Plans to create a new building for producing jam, honey and cakes at Birchfield Farm at Summerbridge have been approved by North Yorkshire Council.

The proposed single storey facility will complement the farm’s existing tea room and ice cream parlour.

Birchfield Farm is a family run working farm between Harrogate and Pateley Bridge with a range of children’s attractions, including sheep, pigs, goats, and donkeys. It also offers lamb feeding, a maze and ‘pick your own’ events including strawberries and a pumpkin festival.

Plans were submitted on behalf of the applicant by Skipton based rural property planning and development specialists David Hill.

Plans submitted to the council said:

“Over the past few years, the applicant has expanded the farming enterprise to meet demand, by increasing stock numbers and erecting new buildings, as well as improving the onsite ice cream parlour and tearoom.

“The proposal will create an area for producing jam, honey and baked goods as part of the existing farm diversification. This will support the existing business as well as helping the rural economy through the sale of the produce made on the farm.

“Jam will be made from the fruit grown on the farm and honey made from the bees kept on the farm.”

The building, which will measure 11.4 metres by 6.3 metres, will be situated in a concrete yard next to a farm building.

Case officer Edward Bainbridge’s planning report said:

“When assessing the development against the relevant policies and guidance highlighted above it is considered that the overall landscape and visual impact of the proposal, including its impact on the AONB is acceptable.”

The Stray Ferret has approached Birchfield Farm for comment.

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While Easter egg hunts in the garden and eating chocolate eggs are always a nice way to spend the bank holiday weekend, your children may require something more to burn off the sugar rush.

From bunnies and forests, to dragons and the Mad Hatter, we have collated a list of eight Easter-themed activities taking place in the Harrogate district over the holidays that will keep you and your children hopping.

Free craft workshop at Fountains Abbey

If your child is looking to get creative, an Easter craft workshop could be for them.

Swanley Grange, at Fountains Abbey, is hosting a free workshop where you and your children can make your very own sheep badge.

The workshops will be held daily from 11am – 3pm, until Sunday April 16.

All ages are welcome. The event is free, but normal admission prices to Fountains Abbey apply.

Family tickets start at £27.

Find more information on the National Trust website.

Make decorations for free

Ripon charity, Jennyruth Workshops, is inviting visitors to Fountains Abbey to join them in creating an Easter decoration.

Jennyruth provides adults with learning disabilities with a variety of valuable skills, including crafts.

The workshop is free and welcomes families to drop in for some seasonal fun.

Join them at Swanley Grange on Wednesday April 12, from 11.30am – 2.30pm.

The event is free, but normal abbey admission charges apply.

Children’s entry starts at £9.

Click here for more information.

Mad Hatter & Friends Tea Party

If your children fancy a taste of wonderland this Easter, Rascal Entertainment’s Mad Hatter’s Tea Party is a good option.

The event will take place at the Crown Hotel in Harrogate on Good Friday.

Children can expect cookie decorating, on-stage entertainment, face painting and a visit from the Easter bunny – all under the same roof as the Hatter himself.

Family tickets start at £47.

The tea party will run from 12pm – 2pm.

Find more information here.

Mother Shipton’s Easter Bunny Tipi Trail

Mother Shipton’s Easter Bunny Tipi Trail is a place where “every bunny’s welcome”

Children are invited to follow the clues, peep inside the bunny houses and even discover giant eggs.

The trail will also include Easter stories, told by a storyteller, as well as the chance to plant spring seeds.

The trail will run every day until Sunday April 16, from 10am to 5.30pm.

Dogs on leads are welcome everywhere, except for the playground.

Admission prices can be found here.

Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park: The Dragon Egg Quest

For those hoping for a mythical Easter, The Dragon Egg Quest at the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park in Ripon may be a good option.

Children are invited to help storyteller, Dragonella, find a dragon’s egg hidden somewhere in the Himalayan Garden.

The activity will weave a tour of the gardens with some mystical Easter fun.

The quest is suitable for children ages 4 to 10 – children must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets cost £10.

Adventure walks at RHS Harlow Carr

Whether your children need to let off a little more steam, or simply enjoy the beauty of nature, the adventure walks could be a good solution for all the family.

Families can immerse themselves in a guided walk of the grounds of the RHS site, accompanied by the Garden Detectives.

The activity is included in garden admission and is suitable for ages 3+.

The walk will take place on Tuesday April 11 at 11am, 1pm and 3pm.

Click here for more information.

The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt

The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt is a family-friendly way to keep your little bunnies hoppy this Easter.

Ceramic bunnies are hidden in local business around the town centre for you to find.

Families purchase a map to find the bunnies for £3 and all profits go to Lauren Doherty Road Safety talks, New Beginnings and The Memory Lane Café, Knaresborough.

Bunny-finders can expect a sweet prize in return, as well as an entry to win a £50 voucher for event organiser, Painting Pots.

The event will run daily until April 16 and maps can be purchased from Painting Pots.

Find more information on social media.

Birchfield: Easter at the Farm

Birchfield Farm’s Easter at the Farm activities could be a good way to entertain your little lambs.

Children can expect lamb feeding, an Easter trail, and a bouncy castle.

The Easter bunny will also be making an appearance over the bank holiday weekend.

Farmer Tom will be offering farm rides to visit the outside animals, including newly hatched chicks and ducklings.

The family-friendly farm will be offering seasonal activities until April 16, from 10am to 4pm.

Prices start from £6.95.

Find more information here.

February half-term is just around the corner, meaning many parents will be racking their brains for ideas to keep their children entertained for a week. Luckily, there are many options around the Harrogate district to help – keeping both your children and your bank balance happy.

Whether you fancy some fresh air, culture or just harmless fun, we’ve pulled together seven ideas for all the family.

Birchfield Farm: Spring on The Farm

A rural and inexpensive option, Birchfield Farm in Summerbridge will be open 7 days a week for the duration of the school holidays.

Spring on The Farm invites visitors to see pregnant sheep settling in the barns before birth. Some people may even be lucky enough to witness a baby lamb being born. Visitors are also able to bottle feed the lambs from 11am-2pm on a first come, first served basis.

Children can also enjoy seeing piglets, goats, ponies, donkeys and even pet the guinea pigs.

If that isn’t enough, children can also burn off steam on the bouncy castle, play in the mini construction play area and in the outdoor play area. Go-Karts, pedal tractors, swings and a giant outdoor sandpit can also be enjoyed.

The farm also has a café serving hot and cold food & drinks.

All activities are included in the entrance prices – with adults & children’s prices set at £5.95 and under 2s going free.

No booking is required. No dogs are permitted, except for guide dogs or service dogs.

For more information, click here.

Harrogate Indoor Funfair

If your child requires a little (or a lot) more tiring out over half-term, Harrogate Indoor Funfair could be a great option for you. The Funfair will run from 11-19 February, with a quieter session being held on 12 February from 10am-1pm.

With rides, traditional funfair snacks and inflatables, Harrogate Indoor Funfair offers all the joy of a regular funfair in an indoor, climate-controlled space. A nice way to shelter from the inevitable half-term rain.

Harrogate Indoor Funfair will take place at Yorkshire Event Centre, at the Yorkshire Showground. There is free parking at Yorkshire Events Centre and priority parking for Blue Badge holders.

The number 7 and X70 buses stop at Sainsbury’s on Wetherby Road, just one mile from the Funfair entrance.

Prices range from: £12.99 online and £14.99 on the door. Babies in arms go free.

Keep an eye on their website for the upcoming ride list.

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Half-Term Kids Yoga Workshop

If your child has ever asked what you get up to whilst they’re at school, this half-term activity may give them an idea.

Harrogate Yoga and Pilates studio, Ebru Evrim, is hosting a one and a half hour kids yoga workshop this half-term.

The workshop will be brought to life with specially designed music linked to the theme and stories behind the session and lead the children to ultimate relaxation.

The workshop is set to improve concentration and focus, as well as aiding the children to deal with their emotions and self-regulation of moods.

Who knows, your child may even go to bed without any protest that night.

The workshop host, Jenny White, holds a DBS, is fully insured and is also paediatric first aid trained.

Children can expect a day of yoga, arts, dance, mindfulness and, most importantly, lots of fun.

The session is suitable for ages 6-11 years and will cost £12.

Find more information here.

 Ebru Evrim is hosting a kids yoga session.

The Little Gym Holiday Camps: School’s Out, Fun’s In

For those children that may require a little more bounce in their half-term break, The Little Gym Holiday Camps may be a good solution.

Running from Monday 13-Sunday 19 February, The Little Gym in Harrogate is offering gymnastics camps that run from 8.30am-5pm – including a Breakfast Club to help those parents working over the holiday. The camps vary from as little as 3 hours to 7.5 hours a day and children will learn new skills that they can practise and perfect throughout the session.

The sessions vary each week to stimulate children both physically and mentally, all under the care of qualified and dedicated instructors.

The camps, classes and session suitability ranges from 3-8 & 5-12 years.

Half-day prices begin at £35.

Click here for more information.

Ripon Ghost Walk: Children’s Half-Term Special

The Ripon Ghost Walk half-term special is a spookily inexpensive option to feed your child’s fear-factor!

The half-term special Ghost Walk promises the discovery of ancient burial sites, bone finds and maybe even the presence of deceased Ripon residents.

The half-term Ghost Walk begins much earlier than usual at 16.15pm in the Market Square, meaning it will be dark enough for the ghosts to come out, but early enough to ensure your children are still in bed on time.

Prices start from £4 for under 16s and £6 for adults.

Find more information on their website.

Beyond Imagination Emporium Princess Academy: Valentine’s Special

Calling all Prince and Princesses! Beyond Imagination Emporium in Harrogate is re-opening their Princess Academy this February half-term with a Valentine’s special.

The one-hour Princess Academy sessions take place on select dates during school holidays.

There are two Princess Academy sessions taking place on Saturday 11 February. At 11am, children will be joined by Frozen’s Anna and Kristoff, while the 2pm session will be hosted by Beauty and The Beast’s Prince Adam & Belle.

Children spend time learning royal dances, princess etiquette, arts and crafts and fairy-tale play. The session includes sweet treats for the children, as well as refreshments for the parents.

Children can also make a Valentine’s Day card to give to someone special to them.

The sessions cost £13.95 and are ideal for ages 3 – 9 years.

Find more information here.

Children can meet their favourite Prince and Princesses.

Fountains Abbey: Mindful Family Crafts

If you’re looking to join your children in their half-term fun, Fountains Abbey in Ripon is hosting a Mindful Family Crafts event.

The crafting will take place in Swanley Grange, located in the grounds of the Abbey. The event will be running from 11 – 19 February (excluding 12 February), starting at 11am.

Children and parents can get their creative juices flowing using sustainable and natural materials.

The event is suitable for all ages and abilities. Those that may prefer to craft quietly can attend the “crafting quiet hour” from 2pm – 3pm.

The event itself is free, but regular admissions prices apply. Admission for one adult and three children starts from £27.

Click here for more information.

It feels like it creeps up on us earlier every year. Yes folks, it’s the most wonderful time of the year: it’s time to book your Santa visit.

Attractions across the Harrogate district have already started to release tickets.

And while Christmas might still be three months away, it’s advisable to act fast if you want to secure an audience with Mr Claus.

I’ve had the pleasure of taking my boys to meet him a few times over the years at various locations in the area.

Each experience has been excellent and we are definitely spoilt for choice. Santa is clearly a big fan of the Harrogate district.

To help you get organised, here are seven places to see Santa this year:

The Harrogate Father Christmas Experience – Cedar Court Hotel

It’s back and it has been hailed as “bigger and better than ever”.

Last year Father Christmas’s Chief Elf Tinsel, from Enchantica’s, delighted children and grown-ups alongside the big man himself at The Crown Hotel.

This Christmas you can join Santa, Tinsel and all of the Elves at a very magical Elf Village at the Cedar Court Hotel.

And those who are on the good elf list can book places to enjoy two shows this year:

• Elf Training Show – an immersive sing-along elf training experience for the whole family to enjoy.
  Or
• New for 2022 – Code Breakers Christmas show – for ages seven plus to adult – an escape room style family show wrapped up with magic, illusion and festive code breaking challenges to help save Christmas.

Tickets go on sale on Tuesday, September 27 and you can be among the first to get them by signing up to the mailing list here.

November 26 – December 24. Check here for show dates, times and availability.

Christmas at Mother Shipton’s, Knaresborough

Wander through the winter woodland to see the enchanted Christmas Village, festooned with festive delights and merry displays.

Chief Elf Chestnut will meet little visitors and lead them to see Santa Claus in his cosy Christmas grotto.

Children will be presented with a pack of festive activities and will also be able to listen to tales from Holly Berry, make reindeer food and post a letter to Santa at the North Pole Post Office.

November 26 – December 24. Click here to buy tickets. 

The Magical Christmas Experience – Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge

This hugely popular experience is making a welcome return following a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic.

Meet Mother Christmas in her sitting room to check in and collect your sleigh ride tickets.

Then head to the sleigh pick up point to be greeted by Buddy the Elf, who will help you board Santa’s sleigh for your magical sleigh ride .

You will arrive at father’s Christmas woodland grotto where you can sit by the fire and tell him your Christmas wishes.

November 26 – December 23. Click here to buy tickets.

Half-term is almost upon us and the February break can often be one of the trickier holidays to navigate when it comes to keeping the kids entertained.

The weather isn’t always the kindest and it is still too early to bribe them with Easter eggs – even if they did arrive in shops on Boxing Day.

Fortunately there are lots of activities being planned in the Harrogate district, so parents can escape relatively unscathed.

We have put together a list of activities to do with the kids this half-term.

Harrogate Indoor Funfair – February 21-27

Always a popular one with families in the area, the indoor funfair is back at the Yorkshire Event Centre at Harrogate’s Great Yorkshire Showground.

With rides and inflatables for all ages, the event offers all the fun of the fair under one roof – perfect if you need to escape the unpredictable February weather.

Read more:

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Morning sessions run from 10am until 1pm and afternoon sessions from 2pm until 5pm. For the first time, there will also be two 6pm-9pm sessions on the Friday and Saturday evenings.

Tickets on the door will be limited. Book online to avoid disappointment.

Online tickets are £10.99 for unlimited rides per session and can be purchased here.

Fountains Abbey, Ripon – February 19 – February 27

For those little explorers who love being outdoors, a number of activities are taking place at Fountains Abbey.

Children can pull on their wellies and spend a full day exploring, running and playing.

Families will be able to plant their own snowdrop to take home from 11am-1pm on February 19, 21, and 23 and the weekend of 26 and 27.

They can also grab a ‘spring-go’ activity sheet to take with them on their adventures, spotting signs of spring – as they go!

For a full list of half-term events click here.

Birchfield Farm, Summerbridge

This year the popular attraction, set in the stunning Nidderdale countryside, is opening earlier than usual.

Visit the farm this spring and say hello to all the expectant ewes in the barns ready to give birth. If you are lucky, you may even see a lamb being born.

The farmers will be on hand to answer any questions and tell you more about the animals.

For little animal lovers, as well as sheep, there are also piglets, goats, ponies, guinea pigs and donkeys.

After working up an appetite, enjoy a homemade ice cream at the farm’s café – it’s never too cold!

No booking is required and the farm is open from 10am-4pm

Admission is £5 for adults and children – under twos are free.

Stockeld Park, near Wetherby – February 19-27

The ever-popular family attraction is holding a ‘Talking Animals Week’ over half-term.

Our Planet Your World, across the Harrogate district – February 21-February 26

Two life-size kangaroo impersonators will arrive in Harrogate.

A robotic polar bear and an 18-metre whale are among the attractions travelling round the district as part of an environment-themed week of free events.

Visit Harrogate, Harrogate Borough Council’s tourism body, has organised the week of events named ‘Our Planet, Your World’, to offer activities for families with an over-arching message of protecting the environment.

The events are as follows:

Monday, February 21

Boroughbridge Library, storytelling sessions

10am-1pm

Tuesday, February 22

Masham Town Hall, sea-theme crafting activity

11am-4pm

Wednesday, February 23

Ripon Market Square, animatronic polar bear, interactive art sculpture, face painting, craft activities for children and live music.

11am-4pm

Thursday, February 24

Harrogate’s Valley Gardens

11am-4pm

Friday, February 25

Pateley Bridge play area, environmentally-themed crafting activity for children

11am-4pm

Saturday, February 26

Knaresborough Castle Grounds, Boat About, crafting activity for children, face painting

11am-4pm

Organisers have said some activities are weather dependent so are asking visitors to follow the Visit Harrogate social media channels.

This article is sponsored by Berwins

With Halloween falling during October half-term, there is a seriously spooky theme to this year’s family activities across the district.

And with last year’s Halloween celebrations being pretty much cancelled due to the pandemic this year’s spooky season is bigger and better than ever.

So whether you fancy a trip to some dark, scary caves, some pumpkin picking on a farm or some ghostly fun in Harrogate town centre, we’ve put together a list of five places to take your little witches and wizards for some Halloween fun.

Birchfield Farm Pumpkin Festival

Pick your own pumpkins at Birchfield Farm.

When Birchfield Farm launched its Pumpkin Festival on October 2, I think most of Harrogate visited. My social media feeds were jam-packed with pumpkins in wheelbarrows and smiling faces.

Fortunately there are plenty of pumpkins to go around and you can visit everyday until Halloween.

A firm favourite with families across the district, including my own, there are also lots of activities to do on the farm so you can make a morning or afternoon of it.

After you have picked your pumpkin from the patch – and there really is a huge selection of all shapes and sizes – you then have the option of visiting the farm for £5 per person. Then take your kids for a homemade ice cream at the farm’s café, which is currently serving takeout food and drinks.

Activities include:

• A huge carving barn where you can create your pumpkin masterpieces
• Bouncy castles
• Play equipment
• A 6-acre maize maze
• Woodland and den building
• Animals
• A giant bale mountain

Enter Harrogate town centre if you dare this half-term…

• A supernatural-themed interactive trail on the loyalfreeapp
• A mysterious pop-up photobooth in the Victoria Shopping Centre
• Ghostly street entertainment
• A sinister, live radio show with Your Harrogate
• Petrifying prizes to be won throughout

Mother Shipton’s is hosting The Witching Hour over half-term.

Go on a Halloween trail at Stump Cross Caverns.

Stockeld Park has a new skeleton trail this half-term.

Stockeld Park is another firm family favourite and the Halloween festivities are always great fun.