For most of us an education at the prestigious Harrow School is pretty much out of reach, however, the good news is that it is possible to set foot inside these hallowed halls. Each year, the school is opened to the public a couple of times for a tour – and here’s what you can expect:
The tour starts at 2pm at Bill’s Yard, outside the school entrance and lasts for one and a half hours. Tickets cost £8.50 for adults (£7.50 for concessions) and £4.50 for children and these can be bought online from the school’s website.
This year, the school have already conducted five public tours and are to host a sixth one, which will include visits to key sites such as the Speech Room, Chapel, and War Memorial.
The tour does involve steps – at the front entrance and once inside to reach the museum / display room and so may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
The tour begins in the chapel opposite the school – an intimate church with stunning stained glass windows. We took a seat as our tour guide told us a little of the history of the chapel which forms an important part of the week for Harrow School students who attend services in ‘shifts’.
The tour then moves into the school through the imposing entrance which boasts an equally impressive staircase. Moving upstairs we find ourselves in a room which serves as a museum with glass cases of artefacts of objects of interest.
Making our way back downstairs, we are led to the Fourth Form Room where visitors are able to view the many names that have been carved on the walls – including, of course, Lord Byron. This room was used in a famous scene from the movie Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone, for fans of the film a special treat is in store!.
It is at this point that, shockingly, we’re told that Byron was once involved in a plot to burn the school down – only to change his mind when he realised that this would destroy the huge number of carvings in the room.
The tour ends in The Speech Room where we’re told a little about the students’ daily routines, the many rules they are required to follow and, the costs involved in attending the school.
If you’re interested in the history of Harrow School – and getting a glimpse inside this impressive building then the tour is well worth the ticket price.
Beyond the tour itself, the school also hosts events like weddings, conferences, and corporate away days.
If you missed the tour this time around, don’t worry – the sixth tour of the year will be announced soon, so keep an eye on the website for details.
Nicci, born in Cumbria in 1971, moved to London at 17 to work for Mute Records. She has a diverse career spanning design, copywriting, and PR. Nicci is an author, freelance copywriter, and PR professional, with her own agency, Front Page Promotions. She covers historical stories for Harrow Online and has authored several books. She currently resides in Harrow, North West London
