Wheelchair Access

Gardens and Grounds

Harewood’s Gardens and Grounds were designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown in the 1770’s to include sloping and mixed terrains. There are some areas with steep gradients, as well as cut grass, gravel and wood chip paths.

Visitors who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids are advised to bring someone to accompany them with navigating the Grounds.

Harewood House

We have wheelchair lifts to allow users to access the State Floor and Below Stairs. These can comfortably accommodate standard wheelchairs and smaller motorised electric scooters.

The State Floor is wheelchair accessible via the wheelchair lift at the front of the House. There is a weight limit capacity of 300kg, with a step ramp capacity of 200kg.

Upon request, we can also loan a standard wheelchair to anyone with mobility issues.

Unfortunately, the wheelchair lift located within the lower part of the House (Below Stairs) is currently out of order. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused.

Wheelchair users can access the Terrace Tearoom via the Terrace Garden, with the use of a wheelchair ramp. However, please note that the Terrace Gardens are gravelled. Please ask a member of staff if you need any assistance.

Step free access to the Servants’ Hall

Step-free access is available via the Terrace, though please note the surface is gravelled.

To reach the Servants’ Hall, head to the back of the Terrace Café, where you’ll find a door on the left-hand side. This leads through the Servants’ Corridors Below Stairs to the Servants’ Hall Family Space.

A ramp is available for navigating the steps into the Servants’ Hall. A Harewood team member will be on hand to assist with setting up and securing the ramp for your safety.

If you need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to ask a member of our team.

Wheelchair Hire

We have five manual wheelchairs available to hire on a first come first service basis. The three available in the House are indoor wheelchairs and are not for use in the Grounds. Please call our Visitor Information team if you require one for your visit.

EnChroma Glasses

From 2 May 2025, Harewood Members and visitors with colour vision deficiency will be able to experience our vibrant collection like never before by hiring EnChroma Glasses.

EnChroma’s patented lenses are engineered with special optical filters that enable colour blind people to see a broader range of colours more clearly, vibrantly and distinctly so they can experience colourful art, the beauty of nature, overcome everyday challenges and better understand and appreciate colours.

Reserve a pair of EnChroma Glasses

Carers

We offer free admission to carers who are visiting with the person they care for, this includes Christmas.

A Carer of a paying disabled visitor is entitled to complimentary admission to Harewood House, Gardens and Grounds during our general public opening hours. The cost of access companion tickets will be deducted at checkout when purchasing a full price adult ticket.

Please note, this does not apply to any of our experiences (such as Private Apartment Tours and workshops) or special events (such as Dining in the Gallery).

If you have any questions about admission for Carers, please contact info@harewood.org or call 0113 218 1000.

Sensory Backpacks

We have 10 sensory backpacks for children and 10 for adults to encourage, support, and enhance the museum experience of our visitors who may experience sensory overload whilst visiting the House. These packs are free to use and are located at the desk in Entrance Hall.

You can ask for one from any of our friendly staff and they will happily lend it to you for the duration of your visit.

Harewood Visual Story

To make sure you feel comfortable when visiting Harewood, we have created a Visual Story of our site.

The visual story includes photos and descriptions of spaces, buildings, and facilities you will encounter on your visit.

We hope this access tool will help you to experience all that Harewood has to offer in a prepared and controlled way, while helping to reduce levels of anxiety.

Prams, Strollers and Bags

Prams and strollers are not allowed on the State Floor or Below Stairs to protect our collections and floors from damage.

We advise bringing baby slings or carriers to transfer children into if you wish to visit the House.

Prams and strollers will need to be left in vehicles before entering the House.

Hire Harewood’s baby carriers

We have two hip baby carriers which visitors can borrow for carrying little ones around the House.

As well as three pop up prams that can be used by visitors as an alternative to their own prams for use inside the House only.

These items are available on a first come first served basis and cannot be booked in advance.

Large Bags and Suitcases

Large bags and Suitcases are not permitted in the House and will need to be left in vehicles.

Shuttle Bus

Harewood offers a free mobility assistance shuttle service which is led by a team of volunteers. The shuttles are wheelchair, pram and pushchair accessible and provide drop offs to the Main Entrance, House, Church, Courtyard, Car Park and Lakeside.

Harewood’s driveway from the Main Entrance is approximately a half mile before reaching the ticket barriers.

There are designated drop off points or turning circles at the Shuttle Stop locations. The Church turning circle is a short (approximately 1 minute) walk from All Saints Church, which is level, gravelled ground and is suitable for Prams and Wheelchairs.

During busy periods, the Shuttle will provide priority access to those with mobility needs.

Please note that as this service is run by volunteers we cannot guarantee that it will be running every day.

If you require wheelchair or access mobility during your visit, please speak to our Engagement Assistants in Visitor Information, or call us on 0113 218 1000.

Ferry

Our Ferry is a free, wheelchair-accessible service. The 10 minute journey across the Lake provides magnificent views, increasing accessibility from the South Garden to the Bothy and Walled Garden.

The Lake, which covers 32 acres, was sunk in the 1770s when the Gardens were landscaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Fast forward 250 years and we now enjoy a short trip across the water by Chain Ferry.

Due to the age of the Lake, and the need for high water levels, the service cannot be guaranteed.

If you require wheelchair access or mobility support during your visit, please call us on the day of your visit to check whether the Ferry will be running, 0113 218 1000

Dogs are welcome aboard!

Our Facilities

If you have any questions ahead of your visit, or wish to give us feedback, please email us at info@harewood.org or call us on 0113 218 1000

Toilets, including disabled access toilets can be located in the Car Park, near All Saints’ Church, Terrace Cafe, Courtyard and Bothy Teahouse.

Unfortunately, we don’t currently have any dedicated quiet spaces or prayer rooms. However, as part of Reimagining our Landscape project, we have plans to redevelop the Bakehouse into an enhanced visitor centre.

Find our more about Reimagining our Landscape

Harewood Staff are here to Help

Dementia friendly

Harewood is proud to have over 50 Visitor Experience staff and volunteers who are Dementia Friends.

We have joined the UK’s biggest initiative to change the way people think, act and talk about Dementia. Look out for us wearing our blue forget-me-not pin badges.

Hidden disabilities sunflower scheme

Harewood has joined the Sunflower Lanyard scheme for people with hidden disabilities.

Not all disabilities are visible. If you have a hidden disability and feel that you would benefit from wearing a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower product while on-site, please pick one up from Visitor Reception on arrival, or Visitor Information in the Courtyard.

Guide Dogs UK

Our Visitor Experience Leaders have also undertaken sighted assistant training with Guide Dogs UK.

VocalEyes

We understand that there’s always more we can do to ensure every visitor has the best experience possible. Recently, we’ve taken an important step by partnering with VocalEyes for training, allowing us to identify and remove barriers to access and inclusion for blind and partially sighted visitors. This training is part of our ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming environment for everyone.