Bugs and Beasties – What’s on at Harewood this May Half Term

Saturday 23rd May – Sunday 31 May

Book your day out at Harewood here.

Families are invited to step into a fun-filled May half term at Harewood, where play, exploration and creativity come together for all ages. With the warmer weather arriving, visitors can make the most of Harewood’s stunning Gardens and Grounds, enjoying classic lawn games, the Adventure Playground and … If the weather changes, inside the House, the theme is bugs and beasties where you’ll uncover how the collections care team cares for the Houses’s historic interiors, there’s something for everyone whatever the weather.

Lawn Games, South Garden and The Terrace Garden
Daily, 10am – 6 pm,
Free, included in valid day ticket or membership
Get ready for some friendly competition on the lawns at Harewood! Join us for a playful day of classic garden games, including Jenga, connect 4, chess and croquet, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Gardens and Grounds.

Bugs and Beasties House Hunt
Daily, 10.30 – 4pm,
The House, Free, included in valid day ticket or membership
Can you find the bugs and beasties hiding around the House? Follow the clues to discover five tiny creatures that can cause big problems for historic houses, complete the trail and become an honorary Collection Care Team member!

Wildlife Crafts, Servants Hall
Daily, 11.30am – 3:30 pm,
Free, included in valid day ticket or membership
Inspired by the birds, insects and animals that call Harewood home, this drop-in activity encourages children to cut, stick and create their own wildlife-themed crafts.

Minibeast Safari
Daily Monday – Friday, 11am – 12 pm and 1 – 2 pm
Meeting Point: The Courtyard
Free, included in valid day ticket or membership
Armed with magnifiers, observation pots & identification guides, join us to uncover the hidden world of our meadows’ smallest residents. You’ll search through grasses & water edges to discover the fascinating creatures that help keep our ecosystem thriving.

Bugs and Beasties Family Talk
Monday – Friday, 1.30pm
Meeting Point: The Entrance Hall
Free, included in valid day ticket or membership
In this talk, our Collections Care Team will share how they keep a close watch on these tiny visitors from carpet beetles to moths. Using insect traps, regular inspections, and careful housekeeping, they are able to spot signs of activity early and protect the House’s beautiful interiors.

Conservation in Action
Daily, 1.30 – 2.30pm
The Garden Room
Free, included in valid day ticket or membership
See conservation live in front of you, learn what creepy crawlies lurk in the House and pick the brains of our Collections Care Team! Join us to see the tools and techniques we use to protect our treasures.

Nature Safari Bags
Free daily activity
Pick up a Nature Safari Bag and set off on your very own adventure. Each bag comes equipped with binoculars, a compass, a torch, a magnifying glass, and a map of Harewood, helping you navigate the natural world around you. There’s even a list of some wonderful wildlife to look out for. From beasties hiding under the rich, textured tapestry of leftover autumn leaves, to birds circling the skies above Harewood House, there is so much to discover.

Charlotte Verity, The Season Following
Exhibition and free kids activity booklet
Daily
Experience the fleeting nature of the seasons through the work of Charlotte Verity, a British artist known for her meticulously observed studies of plants and flowers. 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 are encouraged to get creative with a free Charlotte Verity-inspired activity booklet. As you explore The Season Following exhibition, try out different artistic skills inspired by the paintings on display. Collect your free activity booklet from the Entrance Hall of the House.

The Great British Food Festival
Saturday 23 – Monday 25 May

Book tickets for the Great British Food Festival here.

With the perfect recipe for the bank holiday weekend, the Great British Food Festival returns to Harewood again this May. Take a good helping of local and artisan producers, a big serving of tasty hot food vendors, add a dash of bars, a sprinkling of children’s activities, a dollop of top chef demos, stir in some competitions, with lashings of excellent live music, and mix together to make a fabulous foodie family day out! The event attracts lots of producers showcasing the best in local, seasonal and specialty food and drink, and it’s a great opportunity to get a real taste of the best of Great British produce. With Great Britain’s amazing mix of cultures and cuisines, you can try some more exotic elements or the best local burgers and sausages for those with more traditional tastes. After you’ve done your foodie shopping, sit and enjoy tasty, hot food and a refreshing drink (or two), with great live music in the stunning surroundings of Harewood House. The perfect recipe for a fun, foodie day out for the whole family!
New for Kids & Families at the Great British Food Festival
Families are in for a treat this year with more fun for kids than ever before at the Great British Food Festival. Brand new roaming entertainers will pop up throughout the day, bringing laughter, surprises and interactive fun wherever you are on site. Our dedicated kids’ stage will run mini challenges and activities throughout the day, giving children the chance to get involved, show off their skills and win big smiles. Plus, brand new family bingo adds a playful twist everyone can enjoy together. It’s all designed to keep little ones entertained, parents relaxed, and families making brilliant memories all day long.