Watch the Knaresborough Bed Race

The biggest day in Knaresborough's calendar returns for its 58th year this Saturday.

The event, which is organised by Knaresborough Lions, has taken place on the second Saturday of June annually since 1966.

Besides the 2.4-mile bed race itself, the day will include a parade through the town, food and drink stalls, and attractions for children at Conyngham Hall.

The theme for this year’s event is TV adverts. 

Looking to go watch the race? The town is known to be filled to the brim with spectators, so it’s wise to arrive early or go by train. Keep an eye out for our upcoming article on road closures.

Enjoy Pizza in the Park

Swinton Estate near Ripon is firing up the ovens and holding its pop-up dining experience at The Deer House.

Guests can enjoy an antipasto sharing board and a fresh wood-fired pizza of their choice, followed by dessert, all the while taking in the surrounding parkland vistas that the venue looks out over.

The children’s menu (recommended for under 10’s) includes a small pizza followed by an ice cream. This weekend will be the first of the eight 'Pizza in the Park' events held across the summer, but make sure you book in advance, as it's very popular.

£19.50 per child, £37.50 per adult, 12.30pm-7.30pm on June 14 and 12.30pm to 5pm on June 15, Swinton Park Hotel, Ripon, HG4 4JH.

Explore local artists’ work

This weekend is the last opportunity to visit local artists’ studios as part of an annual initiative.

North Yorkshire Open Studios provides an opportunity for artists to meet people and promote and sell their work directly to the public.

The event, which is in its 18th year, features work by more than 200 artists across the county and takes place across the first two weekends of June.

Free, 10am-5pm, June 14-15; visit the website for locations.

Have fish and chips at a National Trust property

Nunnington Hall is a picturesque country house featuring beautiful gardens, exhibitions, a tearoom, and a woodland playground.

This Father’s Day, it is putting on a laid-back event where father figures can savour fish and chips on the main lawn and enjoy the music of Bilsdale Silver Band.

The band will be performing on the main lawn at noon and 1.15pm. 

Normal admission charges apply, which include access to the house, gardens, and performance. Free entry for National Trust members and under fives.

Children 5-17 years old £6, adults £12, 10.30am-5pm, June 15, Nunnington Hall, Nunnington, York, YO62 5UY.

Go to a classic car event

Castle Howard is holding a special Father’s Day Classic Car & Motor Show on Sunday. It will feature more than 500 vintage, classic, and modern cars and motorcycles, in addition to live commentary, vehicle judging and awards.

There will also be live music, trade and autojumble stalls, and food and drink available to purchase. 

Visit the website for prices (various ticket options available), 10am-4pm, June 15, Castle Howard, near Malton, YO60 7DA.

Also check out...

North Yorkshire’s largest agricultural show

Up to 8,000 people are expected at the North Yorkshire County Show as it makes its return after a year off. It will be held at Otterington Hall, in Northallerton, on Sunday, after last year’s show was cancelled due to a lack of volunteers.

Alongside its sponsors, the community has rallied around its local show and planned an action-packed line-up of events, including livestock judging, craft and baking competitions, as well as the showing of vintage tractors and classic cars.

Under fives free, children five to 15 years old £8, adults £12, June 15, Otterington Hall, Northallerton, DL7 9HW.