Harewood House is set to host the region’s largest-ever pug meet-up on Sunday 2nd August, bringing together pugs and their humans for a day of celebrations in honour of iconic photographer Cecil Beaton and his beloved canine companion, Simba.
The event has been inspired by the estate’s current exhibition, Cecil Beaton: Staging Icons, created alongside the National Portrait Gallery. Beyond his creative career, Beaton was famous for his devotion to his pugs, frequently posing alongside Simba in photographs.
To celebrate that connection, Harewood is inviting pug owners from across the region to gather on the estate’s grand steps at 10:30am for a massive group photograph.
Following the photo, attendees will take a short trip across the water on Harewood’s ferry, specially renamed Captain Pugwash for the occasion, to reach the Walled Garden. Once there, every attending pug can enjoy a complimentary puppuccino from The Bothy cafe before spending the rest of the day exploring the historic grounds.
Pollyanna Hall, Head of Marketing and Audiences at Harewood House Trust, said: “Cecil Beaton was famous for his creativity, style and larger-than-life personality, but he was also incredibly fond of pugs. We wanted to celebrate that lesser-known side of his life by bringing together Yorkshire’s pug community for a fun and memorable day at Harewood. We’re incredibly proud to be hosting Yorkshire’s biggest ever pug meet-up.”
The gathering forms part of Harewood’s wider summer activities, which also feature a ‘Spot Simba the Pug Trail’ inside the house for children.
Event Details & Guidelines
- Date: Sunday 2nd August
- 10:30am: Group photo on the steps of Harewood House
- 11:00am: Ferry crossing to the Walled Garden & complimentary puppuccinos
- Tickets: One pug owner receives complimentary entry to the grounds. Additional family members will need a standard day ticket or Harewood membership.
Dogs must be kept on short leads at all times across the estate. While pugs are welcome throughout the gardens and grounds, only assistance dogs are permitted inside Harewood House itself and the Terrace Café. Tickets can be booked here.
