5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend August 2-45 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend July 26-297 free activities in and around Harrogate to do with the kids this summer5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend June 21-235 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend June 14-165 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Head to Harrogate Spring Flower Show

Harrogate Spring Flower Show is back and is taking place this week from Thursday to Sunday. It is one of the most popular events in the area, attracting up to 90,000 visitors each year.

Get garden inspiration aplenty thanks to plant and floral nursery displays, gardens designs, talks and demonstrations. There will also be stalls selling everything you could possibly need to make your garden the sanctuary you’d like it to be – the perfect inspiration as we (hopefully and eventually) head into warmer climes.

From £25, 9.30am-5pm, April 25-28, Great Yorkshire Showground, HG2 8NZ.

Listen to live music at Three’s A Crowd

Elena May

Listen to the laid-back music of Elena May as you drink or dine at Three’s A Crowd this Friday. Or on Sunday enjoy a roast until 7pm all to the background of self-accompanied piano vocalist Beth Ibbotson, who will be playing a range of feel-good favourites.

Elena May, 8pm until late, April 26; Beth Ibbotson, 6pm-9pm, April 28. 11 West Park, HG1 1BL.

Beth Ibbotson

Read more: 

Go to a personal styling event

Are you unsure of what to wear or what suits you and looking for new clothes? Then head to local personal stylist Anna Mewes, who is hosting an evening of styling and shopping and will be taking clients through the hottest trends for spring and summer.

This will be followed by a chance to shop the Mint Velvet collection in store with a glass of bubbles in hand.

£20, 6.30-8.30pm, April 25, Mint Velvet, 29-31 James Street, HG1 1QY.

Attend a local wine fair

Local independent wine merchants Ake & Humphris is putting on its annual spring wine fair this Sunday.

Simply pick up a tasting glass on arrival and work your way round the table where you can sample more than 50 styles that include floral whites, new champagnes, decadent reds, fruity rosés and natural wines, as well as spirits.

These include wines from new origins including Slovenia and Bulgaria, new grape varieties such as Zelen and Zibibbo, plus some prestigious bottlings by wineries including Crossbarn by Paul Hobbs and Elderton Estate from Barrossa, Australia, not forgetting spirits from local distillers, Noble Spring.

£25, 12-2pm, 3-5pm, 6-8pm, April 28, Balcony Sports Bar, Harrogate Cricket Ground, Saint George’s Road, HG2 9BP. Places are limited so visit the website to reserve your space. For over 18s only.

Go to a duo of choral concerts

Voces Seraphorum choir

Formed in 2015, chamber choir Voces Seraphorum performs regular concerts at cathedrals and churches. Singing in a variety of styles, this Saturday they will perform well-known choral masterpieces alongside some lesser-known songs all to the background of brass band Summerbridge & Dacre Silver Band at St James Church Birstwith on Saturday.

They will also be performing at St Michael & All Angels’ Church Beckwithshaw on Sunday but without the brass band.

From £12, 7pm, April 27, St James Church Birstwith, Lackon Bank, HG3 2NG. £10 per adult (children are free), 4pm, April 28, at St Michael & All Angels’ Church Beckwithshaw, 4 Otley Road, Beckwithshaw, HG3 1QW.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

Read more:

 

Hornbeam Park is a hive of activity for kids

You may be already be aware of some of the activities for kids at Hornbeam Park – especially at The Zone – but did you know that there are all of these activities on offer? Almost one for every day of the week. Now that will keep them busy.

World of Their Own

World of Their Own

You wouldn’t expect to see an imitation of the Wild West on the industrial business park of Hornbeam Park, but World of Their Own is exactly that. Designed to spark the imagination of children, grown-ups are also sure to be impressed with the immersive play town that’s somewhat of a hidden gem.

Kids can take part in activities including escaping the sheriff’s jail, making and drinking their own mocktail from the Cowgirl Saloon Bar, robbing the Wild West bank, exploring inside the spooky gold mine and taking aim for a prize from the shooting range, to name just a few of the experiences on offer.

World of Their Own

Not forgetting the Wild West toy pony rides of course, and the kids that run riot as they shoot water at each other (and the grown-ups) with water pistols.

And to stop those tears when either the 2.5-hour morning or afternoon session comes to an end, kids can enjoy a chocolate coin from the treasure chest.

Why not try…? The Fairytale Ice Cream Parlour.

Good to know: don’t miss the holiday themed specials. 

The Ice Cream Parlour at World of Their Own

Harrogate Gymnastics

Harrogate Gymnastics

The largest purpose-built gymnastics facility in the Harrogate area, Harrogate Gymnastics features all the equipment a budding gymnast needs; from a sprung floor to beams, bars to trampolining, there’s something for everyone. Classes take place from the age of 2.5 years and there’s open free play sessions too.

Why not try…? The holiday inflatable fun sessions or the drop-off Ninja Camps?

Good to know: it has recently started offering SEND sessions, and it also hosts adult gymnastic classes too. 

Gracie Barra Harrogate

Gracie Barra

There are many benefits to martial arts including learning how to focus, be disciplined, be persistent, learn cooperation and have respect. Gracie Barra on Hornbeam Park offers all this and more through its Brazilian jiu jitsu lessons for kids and adults.

Classes take place from the age of three, and each attendee can work their way up over the years to achieving five belts: white, blue, purple, brown and black.

Why not try…? A free taster session.

Good to know: it has a drop-in fee, or the option to buy a block of five or 10 classes for non-members. However, its monthly memberships work out the best value for those wishing to train regularly.

Surge Padel

Surge Padel

Padel is the go-to sport of the moment and Surge Padel on Hornbeam Park offers junior group coaching lessons on Saturday mornings for under 8s and under 11s. As well as taking part in lots of games that aid hand-eye coordination, juniors get a deeper understanding of the sport which will set them in good stead to play matches in the future.

Why not try…? Hiring a court for extra practice.

Good to know: junior classes are just £7.50 but can get booked up in advance, so ensure you reserve your spot.

Live For Today Climbing Centre

Marc Wise and Dan Miller

As you may have read in The Stray Ferret, Live For Today has recently taken over from Parthian Climbing Centre and is looking to introduce more classes and offerings for young ones. Last month one of the new owners, Marc Wise – who met his business part Dan Miller at the climbing wall 12 years ago – said:

“Acquiring the climbing wall is really significant and special as it is where it all began.

There’s been criticism about the lack of indoor activities and things to do for young people, so the climbing wall is a huge asset for the area.”

Why not try…? Some of the 25 other adventures that Live For Today offers such as caving, rock climbing and canoeing in the Yorkshire Dales.

Good to know: it has plenty of climbing equipment to hire.

Indulge

Indulge playroom

Parents and caregivers with small children can sometimes avoid cafés and restaurants, especially if they don’t seem particularly family friendly. However, there’s no need to worry at Indulge as it actively welcomes children and is often the go-to place for those with babies, toddlers and primary school-aged children.

Offering a playroom with an assortment of toys, as well as a range of food and drink for both kids and grown-ups, it’s a fail-safe way to spend a few hours. And you may just get that hot coffee in peace too. Bonus.

Indulge

Why not try…? A pink sprinkle doughnut.

Good to know: the café is also dog friendly.

READ MORE:

5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Lead image: Pixaby

Stuck for ideas of what to do at the weekend? Here’s the Stray Ferret’s top picks of cultural activities from April 11-14.

Harrogate Dog Show

Harrogate Dog Show

Taking place for the third year running, Harrogate Dog Show is back on Saturday.

Held at Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, you can show up on the day with your dog and enter him or her into some of the categories that include Handsomest Dog, Fanciest Female, Cutest Puppy, Best Purebred, Best Cross Breed/Heinz 57, Best Trick and Dog the Judge Would Most Like to Take Home, all of which are judged by a surprise guest star.

New for this year are dog training workshops, alongside firm favourite the mini dog park.

Free, 10am-4pm, April 13, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, Station Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1AE.

Visit the Spring Food, Home and Garden Show

Spring Food, Home and Garden Show

Get your home spring ready inside and out with ideas from the Spring Food, Home and Garden Show held at Ripon Cathedral. Discover the latest trends in home décor for ideas to revamp your living space and gather garden inspiration aplenty. There will also be garden related talks and demonstrations in the library.

Make a day of it and have a bite to eat in the pop-up café or from one of the vendors at the local food stalls. There will also be a live choir singing, children’s activities and even farm animals in front of the cathedral to see.

£5, 10am-4pm, April 13, Ripon Cathedral, Liberty Court House, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT.

Take part in a Miss Marbles Mystery event

Murder Mystery event

What could be better than taking part in a whodunnit, dining on a three-course meal all aboard a steam train?

The murder mystery has an unusual horticulture theme and during the evening participants have to search the space for clues, evidence to uncover and suspects to interrogate, trying to out the people who might be connected to the crime in order to get to the bottom of the mystery.

£72 per person, lunchtime performance doors open at 12.30pm and starts at 1pm, evening performances doors open at 5.30pm and start at 6pm, Friday April 12, 6pm, Saturday April 13 1pm & 6pm, Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AF.

Visit the two baby camels at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Two male Bactrian camels were born at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in March and the youngsters have recently ventured out into the reserve to join the rest of the herd.

“We are overjoyed by the two new additions, and we cannot wait for our visitors to see them,” says Ayshea Seston, hoofstock team leader at the 175-acre park.

“It is really lovely to welcome the new arrivals at the same time – they will grow up together and create such a strong bond.”

Go visit the fluffy calves along with the rest of the animals at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park this weekend.

From £20.99 per person, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Lane, Doncaster, DN9 3QY.

Transform your unworn jewellery

Legacy Jewellery

Most people have unworn pieces of jewellery sitting at home that they may no longer wear, or they may have inherited and don’t know what to do with.

Discover the potential of how they can be created into new pieces at Legacy Discovery Session with Antiques Roadshow dealer Paul Hollis so that you wear them time and time again.

Free, 11am-2pm, Palm Court, Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, HG1 2PW.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

Read more:

5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend from 22-24 March

Get out and about with our guide of the top activities and things to do this weekend.

Play crazy golf at a movie-themed course in the Yorkshire Dales

At The Stray Ferret we like to publish events that are slightly out of the ordinary – and if a movie-themed crazy golf experience isn’t that, then we don’t know what is.

Taking place at Uredale Mill in the picturesque Dales village of Askrigg, channel your inner Happy Gilmore and get competitive with friends and family on this 18-hole course that’s themed around films.

Dance the can-can at the Moulin Rouge or get a miserly score that would make The Grinch proud. This fun activity is one to pop on the weekend list – or as it runs for two weeks, it could be one for the Easter holidays too. 

Children under 12 £8, adults £10, discounts for group bookings are available – email tickets@incredibleartists.uk, various time slots, March 23 – April 7, Uredale Mill (ex Carrs Billington Yard), Station Road, Askrigg, DL8 3HZ.

 Listen to the soundtracks of the silver screen performed by a live orchestra

(Image: London Concertante)

This week’s ‘5 things to do in and around Harrogate’ has a slight film feel (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is also being released on 22 March, 40 years after the original – book your tickets at The Everyman or The Odeon), while Ripon Cathedral is also hosting a Music from the Movies by Candlelight, performed by London Concertante.

Be mesmerised by the orchestra who will play some of the most iconic film scores of all time, including the suave sophistication of James Bond, the ethereal sounds of ET and the dark allure of The Godfather, to name but a few.

From £19, March 23, Ripon Cathedral, Liberty Court House, Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT.

Visit Knaresborough Wellness Festival

(Image: Pixaby)

Think about your mind, body and soul at Knaresborough Wellness Festival, which is being held for the fourth year running. Featuring something for everyone including treatments such as reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki, and Indian head massage, to live music, aura photography and tarot card reading, you’ll be sure to find your inner zen here.

There will also be activities such as yoga, workshops and talks so you can learn more about a wide variety of wellness practices, and there will also be plenty of crystals too.

Free, March 24, 10am-4pm, Knaresborough Wellness Festival, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL.

 Go to Springtime Live at the Great Yorkshire Showground

(Image: Springtime Live)

The event for all the family is back. This year attendees won’t be disappointed as there will be a spaniel dog show, a crazy climbing wall, Mini Land Rover rides, tractor trailer rides and a sheep show. That’s not to mention all farm animals you could possibly imagine, as well as hands-on workshops and demonstrations, which are just some of this year’s highlights.

And once you’re inside the event, all of the attractions are free. Bonus. Be quick though as some of the tickets have already sold out.

Pre-booking is necessary, children £8, adults £12, March 23, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ.

Meet the extreme artist and explorer Philip Gray

(Image: Philip Gray)

Irish artist Philip Gray combines his love of painting with his passion for exploration and discovery. He often embarks on challenging expeditions for his art and paints these scenes from across the world, whether it’s tropical rainforests or icy mountain peaks.

Join him at Clarendon Fine Art Gallery where he will launch his Harrogate exhibition and tell the tales of some of the adventures he’s been on. It’s sure to make for an awe-inspiring evening.

Free, 6-8pm, March 23, Clarendon Fine Art, 1a James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

Read more:

Get on your bike and explore routes for all abilities across Yorkshire

Whether you’re still at the stabilisers stage or a serious Lycra devotee, North Yorkshire has a route to suit every stage of your cycling journey – here’s The Stray Ferret’s pick of some unmissable highlights.

For the thrill seekers

(Image: Pixabay)

Location: Dalby Forest.

Terrain: Varied, woodland, hilly, with some off-road routes.

Length: There are a number of trails throughout the forest for a mixture of different abilities from family-friendly routes to serious mountain biking challenges.

About the route: The lush backdrop of woodland – over 3,500 hectares in size – provides a perfect playground for casual and serious cyclists alike.

The grading system is meant to help bikers out, which starts at green (easy) and ends at black (extreme) so you know what you’ve let yourself in for. Trail maps are available from the visitor centre.

Parking: There are several Forestry Commission car parks throughout Dalby Forest. Payment to enter the forest is £10 all day for vehicle access.

Bike hire: Bikes are available from Dalby Forest Cycle Hub. Prices for a full days’ hire of a mountain bike start at £40 for an adult, and £25 for a child.

Don’t miss: For those who aren’t sure what their technical level is, the cycle skills area is a great place to warm up and decide before tackling the longer routes.

For a child-friendly option

Spofforth Castle

Location: Wetherby Railway Path, Spofforth to Wetherby or Thorp Arch.

Terrain: Flat, paved cycle path with one small section on-road.

Length: 6.3 miles one way to Thorp Arch, or 2.7 miles one way to Wetherby.

About the route: Starting at the ruins of Spofforth Castle, the route follows a National Cycle Network trail through the countryside, passing through Weatherby, and ending at Thorp Park Retail Park.

You don’t have to complete the full route either – the old railway path is the perfect place to take younger children to test out their cycling skills, turning back when they start getting tired.

Parking: Free, roadside parking in Spofforth village.

Bike hire:  There are no available cycle hire services in the local area, so it’s advised you take your own bike.

Don’t miss: The historic market town of Wetherby is well worth a look around and has a plethora of cafes that can help to break up the journey. Kofi&Co, Bakeri Baltzersen and The Cottage Coffee Shop are amongst the stand-out options.

For landscape lovers

Sutton Bank views

Location: Sutton Bank.

Terrain: Steep in parts, some off-road cycling, some paved cycle paths.

Length: Cycle routes range from a steady 3 miles, all the way up to a challenging 17.5 miles.

About the route: Don’t be put off by the drive up, while the routes do undulate, you don’t have to tackle the climb up Sutton Bank – unless you’re up for the challenge of course.

While there are five different routes on offer, all offer the chance to take in the spectacular scenery across the escarpment, with a view of Lake Gormire below.

Parking: There is metered parking available at Sutton Bank National Park Centre. Just to note, the machines are card payment only.

Bike hire: Bikes are available from Sutton Bank Bikes. Prices for a full days’ hire of a mountain bike start at £40 for an adult, and £29 for a child.

Don’t miss: If you’re undertaking one of the longer routes, make sure to rest your legs at the High Paradise Farm Tea Room, which offers refreshments with a view.

For the seasoned cyclists

Greenhow Hill

Location: Greenhow Hill from Pateley Bridge.

Terrain: Very steep, on-road with traffic.

Length: Just over 2.5 miles, with an ascent of 268 metres total ascent.

About the route: Starting in Pateley Bridge, the route to Greenhow Hill is well-known in the area for offering a challenging climb, best suited to seasoned road cyclists.

The ascent really begins in earnest past the Royal Oak pub in the town, with four distinct sections of tough climbing throughout, finishing just beyond the quarry, at the Greenhow village sign.

Parking: There are five car parks in Pateley Bridge, with short-stay and long-stay options.

Bike hire: This route is suited for experienced cyclists with specialised road bikes, and as such, it is recommended you take your own bike. 

Don’t miss: Greenhow Hill is one of the highest villages in Yorkshire, at 1300 feet above sea level. It also boasts ‘the biggest and highest artwork’ installations, The Coldstones Cut, which overlooks the quarry and is open to the public to explore. 

For those who like it flat

The Nidderdale Greenway, which could be extended.

The Nidderdale Greenway

Location: Nidderdale Greenway, from Ripley to Harrogate.

Terrain: Generally flat, paved cycle route.

Length: 4.2 miles one way.

About the route: A gentle, traffic-free route that connects Ripley with Knaresborough, Bilton and Harrogate along a disused railway line, the Nidderdale Greenway is a popular option for families and casual cyclists.

Parking: Parking starts at £1 for one hour at the village’s main car park, which needs to be redeemed at either The Boar’s Head, The Tearoom, Grindhus, Ripley Castle, Ripley Store, Harrogate Tipple, Just Makers, or Fizzy Fox.

Bike hire options: Nidderdale Cycles offer a service where they drop off and pick up hired bikes at the main car park in Ripley.

Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the route is the spectacular Grade II listed, Nidd Gorge Viaduct, from which views across the woodland and the valley can be enjoyed.

For those who want a challenge

Yorkshire Dales National Park

Location: Yorkshire Dales Cycleway.

Terrain: Varied, on-road, with steep ascents and descents.

Length: 130 miles.

About the route: For a truly unique way to experience the beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, the challenge of completing the Yorkshire Dales Cycleway awaits.

Starting and ending at Skipton, the circular route winds through Coverdale, Swaledale, Wensleydale, Dentdale and Kingsdale. Typically, those who undertake it split it into six stages of 20-25 miles per day.

Parking: There are numerous pay-and-display car parks in the centre of Skipton, but it is recommended that the maximum length of stay is checked before visiting.

Bike hire options: As this is a multi-day challenge, it is advised that you take your own bike and equipment with you.

Don’t miss: There’s so much to see along the route that you’ll be spoilt for choice, with scenery that includes the famous limestone landscape of Malham Cove and Tarn.

There are also plenty of handy blogs – including the Yorkshire Dales’ National Park sister site Cycle the Dales– that give handy hints and tips so you can make the most of the experience.

Read more:

(Lead image: Pixabay)