Summer 2023

Come out to play in Beningbrough’s gardens with a free nature trail, 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ and a host of other adventures to be had.

Open every day and free to National Trust members, RHS members and under-fives.

Pick up the Who’s hiding in the trees trail as the foundation of your exploring. At first glance, trees may appear to be quiet and peaceful, but in fact they are full of life – hidden between the branches, in hollows, or even under the bark.

In August join in one of the wonderful Wednesday activity sessions. Join Stories Alive on 2, 9 & 30 for a specially created outdoor walking story about Apple Pip’s Adventures at Beningbrough. It’s the turn of a special bug on 9 & 23 when the Tansy Beetle Action Group will be on hand with games and more.

Head over to the wilderness play area and spend time in the den zone. Clamber on the stack, cross the rope bridge to the slides and choose from one of the swings – the pendulum is perfect for older children. With tunnels, balance beams and a Wendy house to get the younger family members imagination going.

Now there’s a new way to take a look into the past as you explore North Yorkshire’s County Town, guided by the ‘Discover Northallerton’ app in the palm of your hand.

Discover more about the heritage of Northallerton and uncover hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events that shaped this historic market town through the centuries.

With 2 trails, there is loads of fun to be had!

‘Autumnfest trail with the Mowbrees’ enjoying the sights as we watered Tinker Mowbree’s veggie patch near the phone box, threw conkers in Applegarth Park, searched for treats hiding in pumpkins in Zetland Street, and danced with the twins, Violet and Spike Mowbree, by the pedestrian crossing!

‘Portals into the Past’ entitles the second trail, which is packed with information about the history of the town and we had chance to have a little look, but would love to return another day to take in the details of the trail.  Here you can uncover Northallerton’s hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events, including the Town Hall and Shambles, the Rutson Hospital, Register House, and the original site of Northallerton Grammar School before it moved to Grammar School Lane and then became Northallerton College.  This would be a great trail for schools to use as part of a local history project.

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Grab a picnic and spend a full day running, jumping and exploring here at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.

This summer is all about having fun in nature. Take part in a fun trail, have a go at crafting and discover all the quirks and curiosities of this huge site. There’s something new to see and do each week of the six week school holidays.

Think you’ve seen it all? Think again! Venture out into the deer park and find even more things to clamber under, climb over and hide in. The longer days have finally arrived so run free and enjoy everything this 900 acre World Heritage Site has to offer.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is open daily 10am – 6:30pm (last entry 4:30pm) and there’s no need to book. Just come along and have fun in the sunshine. National Trust members visit free.

For everything you’ll need to know about visiting this summertime click here 

There’s plenty to do in your local parks, Valley Gardens, Ripon Spa Gardens and Knaresborough Castle are all free to enter and enjoy. Bring a long a picnic and take in the scenery or get stuck in with some of the activities on offer!

Valley Gardens are open 10am – 6pm selling ice creams, drinks, snacks

Set deep in the tranquil Yorkshire countryside is a hidden gem waiting for you to discover. Rich in wildlife, winding woodland paths, cooling water ways and unique land art, the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park near Ripon has 45 acres of gardens, arboretum, lakes and 90 sculptures... a log cabin tearoom & horsebox full of tasty treats with a woodland playground for kids.

• Kids Go Free (Under 16 years)

• Dogs welcome on leads

• Entrance tickets must be booked online

• Open Wednesdays – Sundays until 29th October 2023

Summer Holiday Adventures 26th July – 3rdSeptember 

The Great Yeti Hunt – daily 10am – 4pm

The young Yeti has got lost in the garden; can you help find him? Join in the hunt for the Yeti around the garden, can you find what he’s doing?    

Art Attack – daily 10am – 4pm

Get arty and join us creating a giant Himalayan Doodle. Can you spot who is hiding in it?  

Garden Ranger Activities – Thursdays at 11am – 12.30pm on 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 August

Join the gardeners and become a Garden Ranger with adifferent drop-in activity taking place each Thursday – from a Butterfly Safari & Cloud Bathing, Pond Dipping, Bird Hide Building and Music Making.

Gurkha Day – 29th July

Come and enjoy this fundraising charity day with a variety of Gurkha themed activities including the intriguing Kuri Dance.

Activities taking place between 11am – 3pm include:

Green Man, Green Dragon Interactive Storytelling – 2nd Aug

Green Men have long been the guardians of the natural world, remembered in carvings and stories, but what happened when one met a dragon? Join storyteller Dragonella, on a walk round the gardens as she shares a little-known tale of how two magical creatures formed a great friendship to protect the wonder of the natural world. Booking essential.

Tour price £5 per child (includes their garden entry*)

1- hour interactive timed tours at 10.30am, 12 noon & 2pm (suggested ages 4 to 10-year-olds)

Children must be accompanied by an adult, normal entry applies for adults

*Book tour & entry tickets from our website: www.himalayangarden.com    

See website for full details: https://www.himalayangarden.com/whats-on/

Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park, Grewelthorpe, Nr Ripon, HG4 3DA

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Saturday 22nd July – Sunday 3rd September, 10am to 5.30pm (last admission 4pm)

This summer it’s time to SHELL-abrate at Mother Shipton’s Pirates & Mermaids event.

Take a trip under the sea to meet our very own magnificent mermaid and swashbuckling pirate!

Explore the Little Mermaid’s enchanted cavern filled with gadgets and gizmos aplenty, whozits and whatzits galore!

Will you get lost in her magical world of dinglehoppers and thingamabobs?

SCUTTLE along the ARRR-mazing adventure trail to discover FIN-tastic nautical scenes and countless MER-mazing photo opportunities – you’re guaranteed to have a WHALE of a time.

Dressing up is thoroughly encouraged, prizes and free tickets will be awarded to Mother Shipton’s favourites when you share your photos and videos with us on social media #mothershiptons.

There’s something for the whole family at England’s Oldest Tourist Attraction, including the birthplace of the Yorkshire Prophetess Mother Shipton, the incredible Petrifying Well, a large children’s Adventure Playground and a Museum & Gift Shop.

Scrumptious ice cream is available to purchase as well as hot dogs, pies, sweet and savoury treats, take-away coffee, tea, hot chocolate and refreshments from our lovely vintage-style kiosks in the middle of the woodland walk.

There are plenty of picnic benches and scenic views. Dogs on a lead are welcome everywhere except the adventure playground for a picturesque mile-long walk along the River Nidd.

Booking is essential.

Are you looking for some fun exciting activities to do this summer? Well look no further, North Yorkshire Council are welcoming Chapterhouse Theatre Company again this summer to bring you ‘Sense & Sensibility’ Fri 18th Aug, ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’  Sat 19th Aug and ‘21st Century ABBA & Queen Tribute Concert’ Fri 1st Sept.

Also joining this summer are BoxTree Productions, who will be performing their rendition of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream: The Musical’ Sun 16th July. All performances will take place amongst the beautiful parks in and around the Harrogate area.

You can find more information on; dates, times, locations as well as how to get your hands on some tickets on our blog

The pop up parties are back this summer!

This year, we are not only joined by Rascals Entertainment – who will be providing the entertainment for the Harrogate and Knaresborough – but also Enchantica’s – who will be providing the magical entertainment in Ripon!

Pop up party, Valley Gardens

Start date: Thursday 27 July 2023 11:00am

End date: Thursday 27 July 2023 16:00pm

Location: Valley Gardens, Valley Drive, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2SZ

Rascals Entertainment.

They’re perfect for younger children and their parents with a mix of entertainment and activities including; magic shows, circus tricks shows and character mini discos and more.

Pop up party, Knaresborough Castle Grounds

Start date: Wednesday 16 August 2023 11:00am

End date: Wednesday 16 August 2023 16:00pm

Location: Knaresborough Castle, Castle Yard, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8AS

Rascals Entertainment.

They’re perfect for younger children and their parents with a mix of entertainment and activities including; magic shows, circus tricks shows and character mini discos and more.

Pop up party, Ripon Spa Gardens

Start date: Thursday 24 August 2023 11:00am

End date: Thursday 24 August 2023 16:00pm

Location: 10 Park Street, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2AX

Enchantica’s

They’re perfect for younger children and their parents with a mix of entertainment and activities including; juggling stage shows, dj fairy family raves, circus stage shows and much more.

Pop Up Party Schedule

July 22nd – September 4th 2o23

 PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS

22^nd July – 3^rd September

Summer Holiday Fun at RHS Harlow Carr

Aardman presents: Lloyd of the Flies
The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt

This summer holidays at RHS Garden Harlow Carr, visit a resort with a difference: The Grand Bug & Pest Hotel!

Lloyd the housefly and friends have booked a stay at the hotel, but Lloyd has lost the map. Can you help them reach their fabulous vacation destination? Have fun on the Grand Bug & Pest Hotel Hunt trail, download Aardman’s new interactive app, and enjoy fun, family-friendly activities all summer long!

Garden admission applies; free to RHS members and children under 5.

Nature House forest school