Channel your adventurous spirit with orienteering

Do you like getting out in the great outdoors and exploring? Then why not discover more of your local area with Claro Orienteering’s Give It A Go event on Saturday.

Taking place in Hookstone Woods, Harrogate, there will be short courses of approximately 1km, as well as some slightly longer and more challenging ones at 2-3km, and you can do as many as you like.

Aimed at newcomers of all ages, participants will be given an electronic timing chip to borrow and a map, and there will also be helpers on hand. 

You never know, once you’ve tried it, you may be keen to carry on this new sport for 2025; there's even an event on the following weekend on January 19 in Harrogate town centre.

£3 for juniors, and £4 for adults, Claro members are half price, 1.30pm-3pm (courses close at 3.15pm), January 11, 14th Harrogate Scout Hut, Showground, Woodlands, Harrogate, HG2 8PN.

Create your own canvas

Major Tom’s Social Bar is running its first pop-up sip and paint event of 2025 on Sunday.

The event will be themed on Scottish oil painter, Gordon Bruce’s Winter Light painting that depicts a stunning wintry landscape, and participants can try their hand at creating their own masterpiece.

No prior experience is needed, and all art supplies including paint, brushes, canvas and aprons are included.

£32.99, 3.30pm- 6pm, January 12, Major Tom’s Social Bar, The Ginnel, Harrogate, HG1 2RB. 

If you go to any of these events, don't forget to mention that you found them via The Stray Ferret. Also check out more things to do.

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Watch Harrogate Town vs Leeds United in the FA Cup

The much-anticipated match between Harrogate Town and Leeds United takes place on January 11. 

Kicking off at 5.45pm at Elland Road stadium, the game is sold out, but it will be streamed live on BBC iPlayer and venues across town will be screening the match.

It is the first competitive game between the two sides, with Harrogate Town in League Two and Leeds United in the Championship. Read more about it here.

5.45pm, January 11.

Watch Yorkshire’s longest continuous running big band play in concert

Listen to the impressive sounds of the 18-piece band Echo 42 Big Band.

Featuring guest feature vocalists, Yorkshire’s longest continuous running big band will be playing on Sunday, making an upbeat start to 2025.

Free, 2.30pm, January 12, Starbeck Methodist Church, 93 High Street, Harrogate, HG2 7LH.

Kick start a new fitness, health and wellbeing regime

Now that we’re in the New Year, you might be inclined to get your body moving once again.

And what better way to get inspired and motivated than with a personal trainer or by heading to the gym?

Luckily for you, we’ve got a comprehensive hotlist showcasing the top gyms and personal trainers in and around Harrogate.

So whatever stage you’re at with your fitness journey, there’s something for everyone – whether it’s a private gym for women over the age of 50 or a mobile personal trainer, be sure to check them out here.