Access

Harewood is the kind of place where memories are made. It’s where people come together to socialise and have fun, a place full of adventure and exploration. Above all, Harewood is a place where everyone is welcome.

If you have any questions regarding access or if there is any way we can support your visit, please email info@harewood.org or call one of the team on 0113 218 1000.

Colourful illustration depicting Harewood visitors with visible and hidden disabilities. An elderly women with short grey curly hair holds a walking stick and smiles warmly. A young adult wearing a green shirt rolled up to the elbows stands next to a man wearing a purple shirt, black trousers and matching purple shoes in a manual wheelchair.

Harewood Accessibility Guides

Read our Access Guides on AccessAble website, which contain detailed information about Harewood to help you plan your visit.

View AccessAble Guides

Welcome to Harewood in British Sign Language (BSL)

Harewood House was built in the 18th century by Edwin Lascelles, one of the wealthiest men in England. Edwin, as well as his father, and subsequent generations of his family, were Caribbean sugar merchants and actively exploited thousands of enslaved African people to make their business profitable.

Whilst their trade was abhorrent, both Henry and Edwin were shrewd businessmen, and in 1738, using enormous profits made from the Transatlantic trafficking in enslaved people, they purchased the combined estates of Harewood and Gawthorpe.

Edwin wanted nothing but the best for his new home and employed the finest craftsmen of the age to create it. York-born architect John Carr was commissioned to design the House in the Palladian style, inspired by classical architecture. Robert Adam, a scottish architect was asked to design the interiors working in his signature neo classical style.

England’s greatest furniture maker, Thomas Chippendale, was responsible for furnishing the House resulting in his largest and most lucrative commission worth over £10,000. With Lancelot “Capability” Brown, visionary landscape gardener, approached by Edwin to design the surrounding gardens and grounds. No expense was spared. The result was one of the grandest and most fashionable country houses in England.

Over the centuries, the House has been amended and added to by generations of the Lascelles family, reflecting the taste and needs of the time. It has been an English gentleman’s country house, a Victorian family home, a royal household and a wartime convalescent hospital (twice).

Today, Harewood House Trust, the educational charity that runs Harewood House, Gardens and Grounds for the public benefit, strives to acknowledge and remember this abhorrent history and the individuals and communities impacted by slavery and all other forms of injustice.

Using our platform as a cultural institution, we actively celebrate and collaborate with a diverse range of individuals and groups to ensure that Harewood House is an ally for all artists, collaborators and audiences who have faced discrimination and inequality.

Access resources for the Exhibition

We’ve put together resources to help everyone enjoy our Austen & Turner exhibition in their own way, including BSL videos, audio guides and sensory backpacks.

Learn more

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

It was like someone had opened all the windows so the natural light illuminated everything...You’ll discover a world you haven’t seen before and see the collection in its true colours."
José - Harewood Member

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

Adult and child sit on a wooden bench in Harewood Watercolour Room looking up at the intricate design of the red and blue hand block printed wallpaper. The child wears a sunflower lanyard and ear defenders. Harewood yellow sensory bag is at the end of the bench.

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.

An elegant stone arched gateway at Harewood House, featuring classical Palladian design with arched openings, tall columns, and decorative detailing. The central arch frames a view of trees and a sunlit path, while smaller arched windows flank either side. The structure is surrounded by greenery, adding to its timeless charm. — The village of Harewood is centrally placed in Yorkshire at the junction of the A61/A659 on the Leeds/Harrogate road. You may wish to use a route planner – our postcode is LS17 9LG, although Sat Nav users are recommended to try LS17 9LQ as this will bring you straight to the main Archway entrance to Harewood off the A61. Enter through the archway and continue down the drive.

Long paved driveway stretches into the distance surrounded by greenery under a clear blue sky — Harewood’s driveway from the Archway Entrance is approximately a half mile before reaching the ticket barriers. There is rolling countryside on either side of the road which is home to a herd of Harewood Deer.

When you arrive at Harewood you will reach payment huts and barriers - this is Visitor Reception. This part of the site is called Visitor Reception. This is where you purchase your day tickets, or we will scan your membership card or pre-booked tickets. There may be a queue here and you may have to wait. There may be both pedestrians and visitors in cars being served here.

A long paved drives winds round past the front of Harewood House on the left hand side. Trees line the grass on one side, with open lawn on the the other. — After the barriers you will continue down the drive, past the front of Harewood House. There might be people walking up the stairs to Harewood House, friendly Harewood staff greeting them at the door or a shuttle bus picking people up from the bottom of the steps.

Open gravel car park, with cars parked sporadically in bays across 8 rows. Trees and greenery surround the car park. — Past the House, you will continue down a slight hill and the Car Park is on your right. There are disabled parking spaces at the top and bottom rows of the car park. Our car park has a gravel surface.

Small stone building stands at the top of the car park with toilets on either side and a bench outside. — You can find toilets at the top of the car park.

Wooden picnic benches stand on a graveled area beneath a large wooden pergola. The picnic area is surrounded by tall lush trees. A small cabin stands to the right hand side. — You can also find somewhere to sit and have a snack or picnic under cover.

Front view of Harewood House showcasing the detailed architecture designed by York architect John Carr in the Palladian style. A grand, symmetrical façade with a central portico supported by six classical columns, large sash windows, and intricate stone detailing. Stone staircase leads up to the front door which is open, inviting visitors to enter in. — This is the entrance to the House. A member of our team will open the front door for you and welcome you into the House. You may have to wait before you can come in. There is a wheelchair lift from the road to the front door. Harewood Staff are happy to assist.

An elegant neo-classical fireplace adorned with a marble mantel, paired with two matching chairs designed by Thomas Chippendale. Either side of the fireplace, two marble busts stand on marble plinths. The Entrance Hall is designed to look like the inside of a classical temple. — The first room you will enter is the Entrance Hall which is a large space. If this area is busy, when people speak it tends to echo which can be quite loud. A member of staff can provide ear defenders.

A large gilded four poster bed designed by Thomas Chippendale stands in the centre of a decorative rug with a sage and gold sofa placed at the foot of the bed. The walls are decorated with hand painted chinese wallpaper and the soft glow of bed side lamps gently light the room. — A member of staff will direct you on how to go through the House and can provide a map. Some rooms have low-lighting, such as the East Bedroom.

A grand long Gallery displaying an array of paintings by masters of the Italian Renaissance. Thomas Chippendale gilded mirrors cover one wall, reflecting sunlight towards the paintins. Golden lamps light up the Robert Adam ceilings which are decorated with scenes of greek mythology. — Some rooms are very big and can be noisy, such as the Long Gallery. Sometimes people’s voices and footsteps can echo. The floor surfaces in the House are a mix of stone and wood.

A friendly volunteer wearing a blue lanyard stands in the Cinnamon Drawing Room beneath a Reynolds painting of Lady Worsley ready to answer any questions visitors may have. — Volunteers will be in some of the rooms. You can ask them questions.

There are backed chairs in rooms across the State Floor and Below Stairs in case you need to rest.

A marble clock and cherub statue are flanked by vibrant pink hyacinth flowers planted into blue Sèvres porcelain. — Clocks across the State Floor may chime on the hour, with some every 15 minutes.

There is a staircase that leads Below Stairs with several steps spread across the rooms. For step free access please exit via the Entrance Hall and re enter through the West Door.

The Servants' Hall and Old Kitchen are large spaces. When busy, voices tend to echo which can be quite loud. A member of staff can provide ear defenders.

Clear blue skies sit above the rolling Capability Brown landscape with trees dotted across the horizon. Orpheus stands proudly in the middle of an ornate pool of water on the Victorian Terrace. — Step free access to the Terrace Cafe is via the Terrace which is gravelled.

Terrace Cafe indoor seating area with round tables generously spaced apart. Blankets drape over the back of each seat with the tables dressed with dried flowers. Ornate pillars decorated with swirling dried flower arrangements. — The Terrace Cafe has indoor and outdoor seating. It can become busy, so if you would like more space head down to the Courtyard Cafe

A short paved road leads down to the old stable yard, known as the Courtyard. Disabled parking spaces are filled with cars just left of the Courtyard, with Harewood Shuttle Bus parked at the bus stop to the right. Lush large trees grow either side of the road with bright blue skies overhead. — The Courtyard is a short distance from the House. If the Shuttle Bus is running, it can drive you down the hill. On the way, you’ll pass the play area, which is currently closed as we work on installing the exciting new Adventure Play Area. There are some disabled parking spaces at the front of the Courtyard.

A small wooden shed outside the Courtyard Shop, stocked with gardening gifts such as acorn-shaped bird feeders, plant pots, and insect hotels. In the softly blurred background, the Courtyard seating area features new trees planted in large purple planters. — Here you will find our Courtyard Café and Courtyard Shop. You can also find toilets. Sometimes the Courtyard can get quite busy and loud. You will hear lots of different sounds and you may also smell different foods in this area coming from the Café. You can choose to sit inside or outside the Café.

A women with short blonde hair sits behind a desk surrounded by green plants. A radio stands on the desk next to a steaming cup of coffee. Behind the desk, upon the wall is photos of Harewood's collections including Chippendale furniture, British Portraiture, Chinese handpainted wall paper and scuptures. — Inside the Courtyard, you will also find Visitor Information. If you need help on your visit, someone here will be able to assist you. Visitor Information is where you can ask about maps and membership or for Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyards.

Pathway surrounded by lush greenery, with a purple "Shuttle Stop" sign on the left. A bench and fence line the right side, creating a peaceful setting. — Access to the Lake is down a slope. The lakeside path is If running, the Shuttle Bus can drive you down the hill.

If at any point you need assistance, whilst exploring Harewood, look out for Harewood team members. They wear blue tops and grey fleeces with a logo made of Hs. They may also wear a name badge and/or lanyard.

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.

What made this visit so special was the people who helped us, they were outstanding. We used the access vehicle so much because the site is quite steep as soon as you get out of the car park. So using their vehicle saved my scooter battery and the brain power concentrating negotiating steep terrain."
Quote from Euan’s Guide

Ferry

Due to low water levels, we are unable to run the chain ferry.

Normally the Lake gets topped up over spring when the weather is changeable but this year we’ve had the driest spring on record and Yorkshire is officially in drought.

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!

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.

Colourful illustration depicting Harewood visitors with visible and hidden disabilities. A women with ginger hair holds a a white and red striped cane in one hand and the lead to her guide dog in the other. Standing next to them is a young child wearing ear defenders pointing into the distance, next to a smaller toddler who is happily walking forwards.

Got an accessibility question?

If you have any questions regarding access or if there is any way we can support your visit, please email our visitor information team or call 0113 218 1000.

Ready to explore?

With over 140 acres of stunning gardens, woodlands, and parkland, Harewood offers a rich outdoor experience like no other.

Walled Garden

With its productive kitchen garden of fruit, vegetables and herbs, orchard, flower borders and wildflower meadow, Harewood’s historic Walled Garden,…

Walled Garden

Himalayan Garden

Step into the Himalayan Garden and find yourself immersed in the landscapes of Asia.

Himalayan Garden

Lakeside Woodland Gardens

Harewood’s woodlands, flanking both sides of the lake, offer scenic walks and breathtaking views.

Lakeside Woodland Gardens

Coming soon: South Garden

In early summer we'll reopen a footpath from the Courtyard to the Lakeside, as we begin reimagining this part of…

Coming soon: South Garden

West Garden

To the west of the Terrace lies the West Garden, a beautiful arboretum of majestic trees and choice shrubs planted…

West Garden

Adventure Playscape

Follow the winding path through the woods and you’ll discover an enchanting experience, featuring climbing towers, bridges, slides, hideouts, swings…

Adventure Playscape

Sylvascope Treehouse

Take a stroll across the North Front and you will find a one-of-a-kind treehouse tucked away in the enchanting woodland,…

Sylvascope Treehouse

All Saints’ Church

Nestled in the woodlands of the North Front, All Saints’ Church spans all of Harewood’s known history, from Norman times…

All Saints’ Church

Woodland Wonderland Willow Maze

With winding willow mazes twisting and turning between the trees, there’s plenty to discover in this magical outdoor play space,…

Woodland Wonderland Willow Maze

A stone fountain of a man blowing water through a horn into the sky with fish heads spraying water into the pool below creating ripples under a clouded sky.

The Terrace

With its Italianate parterre commanding breathtaking views south over the stunning "Capability" Brown landscape, Harewood’s magnificent Terrace is widely regarded…

The Terrace

Archery Border

The Archery Border is one of the most dramatic features of Harewood’s Terrace gardens.

Archery Border

Gawthorpe Hall

Gawthorpe Hall was a 13th century manor house and home to thirteen generations of the Gascoigne family. Occupied for over…

Gawthorpe Hall

Walled Garden

With its productive kitchen garden of fruit, vegetables and herbs, orchard, flower borders and wildflower meadow, Harewood’s historic Walled Garden,…

Walled Garden

Himalayan Garden

Step into the Himalayan Garden and find yourself immersed in the landscapes of Asia.

Himalayan Garden

Lakeside Woodland Gardens

Harewood’s woodlands, flanking both sides of the lake, offer scenic walks and breathtaking views.

Lakeside Woodland Gardens

Coming soon: South Garden

In early summer we'll reopen a footpath from the Courtyard to the Lakeside, as we begin reimagining this part of…

Coming soon: South Garden

West Garden

To the west of the Terrace lies the West Garden, a beautiful arboretum of majestic trees and choice shrubs planted…

West Garden

Adventure Playscape

Follow the winding path through the woods and you’ll discover an enchanting experience, featuring climbing towers, bridges, slides, hideouts, swings…

Adventure Playscape

Sylvascope Treehouse

Take a stroll across the North Front and you will find a one-of-a-kind treehouse tucked away in the enchanting woodland,…

Sylvascope Treehouse

All Saints’ Church

Nestled in the woodlands of the North Front, All Saints’ Church spans all of Harewood’s known history, from Norman times…

All Saints’ Church

Woodland Wonderland Willow Maze

With winding willow mazes twisting and turning between the trees, there’s plenty to discover in this magical outdoor play space,…

Woodland Wonderland Willow Maze

The Terrace

With its Italianate parterre commanding breathtaking views south over the stunning "Capability" Brown landscape, Harewood’s magnificent Terrace is widely regarded…

The Terrace

Archery Border

The Archery Border is one of the most dramatic features of Harewood’s Terrace gardens.

Archery Border

Gawthorpe Hall

Gawthorpe Hall was a 13th century manor house and home to thirteen generations of the Gascoigne family. Occupied for over…

Gawthorpe Hall

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Access

Harewood Accessibility Guides

Welcome to Harewood in British Sign Language (BSL)

Access resources for the Exhibition

Wheelchair Access

Gardens and Grounds

Harewood House

Step free access to the Servants’ Hall

Wheelchair Hire

EnChroma Glasses

Carers

Sensory Backpacks

Harewood Visual Story

What to expect at a visit to Harewood

Shuttle Bus

Ferry

Harewood Staff are here to Help

Dementia friendly

Hidden disabilities sunflower scheme

Guide Dogs UK

VocalEyes

Further Training

Got an accessibility question?

Your support makes the magic of Harewood possible

Harewood Accessibility Guides

Welcome to Harewood in British Sign Language (BSL)

Access resources for the Exhibition

Wheelchair Access

Gardens and Grounds

Harewood House

Step free access to the Servants’ Hall

Wheelchair Hire

EnChroma Glasses

Carers

Sensory Backpacks

Harewood Visual Story

Shuttle Bus

Ferry

Harewood Staff are here to Help

Dementia friendly

Hidden disabilities sunflower scheme

Guide Dogs UK

VocalEyes

Got an accessibility question?

Harewood Guidebook

Harewood House Pocket Photo Book

Harewood Explored: Four Walks

Ready to explore?

Walled Garden

Himalayan Garden

Lakeside Woodland Gardens

Coming soon: South Garden

West Garden

Adventure Playscape

Sylvascope Treehouse

All Saints’ Church

Woodland Wonderland Willow Maze

The Terrace

Archery Border

Gawthorpe Hall

Your support makes the magic of Harewood possible