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5 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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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.

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(Lead image: Pixabay)

5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend

Stuck for ideas of what to do in and around Harrogate at the weekend? As well as the Knaresborough Tractor Run – see times here – and a showcase of supercars, here’s what else is happening from March 15-17.

Discover BEAM Light Festival

James Bawn, photography, Richard Maude

Lighting up the town is BEAM, a brand-new event for 2024 by Harrogate International Festivals.

Enjoy spectacular light installations and soundscapes in both the expected and unexpected places as you wander through town; think everything from dancing twinkling lights in Valley Gardens’ trees to searchlights beaming patterns up across the sky.

There will be 10 illuminations in total – see if you can spot them all. To read our interview with the artist, click here.

Free, from dusk until 10pm, March 15-16, venues across town, for more information, click here.

Tap along to live music at Roosters

Chris Helme, Rooster’s Unplugged

There aren’t many watering holes near Hornbeam Park – there’s certainly a gap in the market for a few more – but Roosters is where it’s at for a weekend pint without the schlep into town.

And it’s not just a brewery – it regularly holds events upstairs in its taproom – and on Friday night it’s hosting a gig by solo artist Chris Helme, frontman of The Seahorses (formed by Stone Roses’ John Squire) as part of its Rooster’s Unplugged series.

As well as new music, expect to hear Chris’ blend of honesty and anecdotes from a 30-plus year career in the music industry. He will also be supported by singer-songwriter Gary Stewart and an opening set by regular Mick P Kerr.

£16.95, doors 7pm, March 15, Roosters, Unit H5, Fifth Avenue, Hornbeam Park, Harrogate HG2 8QT, for tickets, click here.

Let your creativity bloom at a floral workshop

Pixaby

If you’ve ever wanted to create your own wow-factor floral centrepiece, now is the opportune occasion as renowned Harrogate florist Helen James is running a course this Saturday.

Taking place at Coach & Horses Harrogate, you’ll learn some top flower arranging tips while sipping a glass of prosecco and making a stunning floral table arrangement to take home with you.

What’s more, attendees can also receive 20 per cent off the Coach & Horses’ menu when booking a table in advance.

£65 per person, from 11.30am, March 16, Coach & Horses, 16 West Park, Harrogate, HG1 1BJ.

Conjure up some answers at a Harry Potter-themed quiz

Pixaby

Test your Hogwarts knowledge with a Harry Potter quiz that’s taking place on Saturday night at Waterstones, Harrogate.

Gather a team of up to six Muggles and magic up a group name – there will even be a prize given for the best one before the event has even started – then bring your A-game as you try to guess the answers to questions all themed around Voldemort and the Death Eaters.

Free but tickets must be reserved in advance, 6.15pm, March 16, Waterstones Harrogate, 15 James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS.

**Watch Fat Chance by Rachel Stockdale at Harrogate Theatre**

Rachel Stockdale, Harrogate Theatre

Taking place at Harrogate Studio Theatre, this one-woman play explores the topic of fatphobia and some of Rachel’s lived experiences of going from a size 8 to a size 18.

Inspired by an encounter she had on honeymoon in a restaurant where a waiter assumed she was pregnant, the show covers dark comedy, songs and dancing, and highlights the pressure many women put on themselves to look a certain way and be accepted.

£14, 7.45pm, March 15, Harrogate Studio Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF.

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

New Harrogate cafe to offer space for all the family

A new cafe in Harrogate is set to have family at its heart – in more ways than one.

Brood Coffee House will open next month at the bottom of Commercial Street, in a unit previously occupied by Foxy Vintage and Interiors.

It is being converted by Hannah and Frank Pinder to offer space for children to play and enjoy classes, while parents can also enjoy a coffee or light lunch.

Hannah told the Stray Ferret:

“My husband’s passion is coffee. I’m more on the baby development side.

“I run multi-sensory and baby development classes all over the place. This gives me a bit more of a base.

“I’ll be doing a couple of days here, and then renting the space out to other class providers during the week.”

The ground floor coffee shop will be open from 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.

As well as café seating, it has toys for youngsters to play with – all selected by Hannah using her expertise.

Dark Woods will be supplying the coffee, pastries will be provided by Manna Bakery, and Hannah is currently speaking to cake suppliers to fill the counter with sweet treats.

Sandwiches will be made in-house by her mum, who has been part of the family effort to get the business ready to open.

Hannah’s dad – an artist and designer who runs classes for students at Henshaws in Knaresborough – came up with the name and branding, and has been hard at work on the DIY with Frank.

He has also designed some colouring sheets for young visitors to use at the tables.

Since setting up the cafe’s website and Instagram account, Hannah said she has been “inundated” with interest from people hoping to use the newly-converted basement to run classes and activities.

If they all sign up, she’s hoping to offer everything from baby yoga and drama classes to pre- and post-natal sessions and a breastfeeding café.

As a class leader herself, Hannah said she has experienced how hard it can be to find a high-quality venue.

“Running my classes in Leeds, I was done with the cold, horrible church halls and mums having to use nasty toilets with nowhere to change their babies.

“A couple of things started popping up that were really nice spaces, but there was nothing in Harrogate like that.

“I’m from a group of six girlfriends with children of similar age and we really struggled with where to go. You can meet at the Valley Gardens for an hour, but where can you go after that’s child-friendly and also a nice place?

“There’s such a lovely mum culture of people wanting to meet friends with children and hang out and do thing for the kids, but also for them.”

While the space will be used every week during term time for regular classes, Hannah is also hoping to run special events during the school holidays.

Her mum is already signed up to run storytime sessions, and there will be crafts and other activities on offer.

The studio is also going to be available for private bookings, mostly on Sundays, to host birthday parties, baby showers, christening celebrations and more.

Hannah and Frank will be test-running the space as a party venue for their own son, Reg, who turns two this month – and has also been in the shop daily checking out the toys in time for the planned launch events on Saturday, September 2.

Stockeld Park promises ‘spectacular light show’ at Christmas Adventure

Stockeld Park is set to open for its Christmas events this weekend after a £100,000 investment.

The Christmas Adventure at Stockeld Park started in 2007 and has added new features since.

Peter and Susie Grant, the owners, said recent improvements meant visitors were set to experience the park’s “most spectacular light show yet”.

Other new features for the enchanted forest this year include giant butterflies, jackalopes, phoenixes and griffins.

Experience the illuminations in the forest.

As well as the illuminations, the park has Santa’s grotto, an ice skating rink, a Christmas in Oz pantomime, an illuminated maze and more.

The Christmas Adventure opens on Saturday, November 19 and will run until Tuesday, January 3.

Tickets, which start at £12 for ice skating or £15 for access to the forest, maze and illuminations, are available now.

Mr Grant said:

“Anybody can come to enjoy the illuminations, young or old, with or without children, and they are perfect for romantic evenings in our quieter times which tend to be Mondays to Thursdays in November and early December.”

This investment follows the opening of Stockeld Park’s £3.5 million children’s play centre called Playhive, which opened this summer.

It features a space, aeronautical, subaquatic and jungle themed areas, which are all connected by a 33-feet tall tower, which also comes with giant slides and a toddler zone.

Mr Grant added:

“The Playhive has been very well received, I think as much as anything because it introduces a novel concept of a play space where adults and children can play together, and it gives us the ability to be an all-weather venue.”

Stockeld Park opens £3.5 million children’s play centre

Stockeld Park is set to open its £3.5 million children’s play centre to the public this weekend.

The Playhive, set over 20,000 square feet, is one of Europe’s largest indoor play centres. It will open for the first time on Saturday.

The play centre has space, aeronautical, subaquatic and jungle themed areas, which are all connected by a 33-feet tall tower, which also comes with giant slides and a toddler zone.

Playhive also includes a football pitch-sized area filled with play equipment and a pizzeria for families to enjoy after a day of play.

The different zones are all connected by a large tower.

With capacity for 400 visitors at a time, Stockeld Park believes that the new venture will come as a welcome boost for Wetherby and Spofforth’s economy.

The Playhive has created 50 jobs.

It was the brainchild of park owners Peter and Susie Grant, who wanted to create an all-weather space where adults and children can explore, learn and play together.

It is one of the largest indoor play centres in Europe.

Peter Grant said:

“Susie and I are so excited to finally see the Playhive come to life – a passion project of ours for years, it’s great to see the final result come together exactly as we envisioned.

“We wanted to move away from the traditional soft play scene whilst also encouraging play and imagination in the kids that attend Stockeld Park each year.

“One of the most incredible parts of the Playhive is that it allows for all occasion play – ideal for those rainy Yorkshire days!”

Tickets to the Adventure Park and Playhive cost £19.50 and can be purchased here.

Ripon City Council proudly presents the biggest free Platinum Jubilee celebration in the north

This article is sponsored by Ripon City Council.

Ripon City Council invites people of all ages from the Harrogate district and further afield to join its citizens in a once in a lifetime celebration in this Right Royal city, where the biggest free Platinum Jubilee party in the north is being held over four days to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and her selfless 70 years of service to this country.

Three days of continuous FREE musical entertainment from June 2 to 4 on a stage in front of Ripon Town Hall will see 24 of the country’s leading tribute acts perform, alongside FREE fairground rides for all the family and face painting, Punch and Judy and magic shows for children.

Full details can be found by clicking or tapping here to see Ripon City Council’s Platinum Jubilee brochure.

There’s something for everybody – from parents with a three-year-old wanting to have their face painted, to a 103 year-old great grandmother who wants to come and enjoy the nostalgic wartime songs made famous by forces sweetheart Vera Lynn.

All the fairground rides are free and there will also be a Twister ride suitable for adults

Seating will be provided on Market Square for the comfort of those wanting to take the weight off their feet while watching the tribute acts.

Music in Ripon’s Market Square

The extensive concert programme will feature just about every musical genre, from rock and roll to soul and Britpop to disco dancefloor fillers and popular classics.

Ripon’s Market Square will be in the national and international spotlight at 9.45pm on Thursday June 2, after Ripon Community Poppy Project successfully applied for the city to be be one of the 1500 locations included in the UK-wide chain of Platinum Jubilee beacons that will be simultaneously lit across the land.

Beacons will also be lit in Commonwealth countries.

During the three days of activities on Market Square, Jubilee celebrations, including the beacon lighting in London and elsewhere in the UK, can be seen live on a large TV screen.

Adding to the very special nature of the beacon lighting event, a lone piper will play Diu Regnare, which has been written specifically for the Platinum Jubilee.

The Platinum Jubilee Horn sounds

Another huge highlight will come at 9pm on Saturday June 4, when Ripon’s world-famous setting of the watch ceremony will be in the spotlight as the city council presents the Platinum Jubilee Horn, commissioned and made by craftsmen to provide a lasting memento of this history-making celebration.

The setting of the watch, which is the world’s longest unbroken ceremonial activity, will also be performed at 9pm on each concert night, by one of the city’s very-own ‘fab four’ hornblowers, resplendent in their distinctive uniforms and tri-cornered hats.

The concerts, with a programme that has been carefully arranged to include something for people of all ages and musical tastes, will start at 10.30am on Thursday June 2 and Friday June 3 and at 11am on Saturday June 4. They will go on into the night, finishing at 11.30pm on each of the three days.

Local residents and visitors to the city can enjoy three full days of free musical entertainment provided by 24 acts and going on until 11.30pm

Concert goers can listen to tribute acts singing the songs of Elvis, the Everly Brothers, Madonna, Little Mix, Phil Collins, George Michael, Katherine Jenkins and many more.

Music from Ripon City Band will accompany an afternoon of family fun in Spa Park on Sunday June 5. They will start at 2pm with a Jubilee Big Band welcome and conclude at 4.30pm with a rousing Last Night of the Proms performance, ending with Land of Hope and Glory.

Ripon Community Poppy Project – whose Knit and Natter group made the miles of Royal bunting that adorn the city’s streets – will be running the activities in the park, that also includes face painting, Jubilee-themed crafts and a treasure hunt for children,

Ripon, whose regal roots reach back to 886 and King Alfred the Great, is primed for the biggest royal bash in its long and distinguished history and 1,136 years after the first blast of his ceremonial horn, the city council, citizens and visitors, will celebrate and thank the most enduring member in a long line of monarchs – HRH Queen Elizabeth II – for her remarkable service.

For those who wish to celebrate by raising a loyal toast or two in Ripon’s many pubs and restaurants, the regular Transdev 36 bus service may be an advisable means of getting to and from this city that certainly knows how to throw a party.