Experience Christmas at Harewood in a calmer way.

Relaxed sessions for our main Christmas experience, A Glittering Invitation: Harewood’s Grand Christmas Ball offer a quieter, more comfortable visit for those with sensory needs.

During Relaxed Afternoons, the following adaptations will be made to the Christmas experience:

  • Any loud noises will be turned down where possible
  • Friendly staff will be available to support your visit and answer any questions you may have (they will keep an eye out for sunflower lanyards)
  • Sensory Bags will be available for adults and children to borrow, which include ear defenders, torch, sunflower lanyard and sensory toys and fidgets.
  • A quiet space is available for use
  • Large-print laminated text sheets of the exhibition script are available upon request at the entrance hall desk
  • Fireworks display in the Servants’ Hall will be turned off

Things to be aware of:

  • Hear: Music will be playing in every other room
  • Smell: Reed diffusers are used in every room – you will experience 5 scents throughout your visit
  • See: Bright colours and fairy lights. Low lighting in some areas.
  • The experience has been adapted for a calmer experience so some projections may be turned off
  • Front entrance lift is out of order

The front of the House is accessed via a set of steps only.

The front entrance wheelchair lift is currently out of order, and due for repair in late December. However, for guests who are unable to access the House via the steps, we have been able to temporarily make available an alternative lift to access the State Floor only.

Please note that this lift is only suitable to be used by one guest at a time as a guest must be accompanied by a member of Harewood Staff whilst using the lift. This means that the wheelchair user will not be able to be accompanied by a companion whilst using the lift.

This lift is small and is not able to take mobility scooters or mechanised wheelchairs due to its weight limit.

Should you require use of this lift, please make yourself known to the Harewood team on arrival and they will assist you. Alternatively, you can to contact the House Supervisor prior to your arrival on 0113 218 1010.

Please note that phone signal at Harewood can be very poor and the team will endeavour to answer as soon as they are able.

Thank you in advance for your patience whilst we get our normal wheelchair list operating again.