Knaresborough Castle to open underground tunnel as part of halfterm entertainment

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Free family-friendly Halloween entertainment will be on offer during half-term across the Harrogate district.

Schools break up in a week's time. In Knaresborough, people are invited to discover the hidden history of Knaresborough Castle, including a tunnel which was used for covert escapes.

The Sallyport, a remnant of medieval military strategy, allowed soldiers to sneak in and out of the fortress undetected.

Visitors can experience this part of the castle’s defence firsthand during its rare opening.

For younger children the revamped Castle Critters Room will be open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10am to 3.30pm.

Admission is £4 for adults, with children free. On November 1, Knaresborough Library will be visiting for story time.

From October 29 to November 3 families can explore the Royal Pump Room in Harrogate. On Thursday, October 31, there is free object handling drop-in session with the museum team.

There is also a bat hunt trail where visitors have to find the creatures hiding around the museum. There is no need to book, and admission is £4 with children free.

North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for culture and arts, Councillor Simon Myers, said:

A free make and take session will also be taking place at the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate as an all-day drop-in from 10am to 4pm from Tuesday to Sunday.

Knaresborough library will host junk modelling, Halloween craft sessions, Lego day and bedtime stories and crafts.

Adult Learning North Yorkshire is also offering free Halloween-themed family activities across the county.

The family fun with crafts sessions are designed for parents, carers, and their children to come together and create eco-friendly Halloween decorations using basic, sustainable materials.

Events are taking place at in libraries at Ripon, Knaresborough, and Harrogate, between October 28 and November 1.