Looking for winter walks, wildlife & outdoor fun for families in Yorkshire? Harewood is a must-visit

From epic outdoor adventures to creative indoor play, Harewood is packed with spaces where children can explore, imagine and burn off energy, all set within 140 acres of beautiful Yorkshire landscape.

Families can climb, swing and slide in the huge Adventure Playground, get lost in the magical willow mazes of the Woodland Wonderland, and journey up into the Sylvascope Treehouse, all at no extra cost. Little explorers can also collect a Nature Safari Bag and head out on scenic trails to spot snowdrops and wildlife around the lake.

Everyone can grab their wellies and set off on a fun filled journey. Keep your eyes, ears, and senses open as you explore the great outdoors with exciting activities to try along the way. Spot majestic Red Kites soaring above the treetops and make friends with mini beasts along the way.

Inside the House, the Servants’ Hall Family Fun Space offers a cosy retreat with colouring sheets and creative activities that change with the seasons, a book corner, and family games. From art and imagination to dressing up and discovery, there’s something for every age. Plus, don’t miss free drop-in sessions like the Harewood monthly LEGO Club and Saturday Craft Club, running throughout the winter.

Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood House Trust: “This year, we want our guests to experience the best Harewood has to offer through every season. We’ve got an incredible programme of events across the year for all ages and interests. Harewood House and its grounds bring nature and art together in one the greatest achievements of English landscape gardening.”

Wellbeing through art and nature at Harewood

With a long history of working with contemporary artists, Harewood House Trust is also hosting an exhibition – The Season Following – by British artist Charlotte Verity.

Renowned for her meticulously observed paintings of plants and flowers, The Season Following marks the first time the artist has exhibited within a historic country house as well as the first time the artist has exhibited extensively in the north of England, with prints and paintings spanning the past 20 years to the present and including several being shown for the first time.

Through the exhibition visitors will experience the changing seasons across five magnificent state rooms. Moving from winter through spring, summer and autumn, the exhibition will reflect nature’s cyclical pattern, returning at the end with a grand winter painting. It invites people to linger, look closely, and celebrate the subtle beauty of nature throughout the year.

Children can take part in a Charlotte Verity-inspired family activity through the exhibition. Free to collect from the Entrance Hall of Harewood House

Visitors are encouraged to take time out and immerse themselves in the exhibition to promote their personal wellbeing.

Zoë, said: “As Charlotte Verity demonstrates through her work, we want to emphasise that winter can be embraced for its beauty, offering a moment of rest and reflection - and this exhibition offers a connection to nature whilst the natural world is hibernating. We also want to encourage people to take time out to look after their mental wellbeing; and the perfect way to do that is by browsing these beautiful artworks followed by a refreshing walk around our incredible gardens and grounds. Don’t forget to look out for the beautiful Daphne bholua ‘Jaqueline Postill’ that’s currently in bloom in the Himalayan Garden.”

The exhibition is available to visit Friday to Sunday until March 22 then daily from March 23 to June 7. Book tickets here.

About Harewood

Harewood House is one of the ten magnificent Treasure Houses of England. The stunning 18th century country house is set within 140 acres of ‘Capability’ Brown landscape, just 15 minutes’ drive from Harrogate and 20 minutes’ from Leeds.

To book tickets click here.