Founded in 1912, the Fund is one of the oldest supporting 'Friends' bodies for the visual arts in Great Britain. Through subscriptions and fund raising events the LACF enriches the collections of the Leeds Galleries. Adjacent to Temple Newsam House is the country's largest approved Rare Breeds Centre - Home Farm. Visitors to this working farm will see pigs, goats, horses and poultry. There are also displays of farm machinery and past farming methods.
Admission is free.
The gardens are used, in the summer, as the venue for pop, ballet and opera concerts, which attract thousands of spectators. The grounds surrounding the House and Farm offer a wealth of attractions throughout the year, not least the displays of rhododendrons and azaleas which are at their best in early July. The Estate is also home to 300 acres of mixed woodland, providing a home for many insects, birds and mammals.