Love is in the air

This Friday is Valentine’s Day, and what better way to mark the occasion than with a date night?

From special menus at Amber’s, Lilypad, The West Park Hotel, and The Pine Marten to a black-tie dinner with a five-course menu and live music at The Crown Hotel, there’s plenty going on this February 14. 

And if you’d like something a bit different and alternative, how about watching My Bloody Valentine at Starling’s Valentine’s horror pop-up cinema?

Visit the websites of the above venues for full details.

Listen to Fleetwood Mac songs by candlelight

The Music of Fleetwood Mac by Candlelight returns to Ripon Cathedral.

Featuring a cast of West End singers and a live band, the show will feature best-loved songs including Little Lies, The Chain, Rhiannon, Don’t Stop, and many more, performed at the beautiful Ripon Cathedral by Candlelight.

So, Go Your Own Way, release your inner Gypsy, and book your tickets, as it is the concert of Dreams.

From £20, 7.30pm, February 14, Ripon Cathedral, Liberty Court House, Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT.

Watch a family-friendly show

Julia Donaldson and Sara Ogilvie’s well-loved story, The Detective Dog, is brought to life at Harrogate Theatre by Tiny & Tall Productions this Saturday.

The show is based on a dog named Nell, who is known for her sleuthing skills thanks to her ever-sniffing nose. She puts them to good use and solves all manner of crimes and helps to find the things that her untidy owner, Peter, mislays. 

When she’s not cracking cases, Nell goes to school with Peter and listens to the children read stories, but one day the books go missing. Does Nell find the culprit? Watch the show to find out.

From £14, 12 noon and 2.30pm, February 15, Harrogate Theatre, 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.

Keep the kids entertained

The kids break up for February half term this Friday, and there’s lots going on at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

From live storytelling, crafting, and charcoal making, there will also be plenty of opportunity to spot the signs of spring, from snowdrops sprouting up through the ground to frog spawn on the ponds. Pick up an activity sheet from any admission point to tick them off your list as you head out on your spring adventure.

'Springo spotter' sheet, every day 10am-4pm, February 15-23, Fountains Abbey, Ripon, HG4 3DY.

See if you can spot a spirit on a ghost hunt

Ripon Workhouse is holding its Haunting Nights Ghost Hunt, where attendees will get the opportunities to see what life in the workhouse was like and hopefully experience the many spooky goings-on that are reported by staff and visitors alike.

Many have apparently seen ghostly figures in parts of the building, unexplained bangs, knocks, and doors opening and closing of their own accord. Some have also reported having their clothes pulled and voices coming from empty rooms.

There will be lots of opportunities to spot haunting goings-on throughout the evening.

£45 per person, from 8pm until late, February 16, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE.