the bird garden and garden trails.
The house and grounds typically operate on a seasonal schedule, with reduced access or closures during the winter months.
Photography is generally permitted in the house without flash, but strictly prohibited in specific exhibition galleries; follow signage.
