Historic houses, sweeping lawns and art galore – looking for the best stately homes and gardens in and around Leeds? We’ve got you covered.
Visiting a country house is like stepping into a bygone era. From the grandeur of the architecture to the unparalleled craftsmanship that went into every piece of furniture, it’s a world away from our modern lives and a welcome escape. But where should you go? Here, we’ve listed some must-visit stately homes and gardens in and around Leeds, each as good as the last, so why not work your way through them all?
Planning a cultural day-out in the city? Check out our guides on the best art galleries and museums in Leeds.
Harewood House, Leeds
Designed by John Carr and Robert Adam, Harewood House is one of the most impressive stately homes in Leeds. It’s a shining example of Georgian architecture, but the real delights await inside. You see, Harewood is one of the Treasure Houses of England. It has an incredible collection of art, displayed as it was intended, amongst Robert Adam’s original interiors.
Thomas Chippendale furniture, Sèvres porcelain and Liège clocks – this is a glimpse into another world, where superior craftsmanship is honoured above all else. Outside, the grounds were landscaped by Capability Brown and will take you on a wild adventure through lush Himalayan foliage, lakeside woodlands and practical plot-to-plate kitchen gardens. Wildlife is also in abundance – will you spot the Red Kites on your visit?
Where? Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS17 9LG.
When? Open Friday to Sunday during winter and 7 days a week during summer.
How much? Day tickets start from £22.50 for adults and £10 for children. Membership is £59 annually and gives you unlimited visits for a year, with family and joint bundles available.
Typical visit duration: 3–5 hours.
Parking options: Free on-site parking.
Bramham Park, Leeds
Built in 1698 and inspired by Lord Bingley’s grand tour, Bramham Park toes the line between traditional baroque and Palladian architecture. As to who designed it, no one knows. Many a famous name has been thrown around, including Giacomo Leoni, Thomas Archer and James Paine, but the most popular theory is that Lord Bingley designed it himself.
In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful country houses in Leeds. It’s surrounded by 900 acres of rolling countryside. Here too, you’ll find a juxtaposition of styles, as the strict formality of 17th-century design gives way to the natural landscapes of the 18th century. Needless to say, there’s oodles of exploring to be done – you can hunt out the hidden follies or simply follow the public footpath across the estate and take in the views, the choice is yours.
Where? Bramham Park, Bramham Lane, Wetherby, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS23 6ND.
When? The house and gardens are open by appointment only.
How much? Entry to the house is £15 per person, with a minimum party of 10, and entry to the gardens is £8 for adults and £5 for concessions and children.
Typical visit duration: 2–5 hours.
Parking options: Free on-site parking.
Temple Newsam, Leeds
© Copyright Leeds-List 2026
A Tudor-Jacobean mansion blessed with 42 beautifully preserved rooms, Temple Newsam is one of the most impressive stately homes in Leeds. It’s been transformed into a country house museum, where you can see one of the most important collections of fine and decorative arts in Britain, alongside the original furniture, ceramics, textiles and silver.
Temple Newsam tells the story of the people who lived and worked there, including Lord Thomas Darcy, who was beheaded by Henry VIII just 17 years after completing the house, and Lord Darnley, the notorious husband of Mary, Queen of Scots. When you tire of the history, head outside to enjoy the gardens, landscaped by Capability Brown. Take a winding walk around the Menagerie Ponds, explore the hidden woodlands or visit Home Farm.
Where? Temple Newsam, Temple Newsam Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS15 0AE.
When? The house is open from Tuesday to Sunday throughout the year.
How much? Tickets to the house are £10.50 for adults and £4.50 for children, or with a visit to Home Farm, they’re £17.55 for adults and £12.15 for children. Bundles are available. The grounds are free to explore.
Typical visit duration: 2–4 hours.
Parking options: Paid on-site parking available, which costs £1.20 up to 2 hours, £2.70 up to 4 hours, and £4.50 up to 12 hours.
Lotherton, Leeds
Credit: Leeds Museums and Galleries
As stately homes go, this is one of the best in Leeds. Lotherton Hall is a grand country house on the outskirts of the city. It acts as a doorway into the past, showing you how the upper classes lived in 19th-century Britain and inviting you to venture below stairs into the carefully restored servants’ quarters. You can even see the clothes of the time in their specialist fashion galleries.
As you explore, you’ll stumble upon famous works of art and carefully crafted pieces by the most important designers and makers of the time. From fine furniture to ceramics and jewellery, it has it all. The view from outside this stunning stately home is just as good. Landscaped Edwardian gardens give way to orchards and deer parks, while closer to home, Lotherton’s very own zoo, Wildlife World, promises Humboldt penguins, capybaras and more.
Where? Lotherton, Lotherton Lane, Aberford, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS25 3EB.
When? The house is open daily from March to October.
How much? Tickets are from £10.50 for adults and £6.25 for children (3-15 years) when booked online.
Typical visit duration: 2–4 hours.
Parking options: Free on-site parking during peak time. Paid parking of £2 per visit during off-peak hours (before 10am and after 3:15pm in the winter, and before 9am and after 4:15pm between March and October).
Oakwell Hall & Country Park, Birstall
Credit: Elliott Brown licensed under Creative Commons for commercial use.
Make your way out to Birstall for a visit to the gorgeous Oakwell Hall Country Park. The sprawling gardens centre around a beautifully preserved Elizabethan manor built in 1583 for the Batt family. Step inside and you’ll be transported back in time to the 1690s, with rooms dressed just as they would have been when the house was a busy family home. There’s even a literary Yorkshire link here, as the house is said to have inspired Charlotte Brontë’s Shirley.
Outside, there’s over 100 acres of proper Yorkshire countryside, from restored formal gardens to woodland and meadows. Expect easy walking trails, wildlife spotting and plenty of space to roam – whether you’re here for a quiet wander or a full day out. Our advice is to pack a picnic, as there’s plenty of sites around the grounds where you can sit down and tuck in.
Where? Oakwell Hall & Country Park, Nova Lane, Birstall, Batley, West Yorkshire, WF17 9LF.
When? Open weekends, or from Tuesday to Sunday during Kirklees school holidays.
How much? The grounds are free to explore. Admission to the house is typically £3.50 for adults and £1 per child.
Typical visit duration: 2–3 hours.
Parking options: Free nearby car parks on Nutter Lane and Bradford Road.
Shibden Hall, Halifax
Dating back to 1420, Shibden Hall is one of West Yorkshire’s oldest surviving houses, shaped over centuries by the Lister family. It’s best known as the home of Anne Lister – diarist, businesswoman and all-round trailblazer – whose unapologetic approach to life inspired Gentleman Jack. This rich heritage gives the place a proper sense of personality and intrigue as you wander through its rooms.
Today, it’s as much about the grounds as the house itself. Set within Shibden Park, you’ll find everything from charming restored gardens to breathtaking woodland walks. But that’s not all. Shibden also boasts a play area, orienteering course, boating lake and miniature railway. It’s the ideal pick for a family day out that’s packed with plenty of fascinating history and fun activities.
Where? Shibden Hall, Shibden Park, Lister’s Road, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX3 6XG.
When? Open daily from March to early November.
How much? Tickets are £10 for adults and £7.50 for concessions. Family bundle tickets available.
Typical visit duration: 2–3 hours.
Parking options: Nearby paid car parks include Shibden Park (Mereside) off the A58 and limited parking on Shibden Hall Road (Upper Car Park), with both costing from 50p for up to 30 minutes to £5 for over 4 hours. Disabled parking available next to the Hall (Shibden Park Museum parking), accessed from Shibden Hall Road.
Beningbrough, York
© Copyright National Trust Images/Chris Lacey
Built around 1716, Beningbrough Hall was designed to impress from the start – a Baroque showpiece created by John Bourchier and his wife Mary. For over 300 years, it’s been everything from a family home to a wartime base, and today, its grand interiors and ornate details still feel like they’re showing off, owing to the magnificent architectural details, sprawling rooms, and stunning artwork. Our favourite detail has to be the sublime cantilever staircase, especially if you’re lucky enough to visit on a day when the nearby piano is being played.
There’s also no shortage of wonder to be found outside of the house. Make your way there and you’ll be met by formal gardens, a walled kitchen garden and plenty of space to explore, as well as an on-site gallery with changing exhibitions. Plus, with a wilderness play area, delicious bites from the on-site brew house and restaurant, and even an outdoor shop selling local produce and homeware, there’s always a good excuse to plan a repeat visit.
Where? Beningbrough, York, North Yorkshire, YO30 1DD.
When? Open daily from March (and select winter dates).
How much? Tickets cost from £16 for adults, £8.80 for children (5-17 years), and entry is free for under 5s and National Trust members. Family bundle tickets available.
Typical visit duration: 2–3 hours.
Parking options: Free on-site parking.
Newby Hall, Ripon
Credit: Harrogate Flower Show
Newby Hall is a proper Georgian showstopper. This exceptional stately home was built back in the 1690s and later refined with elegant interiors by Robert Adam. Once home to wealthy collector William Weddell, it’s packed with classical sculpture, tapestries and antiques. Visiting here feels like you’re walking into an elegant period drama – which shouldn’t be surprising, as it’s often considered to be the real-life inspiration behind Downton Abbey.
The gardens more than hold their own, too. Think 25 acres of colourful borders, formal layouts and riverside views, with each step being more awe-inspiring than the last. Got the little ones in tow? Well, there’s plenty to keep them happy too, with The Bear House and Dollhouse exhibitions inside, and adventure playground and miniature railway outside. It’s an easy win for a day out that mixes culture with a good wander.
Where? Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE.
When? Wednesday to Sunday and bank holidays during school term-time, or open daily throughout Easter, May half-term and summer school holidays. Closed from Monday 14th to Sunday 20th September 2026.
How much? £29.80 for house and garden tickets for adults, and £24 for children. Garden admission only costs £19.80 for adults, £15 for children (4-15 years), and £5 for 2-3 year olds. Under 2s can enter the gardens for free.
Typical visit duration: 2–4 hours.
Parking options: Free on-site parking.
