Things To Do
Things To Do – in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon, and the surrounding North Yorkshire villages, from famous attractions and historic landmarks to hidden gems waiting to be explored. Visit magnificent gardens and heritage sites, browse local farm shops and art galleries, or keep younger visitors entertained at children’s play centres and with a huge choice of family activities. Discover fascinating museums, enjoy open-air activities, catch a performance at one of the area’s theatres, or head into the countryside for walking, riverside trails, and spectacular Yorkshire scenery. Spend the day exploring Harrogate’s elegant streets and gardens, Knaresborough’s picturesque riverside, historic Ripon, and the beautiful surrounding villages. Whether you’re planning a holiday, weekend break, or family day out or wondering what to do today, the Harrogate Guide makes it easy to find new places and experiences across this remarkable part of North Yorkshire.
Harrogate
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Explore one of Yorkshire’s finest gardens, with spectacular seasonal planting, woodland, streams, kitchen gardens and family play areas. It’s equally enjoyable for serious garden lovers and families looking for an outdoor day out.
Address: Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, HG3 1QB
Website: https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
Turkish Baths Harrogate
Relax inside Harrogate’s magnificent historic Turkish Baths and experience the spa heritage that helped make the town internationally famous.
Address: Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2WH
Website: https://www.turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk/
Valley Gardens
Explore beautiful gardens, woodland and open spaces close to the town centre. Families can combine a walk or picnic with the recreational and play facilities.
Address: Valley Drive, Harrogate, HG1 2SZ
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/
Royal Pump Room Museum
Discover how Harrogate developed into one of Britain’s fashionable spa destinations and learn about its mineral springs, treatments and visitors.
Address: Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RY
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/
Montpellier Quarter
Explore independent boutiques, specialist shops, galleries, cafés, bars and restaurants among some of Harrogate’s most attractive historic streets.
Location: Montpellier, Harrogate, HG1
Website: https://montpellierharrogate.co.uk/
The Stray
Enjoy around 200 acres of open grassland surrounding the town centre. Walk, run, picnic, play games or simply find somewhere to relax.
Location: Harrogate
Mercer Art Gallery
Discover changing exhibitions and works from Harrogate’s permanent art collection at this cultural attraction close to the town centre.
Address: Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SA
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/
Harrogate Theatre
Enjoy drama, comedy, music, family shows, touring productions and the town’s popular annual pantomime.
Address: Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF
Website: https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/
Harrogate Climbing Centre
Try indoor climbing and bouldering for a more energetic day out. A particularly good option for active families and older children.
Address: Hookstone Chase, Harrogate, HG2 7DB
Website: https://www.harrogateclimbingcentre.com/
Pinewoods
Follow woodland paths between Valley Gardens and RHS Garden Harlow Carr for a simple, free outdoor adventure close to town.
Location: Harrogate
Harrogate Ringway
Explore the countryside surrounding Harrogate on this circular walking route. Families can choose shorter sections rather than tackling the entire trail.
Location: Various starting points around Harrogate
Harrogate Heritage Plaques
Turn a walk around Harrogate into a journey through local history by finding plaques marking important people, buildings and events.
Location: Harrogate
Harrogate Convention Centre
Check what’s happening during your visit, with exhibitions, shows and major events taking place throughout the year.
Address: King’s Road, Harrogate, HG1 5LA
Website: https://www.harrogateconventioncentre.co.uk/
Knaresborough
Knaresborough Castle & Courthouse Museum
Explore medieval castle ruins, discover the town’s history and enjoy the famous view across the River Nidd towards Knaresborough Viaduct.
Address: Castle Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 8AS
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/
Things To Do
Mother Shipton’s Cave
Discover the legend of Mother Shipton, see the famous Petrifying Well and enjoy a family walk through woodland beside the River Nidd.
Address: Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, HG5 8DD
Website: https://www.mothershipton.co.uk/
Rowing Boats on the River Nidd
Hire a traditional rowing boat for one of Knaresborough’s classic family experiences and paddle beneath the spectacular railway viaduct.
Location: Waterside, Knaresborough
Knaresborough Riverside
Walk beside the River Nidd, stop for an ice cream or something to eat and enjoy views of the castle and viaduct.
Location: Waterside, Knaresborough
Bebra Gardens
Relax in attractive gardens between Knaresborough Castle and the riverside — an easy addition to a family day exploring the town.
Address: Brewerton Street, Knaresborough, HG5 8AZ
Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
Discover an unusual medieval chapel carved directly into the sandstone cliff.
Location: Abbey Road, Knaresborough
St Robert’s Cave
Discover a fascinating riverside site associated with the medieval hermit St Robert of Knaresborough.
Location: Abbey Road, Knaresborough
Conyngham Hall Grounds
Enjoy green space beside the River Nidd or use the grounds as the starting point for a longer family walk.
Address: Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AY
Knaresborough Market
Browse stalls and experience the atmosphere of this historic Yorkshire market town.
Location: Market Place, Knaresborough
Nidd Gorge
Explore woodland paths alongside the River Nidd. Turn the walk into a family nature adventure by looking for birds and other wildlife.
Location: Between Knaresborough and Harrogate
Ripon
Ripon Cathedral
Explore magnificent architecture and descend into the remarkable seventh-century Anglo-Saxon crypt.
Address: Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT
Website: https://riponcathedral.org.uk/
Ripon Workhouse Museum
Discover the realities of Victorian workhouse life through historic rooms, exhibitions and the workhouse garden.
Address: 75 Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE
Website: https://riponmuseums.co.uk/
Prison & Police Museum
Explore historic cells and discover fascinating stories about crime, policing and punishment.
Address: St Mary’s Gate, Ripon, HG4 1LX
Website: https://riponmuseums.co.uk/
Courthouse Museum
Step inside a preserved Georgian courthouse and discover how justice was administered in previous centuries.
Address: Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QS
Website: https://riponmuseums.co.uk/
Ripon Canal
Follow the towpath for an easy family walk and look for ducks, birds and other wildlife along the water.
Location: Ripon
Ripon Spa Gardens
Enjoy colourful gardens and open space close to Ripon’s historic centre.
Address: Park Street, Ripon, HG4 2AX
Ripon Hornblower
Head to the Market Place at 9pm to experience the city’s centuries-old tradition of setting the watch.
Location: Market Place, Ripon, HG4 1BP
Website: https://www.riponcity.gov.uk/
Ripon Racecourse
Experience a day at the races, with selected fixtures offering additional entertainment for families.
Address: Boroughbridge Road, Ripon, HG4 1UG
Website: https://www.ripon-races.co.uk/
Fountains & Studley Royal
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
Spend the day exploring spectacular abbey ruins, lakes, woodland, parkland and Georgian water gardens. The huge estate gives families plenty of space to explore.
Address: Fountains, Ripon, HG4 3DY
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/fountains-abbey-and-studley-royal-water-garden
Skelton-on-Ure
Newby Hall & Gardens
Combine a magnificent country house and gardens with extensive family attractions and outdoor play.
Address: Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon, HG4 5AE
Website: https://www.newbyhall.com/
Markenfield
Markenfield Hall
Discover a remarkable medieval moated manor house hidden in the countryside near Ripon. Check public opening dates before travelling.
Address: Markenfield Hall, Ripon, HG4 3AD
Website: https://www.markenfield.com/
Grewelthorpe
Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park
Follow woodland paths around lakes and colourful gardens while discovering contemporary sculptures hidden throughout the landscape.
Address: The Hutts, Hutts Lane, Grewelthorpe, Ripon, HG4 3DA
Website: https://www.himalayangarden.com/
Ripley
Ripley Castle & Gardens
Explore the historic castle and grounds before discovering the attractive estate village and surrounding countryside.
Address: Ripley, Harrogate, HG3 3AY
Website: https://www.ripleycastle.co.uk/
Ripley Village
Explore the picturesque village, browse local businesses, stop for refreshments and head onto surrounding countryside paths.
Location: Ripley, Harrogate, HG3
Spofforth
Spofforth Castle
Explore atmospheric medieval ruins associated with the powerful Percy family. Its open setting makes it particularly enjoyable for families who like exploring historic places.
Address: Castle Street, Spofforth, Harrogate, HG3 1DA
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/spofforth-castle/
Spofforth Village
Combine the castle with a walk around the village or follow local footpaths into the surrounding countryside.
Location: Spofforth, Harrogate, HG3
Pateley Bridge
Pateley Bridge
Explore the traditional high street, independent shops and cafés before heading into the surrounding Nidderdale countryside.
Location: Pateley Bridge, HG3
Nidderdale Museum
Discover local life through recreated shops, rooms and workshops packed with objects telling the story of Nidderdale.
Address: The Old Workhouse, King Street, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5LE
Website: https://www.nidderdalemuseum.com/
Stump Cross Caverns
Head underground for a family adventure through spectacular limestone caves filled with fascinating geological formations.
Address: Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5JL
Website: https://www.stumpcrosscaverns.co.uk/
Coldstones Cut
Walk to this enormous public artwork overlooking Coldstones Quarry and enjoy panoramic views across Nidderdale.
Location: Greenhow Hill, near Pateley Bridge, HG3 5JQ
Website: https://www.coldstonescut.org/
Summerbridge & Brimham
Brimham Rocks
One of the area’s great family outdoor adventures. Walk among extraordinary natural rock formations and discover strange shapes, passageways and spectacular viewpoints.
Address: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/brimham-rocks
Things To Do
Birchfield Family Dairies
Enjoy a family farm experience with animals, seasonal activities and locally produced ice cream.
Location: Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3
Website: https://www.birchfieldicecream.co.uk/
Upper Nidderdale & Lofthouse
How Stean Gorge
Explore a spectacular limestone gorge or book an organised outdoor experience for a more adventurous family day out.
Address: Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5SF
Website: https://www.howstean.co.uk/
Studfold Adventure Trail
Turn a countryside walk into an adventure with family activities and discoveries along the route.
Address: Lofthouse, Harrogate, HG3 5SG
Website: https://www.studfold.com/
Scar House Reservoir
Pack a picnic and explore one of Upper Nidderdale’s most dramatic landscapes, with impressive views and countryside walking.
Location: Upper Nidderdale
Gouthwaite Reservoir
Enjoy beautiful scenery and opportunities for wildlife watching, birdwatching and photography.
Location: Between Pateley Bridge and Lofthouse
Washburn Valley
Fewston Reservoir
Enjoy waterside and woodland walking in the beautiful Washburn Valley. A good choice for a relatively easy family countryside adventure.
Location: Near Blubberhouses
Swinsty Reservoir
Explore peaceful paths beside the water, enjoy a picnic and combine your visit with neighbouring Fewston Reservoir.
Location: Washburn Valley
Thruscross Reservoir
Discover a more rugged landscape surrounded by woodland, moorland and open countryside.
Location: Near West End, North Yorkshire
Masham
Masham
Explore a traditional Yorkshire market town known for independent shops, galleries, cafés, pubs and its famous brewing heritage.
Location: Masham, North Yorkshire, HG4
Masham Riverside
Take a family walk beside the River Ure and enjoy the surrounding countryside before returning to the town for refreshments.
Location: Masham, North Yorkshire
Boroughbridge & Aldborough
Boroughbridge
Explore the historic riverside town, browse local businesses and use it as a starting point for discovering nearby archaeological sites.
Location: Boroughbridge, YO51
Devil’s Arrows
Challenge the family to find these enormous prehistoric standing stones and discover a landmark that has survived for thousands of years.
Location: Boroughbridge, YO51
Aldborough Roman Site
Discover the remains of the Roman town of Isurium Brigantum and see impressive surviving mosaic floors.
Address: Aldborough, Boroughbridge, YO51 9ES
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/aldborough-roman-site/
West Tanfield
Marmion Tower
Explore the surviving medieval gatehouse of a former manor house in this attractive village near Ripon.
Address: West Tanfield, Ripon, HG4 5JX
Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/marmion-tower/
Allerton Mauleverer
Allerton Castle
Discover one of North Yorkshire’s most dramatic Gothic buildings. Check ahead for tours, events and public opening opportunities.
Address: Allerton Mauleverer, Knaresborough, HG5 0SE
Website: https://www.allertoncastle.co.uk/
Bishop Monkton
Bishop Monkton
Explore a picturesque village known for its beck, little bridges and attractive traditional buildings. Combine your visit with a countryside walk.
Location: Bishop Monkton, North Yorkshire, HG3
Burton Leonard
Burton Leonard
Discover a peaceful Yorkshire village surrounded by countryside and local walking routes.
Location: Burton Leonard, North Yorkshire, HG3
Nidderdale National Landscape
Walking & Hiking
Choose anything from a short family stroll to a full day’s hike through moorland, woodland, valleys and traditional Yorkshire villages.
Family Cycling
Explore quiet lanes and countryside routes, choosing distances suitable for the age and experience of your family.
Wildlife Watching
Take binoculars and look for birds and other wildlife around reservoirs, rivers, woodland and open countryside.
Family Picnics
Pack lunch and make a day of exploring reservoirs, parks, riversides and countryside viewpoints.
Photography
Give children a camera or phone and challenge them to photograph wildlife, landscapes, castles, unusual rocks and village landmarks.
Countryside Adventures
For families wanting more excitement, look for professionally organised climbing, caving, gorge walking and other instructor-led outdoor experiences across Nidderdale.
Website: https://nidderdale-nl.org.uk/
Something for Everyone
From gardens, castles, museums and spas to caves, rowing boats, climbing, adventure trails, farm experiences, cycling and reservoir walks, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the surrounding villages provide an enormous variety of things to do.
Families can explore caves and castle ruins, couples can enjoy gardens and countryside walks, teenagers can try climbing and outdoor adventures, and history lovers can discover everything from Roman remains to medieval abbeys.
Many experiences are also completely free, including The Stray, Pinewoods, riverside walks, countryside trails, reservoirs, historic villages and Spofforth Castle.
Whether you’re looking for things to do today, family days out, free attractions, outdoor adventures, rainy-day activities or places to visit this weekend, there is always somewhere new to discover around Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and North Yorkshire.
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Can’t find what you’re looking for? Email Ian at info@harrogateuk.co.uk, and we’ll be happy to help.
