October Half Term at Harewood
Kids go free for autumn adventures.

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Posted on 26th September 2026

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Kids go free this October Half Term! Get ready for a spellbinding family adventure at Harewood House from Saturday 24th October to Sunday 1st November 2026, where magical trails, woodland play, and broomstick making promise seasonal fun for all ages.

While the main House is temporarily closed as preparations begin for Magic at the Mansion, a touch of enchantment has taken over Harewood’s 140 acres of grounds and gardens. Located just a short drive from Leeds, Harrogate, and York, it is the ultimate destination for an outdoor family day out this autumn.

Explore vibrant autumn foliage across the North Lawn, tackle active outdoor playscapes, and get creative with hands-on nature craft workshops. Most half-term activities are fully included with standard grounds admission tickets or Harewood membership.

What's On This October Half Term 🧙‍♀️🧹🍁

Here is the lineup of family activities happening across the grounds:

• Spells and Sparkles Trail (Daily, 10am–4:30pm): Help resident witch Bessie Broomstick recover her missing magical items scattered across the North Lawn and solve the spellbound secret word.
• Broomstick Making (Daily, 11am & 1pm): Head to Sylvascope to craft your own natural broomstick using twigs, branches, and autumn foliage guided by Harewood's warlocks and witches.
• Spooky Tree Spotter Trail (Daily, 10am–4:30pm): Explore the estate to spot ancient trees with twisted trunks, hollows, and mysterious shapes hidden in the landscape.
• Adventure Playscape & Willow Maze (Daily, 10am–5pm): Burn off energy on zip wires, climbing frames, slides, and swing bridges, or explore the treehouse view from Sylvascope and the Woodland Wonderland Willow Maze.
• Mysterious Trees Talk (26th–30th Oct, 2pm): Join the Garden Team to uncover ancient folklore, myths, and legends surrounding Harewood's tree collection.
• Autumnal Safari Bags (Daily, 10am–4pm): Grab a loan bag packed with binoculars, compasses, torches, and spotter maps to explore local wildlife up close.
• Adventure Cinema: Hocus Pocus (24th Oct, 6pm): Watch the classic Halloween movie outdoors under the stars on the North Lawn (additional booking required).
• Lego Club Spooky Special (1st Nov, 12pm–3pm): Let young builders construct haunted mansions and spooky characters in the Education Suite.

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Plan Your Visit 📅

Essential details for visiting Harewood House during October Half Term:

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Admission & Offers

KIDS GO FREE

Children go free during half term! Adult online admission is £22.55 when booked in advance before 10am. Free for Harewood Members and under 4s. Access scheme tickets available for £3.

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Dates & Hours

24th October – 1st November 2026
• Grounds open daily from 10am – 5pm.

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House Status

Please note the main House is closed during half term for Magic at the Mansion event preparations; grounds, gardens, and playscapes remain open.

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Online Booking

Book advance day tickets directly on the official website at harewood.org to save on gate prices.

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Visitor Tip

Broomstick making is included with entry but operates at set session times (11am and 1pm)—head over to Sylvascope early to secure your spot!

Getting There 🗺️

📍 Event Location:

Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG

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🚗 By Car

Situated at the junction of the A61 and A659, central between Leeds and Harrogate. Free visitor parking is available on site.

🚌 By Bus

The 36 bus service runs regularly between Leeds, Harrogate, and Ripon, stopping directly at the Harewood main entrance gates.