News.
Pugs of Yorkshire, assemble! Harewood House plans giant summer gathering
22nd July 2026
On Sunday 2 August, Yorkshire’s most vibrant country house will host the region’s biggest-ever pug meet in honour of iconic photographer Cecil Beaton and his beloved companion, Simba. Harewood House is inviting owners of Yorkshire’s squishiest faces to unleash their inner pug passion as it aims to stage the county’s largest gathering of pugs.
Pugs and their humans will descend on the estate for a fun-filled celebration of one of Britain’s best-loved dog breeds. Pug owners will receive complimentary entry for one owner, with the day also including a group photo, a ferry trip and complimentary puppuccinos for every pug.
The event has been inspired by Harewood House’s latest exhibition, Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons, a major exhibition launched alongside the National Portrait Gallery. Alongside his extraordinary creative career, Beaton was also known for his love of pugs, often photographed with his canine companion, Simba.
The day will begin with a mass gathering of pugs on the iconic steps of Harewood House at 10.30am, creating what organisers hope will be a truly “pawsome” spectacle.
Following the group photograph, attendees will make their way to Harewood’s ferry, which for the day will be known as Captain Pugwash, taking the animals with their owners across to the spectacular Walled Garden.
After working up an appetite, every attending pug will receive a complimentary puppuccino from The Bothy.
Once pugs have finished off their delectable puppuccinos, visitors and their four-legged friends will be free to enjoy Harewood’s grounds and gardens for the remainder of the day.
Pollyanna Hall, Head of Marketing and Audiences, , Harewood House Trust, commented: “Cecil Beaton was famous for his creativity, style and larger-than-life personality, but he was also incredibly fond of pugs. We wanted to celebrate that lesser-known side of his life by bringing together Yorkshire’s pug community for a fun and memorable day at Harewood. We’re incredibly proud to be hosting Yorkshire’s biggest ever pug meet up.”
The event forms part of Harewood House’s summer programme which includes a Spot Simba the Pug Trail, specially designed for little ones within the House.
Whether your pug is a seasoned socialite or prefers a more laid-back approach to life, all are welcome to join what promises to be one of Yorkshire’s most unique dog-friendly events of the summer.
For more information and to book tickets, visit harewood.org
Event Details
Sunday 2 August
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10.30am: Group photograph on the steps of Harewood House
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11am: Ferry crossing to the Walled Garden
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Complimentary puppuccino for attending pugs
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Access to Harewood grounds and gardens throughout the day
Important Information
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Dogs must be kept on leads at all times.
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Only assistance dogs are permitted inside Harewood House and the Terrace Café.
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Owners remain responsible for their dogs throughout the event.
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Free entry is valid for one owner of the pug. Other members of the pugs family will need a valid day ticket or membership which can be bought in advance or on the day of your visit.
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Sadly dogs (even pugs!) are not allowed within the house itself, so please bare this in mind when planning your day