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As you stand on the Terrace looking towards the Lake you will see the Old Stables to your right at the bottom of the hill. These are arranged around an attractive courtyard.
Building work on the Stables Courtyard began early in 1755, the identity of architect of the Stables is not certain, as the plans and correspondence are lost. We do know that the superintendent of the works was Robert Carr of Horbury, near Wakefield and that his son John also worked on the project. Evidence suggests that John Carr, emerging as the brightest young architect in Yorkshire, was the architect of the Stables, although the building is not typical of his later designs.
 When completed the Stables were universally admired by visitors, who found the building magnificent and beautiful. With space for up to 60 horses, and rooms above for coachmen and grooms, the building must certainly have been the bustling heart of the estate. By the twentieth century the coachmen had made way for chauffeurs and the Stables were adapted to house motor vehicles including the Rolls Royce belonging to the Princess Royal, daughter of King George V and mother of the present Earl of Harewood.
Since the 1950s, when Harewood opened to the public, the Stables have housed visitor facilities including exhibition spaces, a shop and a restaurant. Work has recently been completed to restore the fabric of the grade I listed Stable Block, re-developing its interior in order to improve visitor facilities and access.
The restored and refurbished Courtyard has wonderful new facilities including the new Cafe, with stunning views from the Lakeside Terrace; a new shop; conference and training facilites; education activity centre; and hospitailty suites.
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