Step inside a historic Yorkshire manor with royal and literary connections

Take advantage of the bank holiday weekend’s open house viewings at Norton Conyers in Ripon, one of Yorkshire’s most intriguing historic homes. The late medieval house, with its distinctive Dutch gables and Stuart and Georgian additions, has been in the Graham family since 1624.

The tours of the house offer a chance to explore the historic interiors, including the room traditionally associated with James II of England, as well as the house’s literary connection to Charlotte Brontë. Brontë visited in 1839 and Norton Conyers is thought to have inspired elements of Thornfield Hall in Jane Eyre.

Visitors can also explore the 18th-century walled garden, with its Orangery, ornamental pond and herbaceous borders.

£15 for adults; under-16s and Historic Houses members are free, tours at 1pm, 2pm and 3pm, August 28-31, Norton Conyers, Wath, Ripon, HG4 5EQ.

Last weekend to meet the artists

NiddArt Trail enters its final weekend, bringing together artists, makers and craftspeople across Nidderdale for a celebration of the area’s creative talent.

Alongside local artists, the trail also features visiting artists, giving audiences the chance to discover work from artists from further afield alongside established names from the region.

With exhibitions, open studios and demonstrations taking place at venues throughout the dale, the trail offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of work, including painting, ceramics, jewellery, photography, textiles, glass and sculpture.

Various times and venues; see the website for details, until Monday, August 31.

A fun-filled afternoon for the whole family

Pannal Cricket Club will host its Family Gala on Sunday, bringing an afternoon of activities, food and entertainment to the club for all ages.

Visitors can take part in a Crazy Colour Run (£10 per child, sign up here or on the day), fun dog show and inflatable obstacle course, with stalls and games also on offer throughout the afternoon. 

Food from the barbecue, as well as pizza, will be available to buy while the bar will serve a selection of drinks including Pimm’s and Aperol.

Free entry, 1-5pm, August 30, Pannal Cricket Club, Burn Bridge Lane, Harrogate, HG3 1PF.

Have a day at the races

The final Family Funday of the season takes place at Ripon Racecourse on bank holiday Monday, offering a day of racing, entertainment and family fun.

The event, themed ‘Curtains Up at the Races’, will bring a touch of theatre to Yorkshire’s Garden Racecourse, with plenty of action both on and off the track.

Highlights will include a Pantomime Race, in collaboration with Harrogate Theatre, as well as a Children’s Character Onesie Derby. Young visitors can also enjoy a programme of theatrical-themed entertainment, including a lively circus, making it a fun day out for the whole family.

Free for under-18s when accompanied by an adult, adult tickets start at £7, gates open at 11.30am, August 31, Ripon Racecourse, Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, HG4 1UG. 

Minis, motors and family fun 

Newby Hall will host Mini National Day on August 30, bringing Mini enthusiasts together for a static car show celebrating the marque in all its forms, from classic and modern models to standard, modified and unusual vehicles. 

The event will feature Mini trade stands, craft stalls, fairground rides and children’s rides, a children’s driving experience, food and drink stalls, face painting, bungee trampolines and a reptile and snake encounter. 

Visitors can also explore Newby Hall’s award-winning gardens, adventure playground and other attractions, including the miniature railway and river boat rides. 

The Mini National Day itself is free but garden admission prices apply. Free for under-fours, £16 for children aged four to 15, £22 for adults, 9.30am-3pm, August 30, Newby Hall, Ripon, HG4 5AE.