Free Things To Do
Free Things To Do – Discover the best free things to do in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, with fantastic days out for families, couples and visitors. In Harrogate, explore Valley Gardens, the Pinewoods and The Stray, perfect for walking and picnics. Visit Knaresborough for Bebra Gardens, castle grounds and riverside walks beneath its famous railway viaduct. In Ripon, step inside historic Ripon Cathedral, explore Spa Gardens or walk alongside the peaceful Ripon Canal. With beautiful parks, woodland trails, historic sights and spectacular Yorkshire countryside, there are plenty of free attractions and days out in North Yorkshire to discover throughout the year.
Harrogate
1. Valley Gardens
Address: Valley Drive, Harrogate HG1 2SZ
Type: Gardens • Park • Family Walks | Cost: Free
Explore gardens, woodland paths and lawns close to Harrogate town centre.
2. The Stray
Location: Harrogate
Type: Parkland • Walking • Picnics | Cost: Free
Enjoy more than 200 acres of historic open grassland surrounding the town.
3. The Pinewoods
Location: Valley Gardens towards Harlow Carr
Type: Woodland • Nature • Walking | Cost: Free
Follow woodland trails through one of Harrogate’s most attractive green spaces.
Website: Pinewoods Conservation Group
4. Harrogate Ringway
Location: Around Harrogate
Type: Countryside • Long-Distance Walking | Cost: Free
Tackle the approximately 20-mile circular route or choose a shorter section.
5. Nidderdale Greenway
Location: Harrogate and Bilton towards Ripley
Type: Walking • Cycling • Family | Cost: Free
A traffic-free route through attractive countryside and across the Nidd Gorge Viaduct.
Website: Nidderdale National Landscape
Knaresborough
6. Knaresborough Castle Grounds
Address: Castle Yard, Knaresborough HG5 8AS
Type: Heritage • Views • Picnics | Cost: Grounds free
Enjoy the castle grounds and celebrated views across the River Nidd and railway viaduct.
7. Knaresborough Riverside & Waterside
Location: Waterside, Knaresborough HG5
Type: Riverside • Walking • Sightseeing | Cost: Free
Walk beneath the viaduct and enjoy one of Knaresborough’s most picturesque areas.
8. Bebra Gardens
Address: Brewerton Street, Knaresborough HG5 8AZ
Type: Gardens • Family • Relaxation | Cost: Free
A peaceful garden beneath the castle, ideal for relaxing during a town-centre visit.
9. Nidd Gorge
Location: Between Knaresborough and Bilton
Type: Woodland • Riverside • Wildlife |
Explore riverside and woodland paths through the beautiful Nidd Gorge.
10. Historic Knaresborough
Location: Market Place and town centre
Type: Heritage • Walking • Sightseeing | Cost: Free
Explore Market Place, Castle Yard, Waterside, historic streets and viewpoints on foot.
Ripon
11. Ripon Cathedral
Address: Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT
Type: Cathedral • Architecture • Heritage | Cost: Free entry; donations welcomed
Discover magnificent architecture and an Anglo-Saxon crypt dating back to the seventh century.
Website: Ripon Cathedral
12. Ripon Canal
Location: Ripon
Type: Canal • Walking • Wildlife |
Enjoy a peaceful waterside walk close to the city centre.
Website: Canal & River Trust
13. Ripon Spa Gardens
Address: Park Street, Ripon HG4 2AX
Type: Gardens • Park • Family | Cost: Free
Enjoy lawns, gardens and pathways within easy reach of the city centre.
14. Ripon Market Square
Location: Market Place, Ripon
Type: Heritage • Sightseeing | Cost: Free
Explore Ripon’s historic centre and see its 1702 obelisk.
15. Ripon Hornblower
Location: Market Square, Ripon
Type: Tradition • Heritage | Cost: Free
See the ancient tradition of the horn being sounded at the four corners of the obelisk at precisely 9pm.
Website: Ripon City Council
More Free Outdoor Adventures
16. Brimham Rocks
Location: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge HG3 4DW
Type: Rocks • Walking • Countryside | Cost: parking charges may apply
Explore extraordinary rock formations and moorland scenery.
Website: National Trust – Brimham Rocks
17. Fewston Reservoir
Location: Washburn Valley
Type: Reservoir • Walking • Wildlife | Cost: Free to explore; check current parking arrangements
Enjoy waterside and woodland walking.
Website: Yorkshire Water Reservoirs
18. Swinsty Reservoir
Location: Washburn Valley
Type: Reservoir • Walking • Family | Cost: Free to explore
A popular choice for an easy countryside walk.
19. Thruscross Reservoir
Location: Reservoir Road HG3 4BB
Type: Reservoir • Walking • Countryside |
A more rugged choice with woodland and open countryside.
20. Nidderdale National Landscape
Location: Nidderdale
Type: Walking • Cycling • Nature | Cost: Free to explore
Discover countryside trails, rivers, reservoirs and picturesque villages throughout Nidderdale.
Website: Nidderdale National Landscape
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
