5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend, February 20 – 22Vandals damage scarecrow trail in Knaresborough

A scarecrow trail created for children to enjoy during half-term has been vandalised in Knaresborough.

The trail, which began today, encourages people to hunt for 18 scarecrows in the town centre.

But Knaresborough Business Collective, which represents independent traders and organised the initiative, said in a social media post some scarecrows were damaged last night.

It said it was “absolutely heartbroken” but pledged to carry on with the trail.

The group, which was co-founded by Natalie Horner and Annie Wilkinson-Gill, said:

“We have spent weeks planning, two days in the pouring rain putting them all up and businesses have spent a huge amount of effort making these by hand.

“To now have to get up at 7am to come and fix the mindless vandalism some people think is acceptable is so upsetting. Lots of items have been stolen that we now have to spend money on being replaced.

“The Knaresborough Scarecrow Trail is put on entirely by us volunteers and brings so many people in to town and gives families something to do during half term, this is so good for our town and all these people are doing is ruining it before it’s even started.”

The post ended by saying the group would “do all we can to fix them all this morning so you can enjoy the trail”.

To take part in the trail, visit Ye Older Chymist Shoppe on Market Place to buy a £3 map revealing the locations of 18 scarecrows.

Anyone who finds them and fills in a form on the map will then be entered for a £50 prize draw.

Read more:

 

How to keep the whole family happy this May half-term

Whether you’re a parent worrying about keeping your children entertained this half-term or just looking for a bit of early-summer fun, the Harrogate district and beyond has lots on offer to keep a smile on the whole family’s face.

From a day at the races to castle tours, we have collated a list of activities taking place over and around the May half-term period.

Fun for all the family: Doncaster Races

Derby Day Rocks feat. Magic Queen

If you’re looking for something to keep both parents and children happy, Derby Day Rocks at Doncaster Racecourse could be the perfect way to spend the half-term weekend!

With 8 races to be enjoyed, as well as a live streaming of Epsom Derby to watch, and even a Queen Tribute act, it’s no doubt your day will rock.

Derby Day Rocks will take place on Saturday, June 3 – gates open at 11.30am.

And if that wasn’t enough, the Stray Ferret has teamed up with Doncaster Racecourse to bring you discounted County tickets! Watch all the races from the second floor of the main stand – the perfect place to see your winning horse cross the finish line.

To buy your discounted tickets, click here – be quick!

Superhero Family Fun Day Raceday

If you’re thinking of merging some belated half-term fun with Father’s Day celebrations, then Doncaster Racecourse has another event which will be sure to make the whole family smile!

While parents can enjoy 7 horse races, children can meet their favourite superheroes, dance at the disco, and even go on the fairground rides! What more could you ask for?

Superhero Family Day will take place on Sunday, June 18 – the first race begins at 2.15pm.

The Stray Ferret has teamed up with Doncaster Racecourse to bring you discounted tickets Grandstand admission! This gives you access to public bars, eateries, betting outlets and views on the racing action including the parade ring and pre-parade ring.

Get your discounted adult tickets here — be quick! The tickets will sell out fast.

For a little bit of history…

Ripley Castle

If you’re interested in embracing both the history our local area has to offer, as well as some beautiful gardens in bloom, then Ripley Castle will be the perfect solution!

Enjoy six of the Castle’s rooms on your guided tour and bring a taste of history to life this half-term.

Take a stroll around the Castle’s Walled Gardens to discover the beauty nature has on offer, including an extensive collection of hyacinths, a variety of tree specimens and an abundance of spring flowers. The range of hot houses contain an impressive range of tropical plants, ferns and cacti, whilst ancient wisteria and clematis trail across the south-facing walls.

The Walled kitchen garden contains an extraordinary herb bed and many rare vegetables.

Get lost in the deer park in the grounds of the Castle and meet plenty of wildlife along your way — including fallow deer and herons.

To add to all the excitement, the Stray Ferret has teamed up with Ripley Castle to bring our readers 2-for-1 admission over the half term period — meaning two adults and two children can enjoy a guided castle tour, as well as the gardens and grounds for just £15! Now that will be a happy half-term…

Click here to buy tickets.

One for the parents in need…

Whittaker’s Gin

If you’re a parent looking to let off some steam this half-term — or simply just love gin — then Whittaker’s Gin will be exactly what you’re looking for!

Whittaker’s Gin Distillery, the home of all things gin (and now whisky), is located in Dacre Banks, just outside Harrogate.

Enjoy a complimentary G&T on arrival followed by a tour with the Whittaker’s distillers around the distillery, where they will go through the gin and whisky production process, and then into the whisky barrel warehouse.

When you get back into the bar area, there will be a  sit down tasting of 9 different gins with delicious nibbles of Weatherheads Butcher’s pork pies.

To round off, there is another complimentary G&T of your choice or alternatively you can take a 5cl bottle home to have your G&T later.

With our exclusive offer, Stray Ferret readers can enjoy two tickets for the price of one! The voucher offer grants you and a guest access to the guided distillery tour, as well as the extras mentioned above.

Click here to buy your ticket — hurry…these are selling fast!

For some summer air… 

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden:
May half-term Trail

For those that enjoy that great outdoors, Fountains Abbey’s May half-term trail may be a good option.

Visitors can explore the ‘sanctuary for nature’ in the Deer Park. Learn about the variety of wildlife that resides in the grounds by exploring grassland, freshwater, woodland and much more!

No booking is needed, and the trail is free to enjoy.

The trail will take place within the Deer Park from May, 27, to June, 4, between 10am and 4.30pm.

Find more information here.

Create your own mini bug house!

Fountains Abbey is also hosting a drop-in workshop in which visitors can design and create their very own bug house.

Once complete, attendees can explore the estate to gather some wriggly residents for their bug house! The perfect recipe to combine fresh air and crafts…

The workshop is free to attend but normal admission charges for the venue apply – a family ticket is £27.

The workshop will take place in Swanley Grange – located near the Visitor Centre – from May 27 to June 4, between 11am and 3pm.

Click here for more information.

Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park:
Flower Power Nature Weaving

To continue the mixture of fresh air and creativity, Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, near Ripon, is inviting families to take part in its Flower Power Nature Weaving.

Visitors can pick up a collectors bag from the ticket office and venture through the park to see what nature provides to weave into the Earth Loom.

The event will take place daily from May 27 to June 4, from 10am.

For more information, click here.

To shelter from the (potential) rain…

Harrogate Theatre: The ‘Not So’ Grimm Twins

For those of you looking for a potential rainy-day activity, Harrogate Theatre’s production of The ‘Not So” Grimm Twins could be a good option for you.

Storytellers, Jake and Will Grimm, will guide you through some re-worked versions of your favourite fairy tales and will need the audiences help along the way!

The play will take place on Saturday, May 27 at 11am and 2pm.

Tickets start at £12 – click here for more information.

Yorkshire Water urges caution around reservoirs over Bank Holiday

Yorkshire Water is urging visitors to their reservoirs to act with caution ahead of future bank holidays.

They are asking people to follow the Countryside Code and not to take risks by using disposable barbeques or swimming in the water.

A number of moorland fires in 2022 have been linked to disposable barbeques.

Gaynor Carpenter, head of land and property at Yorkshire Water, said:

“With half-term upon us and a number of Bank Holiday weekends ahead, it is important that visitors to our reservoirs do not take risks by using disposable barbecues or entering the water. We’ve recently seen the very real dangers fires caused by barbecues pose to our moorland, which can take hundreds of years to recover.”

Disposable barbeques are not permitted on any of Yorkshire Water’s sites, and some of its areas are covered by Public Space Protection Orders (PSPO’s), which means people could face on the spot fines if they are found using one.

Firefighters recently battled a large fire at Brimham Rocks, with the fire service urging people to be careful about putting out cigarettes and barbeques.

Read more:

Gaynor added:

“It is also important visitors to our sites remain vigilant around the water, particularly parents with children who may be tempted to enter the water.
“We work hard to ensure our sites can be enjoyed by visitors from the region and beyond and it is important people leave the sites as they found them. Following the Countryside Code and ensuring to take litter home, keep dogs on leads and park considerately will all help to make visits to our reservoirs enjoyable for everyone.”

If visitors do see someone in the water who requires help or a fire, call 999 and ask for the fire service immediately.

Six free or low-cost family Easter holiday ideas in the Harrogate district

The Easter school holidays are almost here, but for many families this means two weeks of the children at home and increased costs of keeping them entertained.

This year in particular most of us are feeling the crunch thanks to a huge rise in the cost of living and soaring energy bills.

We have teamed up with parenting website Harrogate Mumbler and put together six free or low-cost ideas for the Easter holidays across the district.

Kayti Mewis, content creator for Harrogate Mumbler, said:

“You don’t always have to spend a fortune to have a fun day out with the kids. For example, we always enjoy a day at Valley Gardens with a picnic over the holidays.”

 

Free street entertainment in Harrogate town centre – from April 9

Following the success of Harrogate Business Improvement District’s (BID) street entertainers during the October half-term last year, they will be back in the town centre over the Easter holidays.

On Saturday, April 9, Pete and Ged Moss the gardeners will be in town with their ‘Easter Egg Stravaganza walkabout special’.

They will entertain crowds with their musical wheelbarrow, brimming over with colourful Easter eggs of all shapes and sizes – expect lots of audience participation.

On Good Friday, April 15, the Easter Bunny will be taking some time out from his Easter duties to share some early treats with the children of Harrogate. He will be at the Victoria Shopping Centre at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 3pm.

On Saturday April 16, ‘Val N Halla’ will be travelling in their musical longboat through the town centre. The two Abba-obsessed Scandinavians will bring “entertainment, mayhem and mirth wherever they go”.

 

Peter Rabbit and Friends Easter Trail at Swinton Estate, near Ripon – April 9 to 24

Head to Swinton Bivouac for an Easter adventure with Peter Rabbit and Friends.

Help Peter and Benjamin to save Easter by rescuing all of the Easter eggs from the clutches of the pesky Samuel Whiskers.

Solve the clues to crack the code that will open the chest to rescue the egg – and earn an Easter treat for yourself as well.

There will also be an opportunity to explore the ruins and follies of Druid’s Temple, built in 1820, reconnect with nature in the woodland of Swinton Estate and take in the views over the Leighton reservoir.

Trail maps are £5, with each completed answer sheet earning a prize. All money from the trail goes directly to the Friends of Grewelthorpe School (FROGS) charity.

 

The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt – April 9 to 24

Organised and presented by Painting Pots Knaresborough, this quirky event is now in its fifth year.

There will once again be 17 ceramic bunnies hopping into local businesses.

The bunnies are hand-painted in vivid patterns, some inspired by characters or recognisable personalities and products. Painted mostly in house by Laura of Painting Pots, and more recently Natasha Gilyard.

A map with the locations of the bunnies is hand-drawn and painted by local artist Helen Salmons, who is known as The Relentless Crafter, while the bunnies themselves are the handiwork of Natasha Gilyard and Painting Pots’ Laura.

The maps can be purchased for £3 from Painting Pots, Castlegate, and the Oldest Chemist Shoppe, Market Square.

Bunny hunters use the map to find the bunnies, fill in their form and hand them back in to receive a sweet treat, a wristband, sticker and entry to win prizes donated by local businesses.

Over the last four years, The Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt has raised more than £6,000 for local charities. All profits this year will go to Lucie’s Animal Rescue and Inspire Youth.

The event will be officially launched at the Knaresborough Spring Fayre on April 9, where there will also be the first ever Great Knaresborough Bunny Hunt Parade.

 

Activities at Knaresborough Library – April 16 and April 21

Hoglets Theatre will be performing their play The Sleep Pirates on Saturday, April 16 at 2pm, featuring swashbuckling pirates, flying ships and shooting stars.

The event is aimed at families with children aged four to eight. Places are limited so booking is essential and children need to be library members. Pop in to the library or call 01609 533610 to book your place.

Alternatively, enjoy some arty fun with a print workshop with artist Lana Grindley on April 21 at 2pm.

Children aged 7 to 11 are invited to design and print their own book cover artwork, inspired by their favourite book illustrations. The designs will be displayed at a special exhibition in the library following the workshop.

Book your free ticket here.

 

There are also some great events at places that offer membership. If you are already a member, these events are usually included, or have a small additional price:

The Giant Easter Egg Hunt at RHS Harlow Carr – April 9 to 24

Enjoy a supersized family adventure this Easter holiday at RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

Go hunting for the larger-than-life hand-painted eggs hidden around the garden on ‘The giant Easter egg hunt’, and from Good Friday to Easter Monday meet the Garden Detectives for more family fun.

The Easter egg hunt sees children equipped with an explorer pack. Follow the trail around the garden to find the giant painted eggs. There are fun puzzles to solve and plants and wildlife to spot along the way.

Children will be rewarded with a free chocolate treat after completing the trail.

The event is free to RHS members and children under 5.

Easter egg hunt at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal – until April 17

Pick up an adventure trail for £3 and follow the map to complete 10 fun activities during your visit.

See if you can shake like a squirrel, rise like the sun and listen to nature’s orchestra. Complete the trail and earn your chocolate egg reward at the end.

Robot polar bear and 18m whale set to tour Harrogate district

A robot polar bear and an 18 metre beached whale are among the attractions travelling round the Harrogate district this month as part of an environment-themed week of events.

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

Events will take place between Monday, February 21, to Saturday, February 26, in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Masham and Pateley Bridge.

The week will begin in Boroughbridge with earth-themed storytelling sessions at the library between 10am and 1pm. On Tuesday, there will be sea inspired craft activities available to children at Masham Town Hall.

The Masham event is on between 11am and 4pm and children are encouraged to attend both days in fancy dress.

Robot polar bear to highlight the plastics crisis

On Wednesday February 23, an animatronic polar bear will roam Ripon’s Market Square with its keeper throughout the day. Visitors are also being invited to help an artist to create a five foot sculpture out of plastics, which will then be donated to a local school.

The two spectacles are there to highlight the urgent plastic crisis affecting the oceans. There will also be live music, face painting and crafts going on nearby between 11am and 4pm.

18 metre whale to arrive in Valley Gardens

Harrogate’s Valley Gardens is the venue for Thursday, February 24, which involves a 18 metre whale, two life-size kangaroo impersonators, The Roo’s and a huge animatronic tortoise all to fascinate visitors.

This day’s aim is to educate families about sea-life preservation. Alongside the three main attractions there will also be a sea fairy glob, with a magical sea fairy inside,  and Bob the Lobster to entertain children.

Craft activities will also be held throughout the day between 11am and 4pm.

Two life-size kangaroo impersonators will arrive in Harrogate.

On the Friday, an earth-themed craft session is being held in Pateley Bridge between 11am and 4pm.

The week concludes in Knaresborough Castle Grounds on Saturday. Boat-About, a life-size boat cruise with actors, will move around the grounds to entertain visitors between 11am and 4pm.

Read more:

Gemma Rio, head of Destination Harrogate said:

“Our Planet, Your World is the perfect family-friendly event to kick off what we hope will be an exciting year of live events across the Harrogate district. Events like this increase footfall to our town centres, and attract visitors from further afield, which in turn helps support our local businesses. I would encourage everyone to come along this February half term, enjoy the events, celebrate the world we live in and learn about how we can protect it.”

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

The event is being funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the government’s Welcome Back Fund.

Harrogate district attractions still open during half-term

Despite rising covid levels, many popular venues in the Harrogate district are still planning to hold half-term activities. 

From wicked woodland walks to Halloween haunted villages, events are still scheduled to go ahead. 

Many require pre-booked tickets, and have made covid-compliant adjustments. 

Fountains Abbey is going ahead with its annual Fountains by Floodlight event, which will take place every evening between October 19 and 25. However, this year it will replace the usual choir with recorded music.

Jennifer Taylor, senior visitor experience officer at the site, said:

“We have worked hard to adapt the event to keep everybody safe.

“There are a few changes this year. We have limited tickets which must be booked in advance and only the abbey ruins will be illuminated.”

Read more: 

Other attractions have adopted a spookier theme. 

Newby Hall, near Ripon, is turning its miniature railway into a ghost train and Lightwater Valley, which is also near Ripon, is opening up a Halloween trick or treat street as well as its usual rides. 

In Knaresborough, Mother Shipton’s Cave is offering a spooky forest and haunted village experience, while Birchfield Farm in Summerbridge is inviting families to pick their own pumpkins during October. 

Stump Cross Caverns, in Greenhow Hill, is running potion workshops on October 31 and November 1. 

With covid restrictions liable to change, do check with the venues to see if their plans change.