Harewood’s New Play Area

We know you’re as excited as we are for a new play area at Harewood. Our planning application is being considered by Leeds Council right now and we should be able to share the decision in July.

Play experts TouchWood have designed a challenging and creative play space for accessible adventure and discovery and we’ll see it take shape later this year.

When will the play area open?

We plan to start building the new play area later this year.  Until then the existing play area will remain fully open for our younger Members to enjoy.  

In designing a new play area, we’ve had to balance the care of Harewood’s Grade I listed landscape alongside the protection of veteran trees and wildlife, which makes it a more complex planning application than the average play park. But we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s worth it to conserve the beautiful surroundings of Harewood. 

We plan to start installing the play area in November, and open by Easter 2025.

Beyond the play area – Reimagining our Landscape

The new play area is the first phase of our ambitious plans to Reimagine Harewood’s historic gardens. We’re working with award-winning designers and architects to create inspiring new spaces around the play area, the Courtyard and former Bird Garden site, and transform the Bakehouse into a new visitor centre. Play is at the heart of our vision for Harewood, and we can’t wait to welcome new generations to create memories here.

Tell us what you think

Come along to our next consultation event on 16 July to see the latest Reimagining our Landscape designs, meet members of the project team and have your say on our exciting plans.

Register your interest by emailing the team at development@harewood.org. Spaces are limited, so get in fast! Additional sessions will be organised if demand is high.

Play at Harewood this summer

As always we have a summer packed full of fun, much of it free for Harewood Members! Join us for…

• An interactive playscape created by the ever-entertaining Wild Rumpus
• Family-friendly Make it Harewood weekends in August alongside the Create/Elevate exhibition of contemporary craft
• Drop-off Holiday Clubs
• Monthly Art Club and Lego Club
• Brand new Tree Toddler sessions
• … and much more