Harewood House Reviews Summary

House and Interior

Pros:

• "The house and terrace were interesting and amazing views."
• "This place was amazing! All the staff are volunteers but they were super friendly and so knowledgeable."
• "Superb Robert Adam interior, Chippendale furniture and art collections in magnificent country house."
• "It’s utterly gorgeous inside."
• "The house itself has been well preserved with some beautiful decor that has truly stood the test of time."
• "The house is so gorgeous. The design of the rooms is a feast for the eyes."
• "A beautiful house in stunning grounds."

Cons:

• "The house felt quite empty and unloved."
• "The inside of the house is very special but my enjoyment of it was ruined by the modern art exhibition that replaced or blocked the historic artifacts."
• "We were only allowed access in about 5 poxy small rooms full of tacky Christmas decorations and cardboard everywhere."
• "It was so disappointing this year. Hardly any rooms were decorated and those that had been were not suited to this beautiful house."
• "House had some interesting rooms but only ground floor and lower ground to see."
• "We were a bit disappointed that only the ground floor of the house was available to view."
• "The internal decorations, themed 'through the ages' were lacklustre and unimaginative."

Gardens and Grounds

Pros:

• "Gardens were nice though I thought for the size of the house a little small."
• "Beautiful grounds plenty to interest all ages. Nice walks."
• "The Terrace gardens are miraculously maintained, boasting impressive flower displays overlooking the beautiful countryside."
• "The formal gardens are quite spectacular especially when viewed from above from the terrace."
• "The gardens are lovely to walk around, there's some lovely cafes and a great adventure playground."
• "The gardens are beautiful with lots to marvel at."
• "The gardens were beautifully maintained, with so many flowers blossoming & well cut grass."

Cons:

• "The grounds and courtyard looked unkempt and the cafe area unappealing."
• "The gardens around the lake are a mess."
• "Gardens, underwhelming, small and unkept."
• "Even the walled garden was a state."
• "The Himalayan garden planting is unimaginative... and the walled garden is totally underwhelming given its potential."
• "It's a shame you can't walk all the way round the lake."
• "It was very very unkempt, which seemed to really let the place down."

Staff and Volunteers

Pros:

• "The shuttle bus is brilliant. Nothing was too much trouble thank you."
• "All volunteers were helpful, knowledgeable and friendly."
• "Scattered throughout the property are incredibly insightful and knowledgeable volunteers are at hand to answer any questions."
• "They couldn’t have been more helpful to my mum 96."
• "The staff on duty were all excellent. They were friendly and knowledgeable."
• "Staff very knowledgeable and happy to explain the building and the exhibits."
• "Staff are extremely helpful."

Cons:

• "However, some of the stewards had an attitude problem."
• "After waiting 10 minutes and being ignored by staff who took other orders, cleared tables and even immediately gave menus to a newly seated (older) couple, we left."
• "Room Staff today were very snobby and unkind towards children."
• "The experience was dampened by the not nice staff :("
• "Despite the staff attitude, this estate is worth a visit."
• "When we went to the cafe at 13.40pm there was hardly any food left."
• "The market itself was good, and the volunteers driving to and from the gates were wonderful."

Value for Money

Pros:

• "Price fair - recommend annual membership if you can come more than a few times a year."
• "Food and drinks are reasonable and admission is 15 pound for adults and under 5s are free."
• "We paid 13.95 each adult. Well worth it."
• "Entry free once a year for Historic House members. £45 a year for unlimited access to the house and grounds and discounts in the cafe and shop."
• "Even better is that tickets are half price if you cycle or catch the bus!"
• "The cafe doesn't have a large choice on the menu, but the portions are large and reasonably priced."
• "Food good and fairly priced as well."

Cons:

• "It was shocking that there is no concession price for elderlies."
• "Got tickets for half price and would say they were still expensive!"
• "We will not be returning, avoid at all costs. We would rather have a refund."
• "£22 per person (bare in mind we’re English Heritage and it wasn’t an option online) even after trying to contact them."
• "However, I’m afraid to say I was really disappointed... for the price (£19 per non-member adult) I feel it’s very expensive."
• "Food and drink very expensive."
• "The cafe is an absolute rip off! £8 for a prepacked, poor quality sandwich?!"

Family and Children Facilities

Pros:

• "The adventure playground is popular with the children too."
• "There is also a lot to do for kids. Big playground, animals, stepping stones at river, short ferry trip on lake."
• "Children will enjoy the birds and the farm area along with the play area."
• "There is a mini zoo on site with flamingos, penguins, and a selection of birds and farm animals."
• "Great if you have kids as they have a small zoo with a petting area and aviaries."
• "The Adventure Playground was v good. Appropriate for all ages, big and spacious."
• "Great for children as the play area is huge."

Cons:

• "A play area geared to older children makes for a very disappointing membership offer."
• "The 'farm experience' is 1 pig, a few goats, 2 alpacas and some guinea pigs!"
• "Farm small and so much greenery in bird houses it was hit and miss to birds you could see."
• "The playground was still well preserved but all the outside huts where we used to get hot drinks and ice cream were closed."
• "And the chain ferry was broken, so we didn’t get time to do the long walk around and fully explore the gardens."
• "Bird and animal enclosures OK but not to my taste esp. The penguins and larger birds like the seemingly solitary andean condor."
• "Unfortunately, had to keep an excited dog on a lead all the time."