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.