Harewood House is a historic country home in the heart of Yorkshire, England. We took a trip to Harewood House to bask in the finest rich English countryside, indulge in afternoon tea, paddle in the lake and revel in the changing seasons.
Harewood House was built in 1771 for a wealthy trader named Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron of Harewood, to this day the house remains home of the Lascelles family who occupy the upstairs of the property and a more modest house on the grounds. The family still use the house for family dinners, Christmas and occasions, when the house is closed to visitors.
On my trip to Ramsbotton in Lancashire the other weekend I vowed to escape the city and discover more of the beautiful English countryside and local Great British history, which of course means sharing even more beautiful photographs for your delight, you lucky things! 
Helena, Hazel & I packed our bags and hopped on a rather lovely bus to Harewood House from Leeds (arriving by bus means you benefit from a 50% off entry fee Heritage pass)
Entering the house it’s jolly difficult not to gasp at the interior, most of the 18th Century furniture was designed by Thomas Chippendale, who came from near by Otley. There’s something about these large grand old homes that make me want to kick off my shoes and run around like an excitable child on Christmas day.
I was in awe at the level of detail from each vase to the monogrammed service bells; the carved marble fireplace to the intricate ceilings, interior design at it’s very best (in my humble opinion)
Over the years artists JMW Turner and Thomas Girtin stayed at the home painting the grounds and surrounding landmarks, the paintings are hung throughout the home for you to see how the landscape has remained just as captivating. There are also regular contemporary art exhibitions for visitors to peruse.
Out the back of the house the Terrace Tearooms overlooks the picture perfect formal terrace gardens designed by Sir Charles Barry in 1844 and of course over 100 exquisite acres of surrounding estate designed by the prestigious Lancelot “Capability” Brown.
Hazel’s lovely Mum (Donna) met us at the house and joined us for a spot of afternoon tea, we chatted about our travels and future plans, marvelled at such a divine setting and enjoyed tea and scones.
The Harewood Estate is huge and boasts a rather impressive aviary which houses some very cute penguins, a large variety of exotic birds and a flock of pink flamingos that paddle happily in the shallow water. We lay by the lake relaxing in the warm autumn sunshine and were joined by a rather friendly Mallard duck!
True to form landscape architect Capability Brown composed each angle of the grounds carefully much like an oil painting or photograph, no matter where you stand and look the landscape is framed by mature trees, considered planting, an expansive lake or meandering stream. This really is the English countryside at it’s prettiest!
Across some stepping-stones a short walk behind the Himalayan garden packed with exotic planting is a magical walled garden, so pretty you expect Peter Rabbit to hop out at any second. 
The walled kitchen garden is the dream for any budding gardener; having attempted my very own vegetable harvest this year it was a thrill to see what can be done with such a lot of room to play with. We lay amongst the fiery autumn leaves on the magnificently manicured grass and discussed our self-sustaining fantasy garden filled with homegrown fruit and vegetables.
As the sun began to set we made our way back through the gardens, saying our farewells to Harewood House. Some days time seems to stand still, there’s nothing but good friends, breathtaking surroundings, wildlife and laughs, these are the fabulous times.
Visit the Harewood House website to plan your visit.
Christine
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