5 alternative Easter activities in and around Harrogate

Last updated Mar 27, 2024

(Image above: a Frank Sinatra tribute act is performing on Easter Monday at Grantley Hall)

Easter has come early this year and there are some brilliant activities this weekend – see our 7 Easter activities to keep the kids entertained – but aside from this there are other goings-on in and around Harrogate; read on for inspiration aplenty…

Watch a Frank Sinatra tribute act at Grantley Hall

Listen to Phil Fryer belt out some of the most iconic Frank Sinatra songs of all time including My Way, Strangers In The Night and Come Fly With Me.

Dining during the performance is already fully booked for the event, but guests can sip drinks and enjoy the show in newly relaunched The Orchard’s lounge area where Phil will perform some of Frank’s biggest hits. Or you can always make a reservation to dine in Fletchers restaurant pre- or post-show instead.

Free, limited spaces available, first come, first serve, 1.30pm-3pm, April 1, Grantley Hall, Ripon, HG4 3ET.

Learn how to make pasta from scratch

Pixaby

If you’re walking or up in the Yorkshire Dales this Easter weekend and you fancy trying your hand at something a little bit different, why not take part in a pasta making workshop?

Keld resident Chris Giles demonstrates how you can make pasta from scratch using no specialist equipment. All ingredients are included, and afterwards you can savour the fruits of your labour with a hearty bowl of what you’ve cooked.

£30, March 31, 1-4pm, The Keld Resource Centre, Keld, Richmond, DL11 6LJ.

Take part in traditional Yorkshire Dales dancing

Nidd Music and Dance

Did you know that there’s traditional music and dances that derive from Yorkshire Dales’ villages? Help to keep it alive by taking part in this event at Ripley Town Hall.

Each traditional Dales dance such as the Kendal Ghyll and the Huntsman’s Chorus is explained and walked through before you dance to them, all to the background of live folk music.

Free for children, £10 for adults, 6.30pm-10pm, March 30, Ripley Town Hall, HG3 3AX.

Visit Ripley Castle Markets

Ripley Castle Markets

Taking place on the last Sunday of every month from February to December, this month Ripley Castle Markets is holding a seasonal market. It will bring together more than 40 independent local artisans, producers and creatives to showcase their wares all to the backdrop of the Grade I listed building.

Goodies and treats that will be available include breads and cakes from Baltzersen’s, Skipton’s Antony’s Biltong, cookie boxes from Carlton Kitchen, cheeses from Wharfedale Fine Cheeses, plus something for your four-legged friends, as well as present ideas inspiration aplenty.

You can make a day of it too as on market day, the castle and grounds are free to visit. And there will be extra Easter activities including a bunny hunt, children’s craft activities – click here for more information – and guided tours of the castle.

Free, there’s an additional cost for the children’s craft activities and castle tours and pre-booking for these is advised, March 31, 10am-3pm, Ripley Castle, HG3 3AY.

Laugh out loud at a comedy show

Harrogate Theatre

If you’ve not yet been to one of the regular Hyena Lounge Comedy Club nights at Harrogate Theatre, this Saturday could be the opportune occasion as there’s a trio of brilliant stand-up comedians including Hal Cruttenden, Simon Evans and Jenny Hart, all led by the compere for the night, Danny McLoughlin.

From £20, 8pm, March 30, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.