COVID-19 and Harewood FAQs

Please ensure you have read our notice to visitors before reading the below >>

We have compiled a list of most frequently asked questions regarding the current situation.

Why are you staying open when the government is advising people to socially distance?

The Trust is keeping constantly updated Government recommendations and adapting the visitor offering accordingly. With over 120 acres of open spaces, gardens and walks, we believe there is a valuable role to play in offering the public the opportunity to explore recreational activity, solitary or with loved ones, during this challenging time.

We will be monitoring numbers carefully and adhering to guidelines relating to social distancing, requesting all visitors to avoid close contact.

A grab and go food and drink service will be available in the Courtyard which can be taken away to be enjoyed in one of the many outdoor picnic locations. Any indoor spaces have been closed, including The House, the shop, the Curiosity Cabin and the Bothy.

How is Harewood addressing the concerns relating to COVID-19 on site?

• We are keeping up to date with Government and Public Health England advice
• We have ensured additional hand sanitising facilities and bins
• We are displaying clear notices and guidance around the site encouraging increased hygiene
• We are increasing cleaning routines in place
• We are briefing our staff and volunteers regularly
• We have reduced our catering facilities to ensure we do not have people gathering in small spaces..
• We have made our site cashless for the foreseeable future. You should ensure that you bring card or contactless payment with you which you can use at all of our entry, retail and catering points.
• We have closed any indoor space

What happens if I have pre-booked a ticket to visit online?

If you have bought a ticket for between 21 March and 1 June, you will have been contacted. Should this not be the case, please email info@harewood.org or call 0113 218 1010.

As the House is closed, are tickets reduced?

Yes they are. A pre-booked online adult ticket is £10, child £5.50 and family £28. Under 4s are free. Find out about our tickets here >>

Are events running as planned?

Workshops, tours and special events planned until 1 June 2020 will no longer run and will either be cancelled or postponed. Those who are affected will be contacted directly.

If you have booked an external event, please direct your enquiry to the ticket provider as these are run independently of the Trust.

The Ferry and ‘Capability’ Boat will not be running, and additional inside spaces of the Curiosity Cabin and Bothy will be closed.

What is the impact of COVID-19 on Harewood House Trust?

Harewood is a charitable Trust and as such relies on the support and income from its Members and visitors.

This is a challenging time for all businesses across all industries and will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the Trust. We are working hard to adapt to the current climate and remain optimistic about the future and that we will return to business as usual as soon as we are given the go ahead to do so.

What about Members and the value of their annual membership?

In recognition of our necessary period of closure earlier in the year, we are delighted to announce our new Winter opening in 2021 from January 15th. Harewood will be opening for long weekends throughout the winter months, and across the February half term holiday, with full open season beginning on the 19th March. We know how important access is to our members and we hope that the extension to our traditional open season will demonstrate our gratitude.

How can visitors keep up to date with the latest information?

We will be keeping our website up-to-date, in addition to posting the latest news and information on our social media channels – Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

What about staff and volunteers?

Our staff teams and army of volunteers are vitally important to the running of Harewood and also the bringing to life of Harewood’s stories. Health and wellbeing are forefront at this time. Daily communication is in place, together with the majority of staff teams now working remotely from home.

If I come into contact with Harewood staff, are there extra precautions in place to deal with exchanges?

Our team are being trained so that there will be no hand-to-hand contact between themselves and our visitors. Our site has gone cashless and contactless payment is possible at all locations. Staff in our visitor reception and catering areas will be wearing gloves.

If I’ve made a group booking, what do I do?

We will continue to welcome group visits with additional safety and care measurements in place. If you have booked through an operator, please contact them directly to check the status of your booking. Our Groups team can be contacted on groups@harewood.org or by calling 0113 218 1017.