Celebrate Mother’s Day at Harewood House Surrounded by Blooms & Art

Let's be honest, finding the perfect thing to do for Mother's Day can be a bit of a puzzle. A bunch of flowers is lovely, but what about a whole house full of them? A box of chocolates is a classic, but what about a proper afternoon tea with tiny sandwiches and fancy cakes? Well, Harewood House, just outside Leeds, has basically taken all the best bits of Mother's Day and put them all in one spectacular place. It’s a day out that mixes stunning art and beautiful blooms with plenty of space for children to run wild, making it a brilliant option for the whole family. This year, the grand rooms of the house are filled with incredible floral installations and a unique art exhibition, offering a treat for all the senses.

A house full of flowers (and not the kind that need watering)

Picture this: walking through the grand State Floor of Harewood House and being met with breathtaking displays of flowers in every room. But these aren't just any old arrangements. The famous Yorkshire-based florist, Leafy Couture, has created a series of stunning silk floral installations across four of the historic rooms. These incredible arrangements aren't just pretty to look at; they tell a story. Each one is inspired by the changing seasons and by the priceless historic collections within Harewood itself, like the rare Sèvres porcelain. It’s a clever way of mixing the old with the new, bringing the beauty of nature inside the house. These beautiful blooms and intricate installations provide a colourful and fragrant backdrop for a special day out. The fact that they are silk flowers means these perfect arrangements will look fresh for the entire duration of the exhibition, a masterpiece of conservation in itself. These floral masterpieces by Leafy Couture are truly a sight to behold.

Art for everyone, not just the experts

The inspiration behind all these incredible flowers is a brand-new art exhibition, the first of its kind for Harewood. It’s called Charlotte Verity, The Season Following. The exhibition showcases the work of the acclaimed artist Charlotte Verity, featuring paintings of plants and flowers that she has created over the last 20 years. It’s like taking a walk through the seasons, from the quiet of winter to the warmth of a summer's day, all without leaving the house. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey through five of the magnificent state rooms, with some paintings being shown to the public for the very first time. There are even painted poems scattered amongst the art, making it a moment for a bit of quiet reflection on the beauty of nature. The connection between the paintings and the floral arrangements makes the whole experience feel complete.

Zoë Hughes, Head of Public Programme at Harewood House Trust, commented:

"Mother’s Day at Harewood is about celebrating beauty in all its forms - flowers, art, and nature. From Leafy Couture’s spectacular blooms to Charlotte Verity’s seasonal paintings, I hope we’ve created the perfect way for families to come together, explore, and create lasting memories."

The quintessential treat: afternoon tea with a special touch

A day out isn't quite complete without a treat, is it? And for a celebration like Mother's Day, it has to be a proper afternoon tea. At Harewood, they’ve made it extra special. Anyone booking the quintessential afternoon tea experience will find a complimentary glass of fizz waiting for their mum. It’s a lovely touch. The tea itself is just what is hoped for: artisan teas, beautifully hand-crafted sandwiches, and, of course, freshly baked cakes and scones. What's even better is that booking the afternoon tea also includes full access to the House, the beautiful Gardens, and the sprawling Grounds. This means the family can spend the whole day exploring everything Harewood has to offer, from the historic collections inside the house to the stunning landscape outside, making the celebration last all day long.

Keeping the little ones from getting bored

A big worry for any family day out is making sure the children are happy. Harewood has this completely covered. The estate boasts an impressive 140 acres of grounds, which is more than enough space for even the most energetic kids to explore. There’s a fantastic Adventure Playground for climbing, swinging, and sliding, a magical willow maze in the Woodland Wonderland, and even a journey through the Sylvascope Treehouse. For those who love a good walk, there are nature trails and safari bags to bring the surrounding landscape to life. There's even a special family trail inspired by the Charlotte Verity exhibition. And if the weather isn't playing ball, the Servants’ Hall Family Fun Space has plenty of indoor creative activities, books, and games. For budding artists, there’s a special Mother’s Day Art Club on Sunday 15 March at 10:30 am. Led by an experienced artist, it’s a great chance for children to get creative and take home their own marvellous creations.

The important bits: planning a visit

Thinking of heading to Harewood? Here is what visitors need to know.

• Exhibition: Charlotte Verity, The Season Following

• Dates: The exhibition runs from 23 January – 22 March 2026 (Friday–Sunday only), and then daily from 23 March – 7 June 2026.

• Venue: Harewood House, Harewood, Leeds LS17 9LG.

• Art Club: The special Mother's Day session is on Sunday 15 March 2026 at 10.30am.

• Admission: Adult tickets start from £22.50 and children from £10 when booked at least 24 hours in advance. Harewood members and children under 4 get in for free.

• Group Visits: There are reduced rates for group visits of 10 or more adults, with benefits for the organiser and coach driver.

A visit to Harewood House for Mother's Day is more than just a day out; it’s an experience that blends art, nature, and history with a few special treats thrown in. It’s a chance to see some incredible paintings, wander through rooms filled with stunning flower arrangements, and enjoy the magnificent gardens and grounds, all while making some great family memories.