Art and Culture
Art and Culture – Discover the best art and culture in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon with an inspiring mix of theatres, galleries, cinemas, museums and exhibitions. Enjoy professional stage productions, community performances, independent films, contemporary artwork, photography, historic collections and creative workshops throughout the year. Harrogate offers established cultural venues and major touring shows, while Knaresborough combines local creativity with remarkable heritage, and Ripon presents cathedral concerts, museums, galleries and engaging exhibitions. From family activities and afternoon screenings to evening theatre and special arts events, these three North Yorkshire destinations provide memorable cultural experiences for residents, day-trippers and weekend visitors of every age group.
Planning a visit? Check individual event websites before travelling, as events, dates, times, ticket availability and programmes can change
Harrogate
1. Everyman Cinema Harrogate
Category: Cinema
Address: Westgate House, Station Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1HQ
About: Five screens showing major releases, independent films, family favourites and special live screenings.
Website: https://www.everymancinema.com/venues-list/x0x9k-everyman-harrogate/
2. Harrogate Theatre
Category: Theatre and live performance
Address: Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF
About: Touring drama, comedy, dance, family productions, pantomime and performances by local theatre companies.
Website: https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/
3. Royal Hall
Category: Theatre and concerts
Address: Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2RD
About: Concerts, orchestras, touring productions, comedy and special events inside Harrogate’s magnificent historic performance venue.
Website: https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/your-visit/royal-hall/
4. Mercer Art Gallery
Category: Gallery and exhibitions
Address: 31 Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SA
About: Changing exhibitions featuring fine art, contemporary work and pieces from Harrogate’s permanent collection.
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/leisure-tourism-and-culture/museums-and-galleries/mercer-art-gallery
5. Royal Pump Room Museum
Category: Museum and exhibitions
Address: Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RY
About: Exhibitions exploring Harrogate’s spa heritage, famous mineral waters and development as a fashionable visitor destination.
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/leisure-tourism-and-culture/museums-and-galleries/royal-pump-room-museum
6. Harrogate International Festivals
Category: Concerts, literature and cultural events
Address: 32 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1DB
About: International music, literature, crime writing and cultural festivals presented at venues across Harrogate.
Website: https://harrogateinternationalfestivals.com/
7. Anita Bowerman Artist
Category: Local artist, gallery and studio
Address: Dove Tree Art Gallery and Studio, Back Granville Road, Harrogate, HG1 1AB
About: Harrogate artist creating paintings, drawings and intricate paper-cut artwork inspired by Yorkshire landscapes, architecture and wildlife.
Website: https://www.anitabowerman.co.uk/
8. Harrogate and Nidderdale Art Club
Category: Local artists and creative community
Location: Harrogate district
About: A community of painters and visual artists working in watercolour, acrylics, oils, drawing, mixed media and digital art.
Website: https://mickburton.co.uk/
Knaresborough
9. Frazer Theatre
Category: Theatre, cinema and live entertainment
Address: Off High Street, Knaresborough, HG5 0EQ
About: Community theatre, comedy, music, family productions and occasional film screenings in an intimate local venue.
Website: https://www.frazertheatre.co.uk/
10. Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum
Category: Museum, heritage and exhibitions
Address: Castle Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 8AS
About: Explore the remains of Knaresborough Castle and discover the town’s history inside the courthouse museum.
Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/leisure-tourism-and-culture/museums-and-galleries/knaresborough-castle
11. Henshaws Arts and Crafts Centre
Category: Gallery, workshops and local artists
Address: 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL
About: Original artwork, ceramics, jewellery and handmade pieces created by Henshaws Art Makers, alongside workshops and public events.
Website: https://www.henshaws.org.uk/
12. Art in the Mill
Category: Independent gallery and local artists
Address: Green Dragon Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 8AU
About: Contemporary paintings, prints, ceramics, sculpture and changing exhibitions featuring regional and independent artists.
Website: https://www.artinthemill.co.uk/
13. Claire Baxter Gallery
Category: Local artist and gallery
Address: 3 Castlegate, Knaresborough, HG5 8AR
About: Colourful figurative landscapes by Knaresborough-born artist Claire Baxter, alongside work from other Yorkshire artists and makers.
Website: https://www.clairebaxterfineart.co.uk/
14. Knaresborough Art Society
Category: Local artists and creative community
Location: Knaresborough
About: A friendly group of amateur artists offering painting, sketching, workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and creative competitions.
Website: https://knaresboroughartsociety.org.uk/
15. Knaresborough Arts
Category: Local and independent artists
Location: Knaresborough
About: An online showcase and marketplace promoting original artwork and prints by artists from Knaresborough and the surrounding area.
Website: https://www.knaresborougharts.co.uk/
16. Knaresborough Festival of Entertainment and Visual Arts
Category: Exhibitions, theatre, concerts and community art
Location: Various venues across Knaresborough
About: Known as FEVA, this annual festival brings exhibitions, live music, theatre, workshops and cultural events to the town.
Website: https://www.feva.info/
Ripon
17. Ripon Cathedral
Category: Concerts, exhibitions and heritage
Address: Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT
About: Choral music, lunchtime recitals, candlelight concerts, major performances, talks and temporary exhibitions.
Website: https://riponcathedral.org.uk/
18. Ripon Arts Hub
Category: Theatre, music and local performing arts
Address: 49A Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LQ
About: Drama, musical theatre, comedy, poetry, workshops and performances from local companies and visiting artists.
Website: https://www.raos.co.uk/services-rah
19. Ripon Theatre Festival
Category: Theatre and family performance
Location: Venues and outdoor spaces across Ripon
About: An annual programme of drama, street theatre, dance, circus, puppetry, storytelling and family entertainment.
Website: https://www.ripontheatrefestival.org/
20. Workhouse Museum and Garden
Category: Museum, exhibitions and social history
Address: Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE
About: Explore Victorian workhouse life through furnished rooms, historic objects, personal stories and changing exhibitions.
Website: https://riponmuseums.co.uk/
21. Prison and Police Museum
Category: Museum and criminal history
Address: St Marygate, Ripon, HG4 1LX
About: Historic cells, police equipment and interactive exhibitions exploring crime, punishment and law enforcement.
Website: https://riponmuseums.co.uk/
22. Courthouse Museum
Category: Museum and heritage
Address: Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QS
About: A preserved Georgian courtroom illustrating the experiences of judges, juries, defendants and court officials.
Website: https://riponmuseums.co.uk/
23. Ripon Concerts
Category: Classical concerts
Location: Selected venues across Ripon
About: A long-running programme of chamber music and classical performances featuring professional musicians and ensembles.
Website: https://www.riponconcerts.co.uk/
24. David Stead Gallery
Category: Local artist, gallery and exhibitions
Address: 34 Kirkgate, Ripon, HG4 1PB
About: Original contemporary artwork, limited-edition prints, ceramics and art cards by David Stead and other selected artists.
Website: https://www.davidsteadgallery.co.uk/
25. Fiona Odle
Category: Local artist and art tutor
Location: Ripon Library, The Arcade, Ripon, HG4 1AG
About: Local classes covering sketching, watercolour, acrylic painting, pastels and inks. Check the current programme before attending.
Website: https://visitripon.co.uk/whats-on/arts-crafts/
Discover Local Art and Culture
From Harrogate’s cinema, theatres and major gallery to Knaresborough’s independent artists and Ripon’s museums, concerts and performing arts, the district offers cultural experiences throughout the year. Exhibition schedules, screenings, workshops and performance programmes change regularly, so check the live websites before visiting.
If you have a query, need help, or cannot find what you require, just email info@harrogateuk.co.uk and we will try to help you
