A cyclist has been left with “minor injuries” following a collision with a car in Knaresborough.
North Yorkshire Police said the incident, which happened on Harrogate Road near Mother Shipton’s, took place on Monday, December 18 at 4:45pm.
The force is now appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.
It said in a statement today:
“A car collided with a pedal bike which resulted in minor injuries for the cyclist. The driver of the car did not stop at the scene of the collision.
“Officers are now appealing to the driver or anyone with information to come forward. In particular, officers are keen to hear from anyone who has any relevant dashcam footage.
“If you have information, please email 001282@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101 and speak to the Force Control Room.”
Quote reference number 12230241416 when passing on information.
Read more:
- Harrogate paedophile jailed for 13 years for historic sex offences
- Harrogate heroin and cocaine dealer jailed for over three years
Storm Pia to bring 61mph gusts to Harrogate district
The Harrogate district could see gusts of up to 61mph as Storm Pia moves in tonight and tomorrow.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning from midnight tonight until 9pm tomorrow.
The forecast shows Pateley Bridge will see the worst of the storm, with gusts reaching 61mph in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Winds will reach 54mph in Masham, while Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon will see up to 50mph.
Disruption
The Stray Ferret reported yesterday on the disruption already caused by the wind throughout the Harrogate district — now another local attraction has followed suit.
The National Trust announced on social media today that Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, near Ripon, will also be closed tomorrow. It said:
“It’s already getting rather breezy here at Fountains. With wind speeds set to increase overnight and throughout tomorrow we’ve made the decision to close the site tomorrow, Thursday 21 December.
“We don’t like to disappoint anyone, but the safety of our visitors and team is always our top priority.”
The charity advised people to “check our social media channels and website” for updates.
It comes after Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough announced yesterday it will close tomorrow, while Harrogate’s RHS Garden Harlow Carr cancelled its Glow event amid the weather warning.
The weather warning is in place for the north of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Read more:
- Harrogate district attractions to close amid wind warning
- Kidnapped Forbidden Corner owner released after kidnapping
Knaresborough named as up-and-coming British destination
Knaresborough has been named as one of Britain’s up-and-coming travel destinations in a new survey.
Holiday rental website HomeToGo published the names of 10 places today tipped to be rising star travel spots during 2024.
The locations were chosen based on the percentage increase in searches and the cost of accommodation.
Knaresborough, which is the highest ranked place in Yorkshire, came eighth. Glenridding, in Cumbria, was first.
Searches for Knaresborough increased by 64% and the survey lists the median average nightly price as £138.04.
People visit Knaresborough, it says, for “rowing boats on the River Nidd, breathtaking views from Knaresborough Castle, and the intriguing Mother Shipton’s Cave”.
Mother Shipton’s
The top 10 is:
1 Glenridding
2 Kirkby Lonsdale
3 Ross-on-Wye
4 Kendal
5 Norwich
6 Solihull
7 Tynemouth
8 Knaresborough
9 Orkney
10 Hebden Bridge
Read more:
- Knaresborough Conservative Club submits plan to subdivide building
- Knaresborough set for late night shopping
Easter weekend: Eight ways to keep your little bunnies entertained
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.
Knaresborough residents assess Storm Franklin flood damageKnaresborough residents and business owners have begun to assess the damage caused by Storm Franklin after many were forced to evacuate their homes due to flooding.
The storm brought heavy rainfall to the area over the weekend and caused the banks of the River Nidd to break, leaving many houses in the surrounding area at risk.
Samantha Small, landlady at Mother Shipton’s Inn along the river, discussed damage to the business after the cellar flooded;
“We’ve managed to save the drinks but we’re going to have to lose at least half of our dry storage.
“Thankfully we were able to stay open yesterday but all of our electrics have gone. The outside area will definitely be closed today.”
Fears rose as she also lives on-site, so risked damage to her home. She added:
“We didn’t sleep much, particularly as it was pretty loud all night.”
Ms Small hopes that the pub can open inside today with little damage to business.
Read more
- Flooding brings severe problems to Harrogate district
- Knaresborough cafe owner speaks of flood devastation
Meanwhile, Margaret Pearson, a resident of Nidderdale Lodge Park, was evacuated to Dower House Hotel on Saturday morning;
“You just have to leave as soon as it begins … some of our neighbours who haven’t lived through it before got stuck in their house and we had to call the fire brigade.
“We’ve lost a few things from the garden but hopefully they’ll show up in someone else’s.”
She has now been able to return to her home since the River Nidd passed its peak level yesterday afternoon.
The water level of the River Nidd is now reported to be falling and only light rainfall is expected, however the River Ure is expected to peak today.
Harrogate district continues clean-up after Storm FranklinResidents and businesses are continuing the clean up in the wake of Storm Franklin which left many areas across the Harrogate district flooded.
Storm Franklin left many areas under water yesterday as heavy rain hit the district.
Follow our live blog for updates and send details of what’s happening in Harrogate, Ripon, Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Masham and all points in between by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or send us a message on Facebook.
2.40pm – River level in Boroughbridge
A picture posted by James Wilkinson on social media shows the current level of the River Ure in Boroughbridge.
2.35pm – Bewerley Recreation Park under water
Our reporter has captured these pictures this afternoon of Bewerley Recreation Park near Pateley Bridge flooded.
2pm – Road closures across North Yorkshire
North Yorkshire County Council has released a list of road closures, including some in the Harrogate district.
The roads are listed as closed or passable with care.
(2/4) – A168 near Thornton le Street
– B1223 The Fleet, RytherClosed:
– Road into Kirby Wiske
– Sandhill Lane (road to Holme on Swale from B6267
– Eldmire Lane
– Dalton Lane
– Occany Lane, Farnham
– East Farm to Grey Gables, Laverton/Ripon
– Catttal Moor Lane, Cattal pic.twitter.com/SpwSjRAMfm— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 21, 2022
(4/4) Closed:
– Morton on Swale Bridge
– Little Langton
– B1257 Golder Square to Stockings Lane
– Intake Lane, Beal
– Raw Lane/New Lane, Ulleskelf
– New Road Ulleskelf
– B6160 between Linton Crossroads and Threshfield highways depo pic.twitter.com/RA8Pc7bWOD— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) February 21, 2022
1.47pm – Knaresborough residents assess Storm Franklin flood damage
Knaresborough residents and business owners have begun to assess the damage caused by Storm Franklin after many were forced to evacuate their homes due to flooding.
The storm brought heavy rainfall to the area over the weekend and caused the banks of the River Nidd to break, leaving many houses in the surrounding area at risk.
You can read more here.
1.10pm – Dishforth Road water levels beginning to subside
Water levels on the flooded Dishforth Road near Ripon are beginning to subside and some motorists are now attempting to pass through the road.
Meanwhile, a blue Audi which was abandoned on the road earlier is still awaiting recovery.
12.55pm – Plea for better drains in Pateley Bridge after floods
Businesses and residents are calling for the drains to be improved in Pateley Bridge after the town flooded again yesterday.
Pateley has flooded frequently in recent years and the bottom of High Street was under water again in the early hours of Sunday
You can read more here.
12.45pm – Pateley Bridge devastated by flooding
Our reporter Suzannah Rogerson has been on greenwood Road in Pateley Bridge, which was hit hard by Storm Franklin this past weekend.
You can see the current situation in the town below:
12.06pm – Marigolds Cafe in Knaresborough. hopes to reopen tomorrow.
Justine Connolly, who co-owns Marigolds Cafe on Waterside, was forced to close the cafe on Sunday morning just as Storm Franklin was approaching the district.
She tells the Stray Ferret she hopes to reopen tomorrow. You can read more here.
11.40am – Ure expected to peak at midday as Boroughbridge bridge remains closed
Boroughbridge Emergency Response Team update has issued a flood update. It says:
“The Ure has burst its banks and is currently at 15.3m and holding steady, but not due to peak until midday today. The road is closed.
“That said people are still driving through causing great problems for home owners that are flooded. It is illegal to ignore a road closure and those that do will be reported.
“Yorkshire Water are in the car park to prevent flooding there. We have just witnessed a huge tree crashing down at the side of the river so if you are out walking take care.”
10.15am – Knaresborough resident speaks of being evacuated from floods
Margaret Pearson, a resident at Nidderdale Lodge caravan park, has been speaking to the Stray Ferret this morning about her experience of the flooding yesterday.
You can watch the interview below.
10.05am – Copgrove Lane flooded
Copgrove Lane in Knaresborough is currently flooded. Drivers are urged to avoid the area.
9.35am – Advice from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue
Harrogate Fire Station has issued advice this morning to avoid flooded roads as water is still coming down from the hills.
9.23am – Ripon flooding footage
A Stray Ferret reader has shared this footage from Urebank Terrace in Ripon this morning, which has been hit hard by the floods.
9.18am – Studley Royal, Water Garden and Fountains Abbey all closed
The Studley Royal, Water Garden and Fountains Abbey at Ripon are all closed this morning due to the devastating floods yesterday.
National Trust park rangers are at the entrance to advise would-be visitors of the temporary closure.
9.10am – B6275 at Boroughbridge this morning
The B6275 at Boroughbridge this morning, which is closed due to flooding.
B6275 at Boroughbridge currently closed due to flooding pic.twitter.com/obQ7nZaN9M
— HBCEmergencyPlanning (@HBCPrepared) February 21, 2022
8.55am – Pictures of the River Nidd this morning
Here’s how the River Nidd and Nidderdale Lodge caravan park at Knaresborough look this morning.
Earlier, the Environment Agency said river levels on the Nidd had “peaked”.
8.39am – Reports of tree down at Mother Shiptons
Stray Ferret reader Nicola Johnson has shared an update that a tree is blocking the road near Mother Shiptons in Knaresborough.
If you have any further information on this you can email contact@thestrayferret.co.uk or message us on Facebook.
8.30am – Bridge in Boroughbridge closed
The bridge in Boroughbridge has closed to traffic. River levels on the Ure have increased and traffic is being turned around in both directions.
8.20am – Flooding in Hampsthwaite
A Stray Ferret reader has sent this footage from flooding in Hampsthwaite yesterday.
8.05am – Boroughbridge Road at Hewick Bridge closed
Boroughbridge Road at Hewick Bridge, near Ripon Racecourse, is closed after the River Ure burst its banks.
It leaves routes into and out of Ripon limited, however traffic is still flowing on the bypass and the route to the A1 remains clear.
7.55am – Pateley Bridge bus services cancelled
Harrogate Bus Company has had to cancel some services to Pateley Bridge this morning due to flooding.
⚠️ Due to flooding in Pateley Bridge, the following journeys on the 24 are unable to run:
07.40 – Harrogate to Pateley Bridge
09.00 – Pateley Bridge to Harrogateℹ️ next buses – 2 hours
Our apologies for any inconvenience caused
@northyorkscc
— The Harrogate Bus Company (@harrogatebus) February 21, 2022
7.45am – Environment Agency: River Nidd levels “have peaked”
The Environment Agency has said this morning that river levels on the River Nidd have peaked.
However, a flood warning remains in place
River levels have now peaked in the upper catchments of the #Wharfe and #Nidd and our focus is turning to #York and #Tadcaster where levels will peak tomorrow morning. Check your flood risk now https://t.co/j6ls7uqAIb pic.twitter.com/bYfgvMygMp
— Environment Agency – Yorkshire & North East (@EnvAgencyYNE) February 21, 2022
7.35am – Drivers urged to avoid Dishforth Road near Ripon
Drivers are urged to avoid Dishforth Road due to flooding near to the Ripon bypass.
One driver has had to abandon their car due to the flood.
7.22am – Police urge drivers to avoid low-lying roads
North Yorkshire Police has urged people to avoid low-lying roads and footpaths as Storm Franklin continues to cause disruption.
https://twitter.com/NYorksPolice/status/1495653258169401350
7.20am – Yellow weather warning of strong wind
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for strong wind in the Harrogate District.
The warning is in place until 1pm today and may cause disruption on the roads and to public transport.
7.15am – River Nidd flood warning remains in place
A flood warning remains in place for the River Nidd at Knaresborough this morning.
The Environment Agency has warned that river levels have fallen since yesterday, but remain higher than normal.
The Environment Agency adds on its website:
Creepy caves, pumpkins and witches: half-term fun in the district“Areas at risk are locations near the River Nidd, with low lying land expected to be most affected, particularly around Riverside properties situated along the Waterside, Abbey Road, Spital Croft and Monskwell Park including part of Manse Lane Industrial Estate.”
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
HarroScream 2021
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 The Witching Hour
Mother Shipton’s is hosting The Witching Hour over half-term.
It’s the witching hour at Mother Shipton’s. Deep in the spooky forest where the world-famous prophetess was said to have been born during a terrifying thunderstorm, the spirits are flying high. You may hear the cackle of old souls wandering the ancient woodland or feel a shiver down your spine as you step into the Haunted Halloween Village.
Suitable for all ages, watch out for witches, ghosts, and creepy skeletons around every corner. There’s frightful fun to be had with photo opportunities and fancy dress competitions. Share your spooktacular photos and inventive costumes on social media using the hashtag #mothershiptons to be in with the chance of winning prizes and tickets.
See the incredible Petrifying Well as it turns items to stone as if by magic. Become spellbound as you make a wish in the wicked wishing well, warm-up with refreshments and hot drinks served from the vintage-style coffee kiosk.
The park has scenic picnic areas alongside the River Nidd, an adventure playground, and a museum, featuring petrified celebrity items. Access to the adventure playground is subject to weather conditions.
Stump Cross Caverns Halloween Half-term
Go on a Halloween trail at Stump Cross Caverns.
Spooky family films, including Casper and Scooby Doo, will be shown in the cinema room daily, with food and drink served from the Time Café to your seat for the ultimate Halloween experience.
From 3pm to 6pm every day during half-term and on Thursday until 8pm, you can also experience the caves as you have never seen them before with a self-guided torchlit ultraviolet tour.
Stockeld Park Halloween Adventure
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.
As always, there will be lots of spellbinding surprises in store in the Enchanted Forest, and little ones will love to exploring the pumpkin patch and will be able to pick their very own pumpkin to take home. Every paying child will get to choose a free pumpkin.
Spooky real live characters will be dotted around the park, providing photo opportunities and fun interactions for families.
New for this year, skeletons have taken over Stockeld with the skeleton trail. You can also try your luck with a spot of graveyard golf – the attraction’s brand new Halloween mini golf, which is undercover so you can play whatever the weather.
There’s something suitably scary for all ages.
When I overheard a mum saying she had set her alarm for 5.30am to book a Santa visit when tickets went on sale, I was pretty shocked.
Mainly because it’s September, but also because I didn’t realise this was now a thing.
Is the surge in popularity due to the pandemic and feeling like our kids missed out last year? Or is this now another “must-do” task to tick off on our ever-growing festive to-do lists? Don’t get me started on Elf on a Shelf and Christmas Eve boxes – cheers for that America.
Sally Haslewood, founder of Harrogate Mumbler, said:
“I think that September has always been a time that people start booking Christmas things – well people who are organised do anyway. I’ve never been that organised!
“I think particularly this year, parents want to give their kids a really good Christmas. They probably missed out last year so they want to book early to avoid disappointment.
“And to be honest I don’t necessarily see it as a bad thing, because I think it will help the businesses as well. If it helps them plan and staff properly and know where they are from a business point of view I think that can only be a good thing.”
Now I am all about making my children happy, I love seeing their little faces light up when they see Father Christmas. But is there now more pressure than ever to deliver the best experience for your little ones?
If you can’t afford a visit or, God forbid, you forget to book anything in time, do you feel like a bad parent?
Sally said:
The thing is around Harrogate there are always last minute things that crop up as well. So if like me you are not as organised and you haven’t booked something for Christmas, there are always things you can get in last minute.
I think this year is potentially a little bit worse than normal, but parents are pretty organised. As soon as the kids are back at school in September, the next big thing is Santa visits. So hopefully this year the kids will have the Christmas they missed out on last year.”
Read more:
Don’t panic if you haven’t got yours booked yet. Here are three ideas for you:
Mother Shipton’s – Knaresborough
Wander through the winter woodland to see the enchanted Christmas Village, festooned with festive delights and merry displays to marvel at along the way.
Chief Elf Chestnut will be delighted to meet little visitors and lead them to see Santa Claus.
Santa will be keeping warm in his cosy grotto, and visitors can say hello or take an ‘elfie with the big man himself.
To keep Santa safe, Mother Shipton’s will be adhering to social distancing, but visitors will be able to see and speak to him before he sets off on his long journey.
November 21 – December 24. Click here to buy tickets.
Santa’s Grotto – Stockeld Park
Santa is back for 2021! With twinkling lights and Santa in a rustic wooden cabin, the whole family will feel the festive cheer.
Subject to availability. Santa needs to check on his elves and reindeer every night, so ticket sales will cease once he has no time left available to see any more children each day.
Visitors can also check out the dazzling Winter Illuminations.
November 20 – December 24. Click here to buy tickets.
Santa’s Grotto – Thorp Perrow Arboretum
- Do you want to send us a review of your Santa visit? Email me at nina@thestrayferret.co.uk