‘We’ve welcomed over 10 million people’: Harewood House celebrates 40 years as a charity

Harewood House is marking four decades as a charity with a weekend of celebrations, including behind the scenes tours and tickets at 1986 prices.

The historic estate will celebrate its 40th anniversary between October 16 and 18, with 400 tickets available at just £3.50 for adults and £1.50 for children.

The celebrations will feature talks, special tours and family activities, giving visitors the chance to discover more about the history of the house and the people who have helped shape it.

Rachel Crewes, chief executive of Harewood House Trust, said the milestone was an opportunity to reflect on the memories created at the estate since it became a charity in 1986.

She told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “It’s such a milestone for us to be celebrating 40 years at Harewood House. We’ve been a charity now for four decades and over that time we’ve welcomed over 10 million people.”

More than 6,000 schoolchildren visit Harewood each year, with Rachel saying the estate has evolved to offer visitors more than its historic house and collections.

She said: “Originally, people would come here to see the historic house and enjoy its collections, but I think over the years we’ve opened up more of the landscape to create new experiences for people to come and enjoy.

“Everyday I hear hundreds of schoolchildren come down the drive giggling and enjoying their first trip. Those memories created here will stick with them for the rest of their lives.”

Among the anniversary highlights is a talk by the Earl of Harewood, David Lascelles, about his book Out of Colditz, which tells the story of his father’s imprisonment during the Second World War and eventual release.

Visitors will also hear from Molly Kelly, Harewood’s last and only female butler, while head gardener Trevor Nicholson will share stories from his 30 years working at the estate.

Families can take part in activities including creating time capsules, allowing visitors to record their experiences for future generations to discover in another 40 years.

The weekend also coincides with the final chance to see Harewood’s exhibition created with the National Portrait Gallery, celebrating photographer Cecil Beaton and his iconic portraits of stars including Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.

Princess Mary’s wedding dress, which is more than 100 years old, will also be on display alongside her collection of miniature owls.

Looking to the future, Rachel revealed that Harewood has recently secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for its Reimagining Harewood project.

The redevelopment will include a new visitor centre in the estate’s historic bakehouse, with the aim of improving accessibility and ensuring the attraction continues to welcome new generations.

Rachel said: “This is a once-in-a-lifetime redevelopment of Harewood, which will create a new visitor centre in our historic Bakehouse.

“This will make us more accessible so new generations can continue to enjoy Harewood in the next 40 years.”