Historic houses, sweeping lawns and art galore – that’s what awaits at these incredible stately homes in Leeds.
Visiting a country house is like stepping into a bygone era. From the grandeur of the architecture to the unparalleled craftsmanship that went into every piece of furniture, it’s a world away from our modern lives and a welcome escape. But where should you go? There are four must-visit stately homes and gardens in Leeds, each as good as the last, so why not work your way through them all?
Harewood House
Designed by John Carr and Robert Adam, Harewood House is one of the most impressive stately homes in Leeds. It’s a shining example of Georgian architecture, but the real delights await inside. You see, Harewood is one of the Treasure Houses of England. It has an incredible collection of art, displayed as it was intended, amongst Robert Adam’s original interiors.
Thomas Chippendale furniture, Sèvres china, Sarton of Liège clocks – this is a glimpse into another world, where superior craftsmanship is honoured above all else. Outside, the grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown and will take you on wild adventure through lush Himalayan foliage, lakeside woodlands and practical plot-to-plate kitchen gardens. Wildlife is also in abundance – will you spot the Red Kites on your visit?
Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG. Open Friday to Sunday during winter and 7 days a week during summer. Day tickets start from £14 for adults and £8 for children. Membership is £47.50 and gives you unlimited visits for a year, with family and couple bundles available.
Bramham Park
Built in 1698 and inspired by Lord Bingley’s grand tour, Bramham Park toes the line between traditional baroque and Palladian architecture. As to who designed it, no one knows. Many a famous name has been thrown around, including Giacomo Leoni, Thomas Archer and James Paine, but the most popular theory is that Lord Bingley designed it himself.
This is one of the most beautiful country houses in Leeds. It’s surrounded by 900 acres of rolling countryside. Here too, you’ll find a juxtaposition of styles, as the strict formality of 17th century design gives way to the natural landscapes of the 18th century. Needless to say, there’s oodles of exploring to be done – you can hunt out the hidden follies or simply follow the public footpath across the estate and take in the views, the choice is yours.
Bramham Park, Bramham Lane, Wetherby, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS23 6ND. The house and gardens are open by appointment only. Entry to the house is £15 per person, with a minimum party of 10, and entry to the gardens is £8 for adults and £5 for concessions and children.
Temple Newsam
Credit: James Cairns
A Tudor-Jacobean Mansion blessed with 42 beautifully preserved rooms, Temple Newsam is one of the most impressive stately homes in Leeds. It’s been transformed into a country house museum, where you can see one of the most important collections of fine and decorative arts in Britain, alongside the original furniture, ceramics, textiles and silver.
Temple Newsam tells the story of the people who lived and worked there, including Lord Thomas Darcy, who was beheaded by Henry VIII just 17 years after completing the house, and Lord Darnley, the notorious husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. When you tire of the history, head outside to enjoy the gardens, landscaped by Capability Brown. Take a winding walk around the Menagerie Ponds, explore the hidden woodlands or visit Home Farm.
Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE. The house is open from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year. Tickets are £9 for adults or £4 for children, with a visit to Home Farm, they’re £12 for adults and £6.50 for children. Bundles are available. The grounds are free to explore.
Lotherton
As historic houses go, this is one of the best. Lotherton Hall is a grand country house on the outskirts of Leeds. It acts as a doorway into the past, showing you how the upper classes lived in 19th-century Britain and inviting you to venture below stairs into the carefully restored servants quarters. You can even see the clothes of the time in their specialist fashion galleries.
As you explore, you’ll stumble upon famous works of art and carefully crafted pieces by the most important designers and makers of the time. From fine furniture to ceramics and jewellery, they have it all. The view from outside this stunning stately home is just as good. Landscaped Edwardian gardens give way to orchards and deer parks, while closer to home, Lotherton’s very own zoo, Wildlife World, promises Humboldt penguins, capybaras and more.
Lotherton, Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB. The house is open from March to October. Tickets are £9 for adults and £4.50 for children over 5. Membership is £42.50 per person and gives you unlimited visits for a year. Bundles are available.
Cover image credit: Temple Newsam
