Harewood’s New Play Area

We know you’re as excited as we are for a new play area at Harewood. Planning permission has now been granted by Leeds City Council and work will begin in the winter.

Play experts TouchWood have designed a challenging and creative play space for accessible adventure and discovery and we can’t wait for it to take shape in the coming months.

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 made it a more complex planning application than the average play park. But we’re sure you’ll agree that it’s worth it to create a play area that’s sympathetic with our beautiful surroundings and conserves our native flora and fauna.

We plan to start installing the play area in November. In early 2025 our existing play equipment will be removed while work ramps up for opening the new play area in the spring.

During early 2025 you’ll be able to enjoy…

• An exciting new playful addition to the House for February half term – watch this space!
• Extra free talks, tours and walks to discover more about the House and Grounds
• Family-friendly crafts, cooking demonstrations and winter safari bags
• Hundreds of acres of grounds and deliciously warming food for family winter strolls

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.