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Harrogate is bursting into life next week with half-term family fun, big-name comedy, live music and hands-on workshops — and there’s something happening every single day.
Here’s what not to miss.
🎭 Big Nights Out
Wildlife fans are in for a treat as Gordon Buchanan brings Lions and Tigers and Bears to the stunning Royal Hall on Sunday 22 February (7.30pm). Expect dramatic footage, gripping stories and behind-the-scenes insight from one of television’s most respected cameramen.
Dance lovers can experience something truly different when James Wilton Dance perform Bach Reimagined at Harrogate Theatre on Wednesday 25 February (7.30pm) — a powerful fusion of classical music and athletic contemporary movement.
Comedy fans won’t want to miss Bridget Christie, who takes to the Harrogate Theatre stage on Thursday 26 February (7.30pm) with her razor-sharp stand-up.
And if live music is more your thing, Black Ice bring floor-filling favourites from the 60s to the 90s to The Blues Bar on Sunday night (9pm).
February Half-Term Highlights (16–22 February)
Families are spoilt for choice this week.
Young audiences can enjoy the colourful stage adaptation of The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show at Harrogate Theatre on 17 and 18 February — a magical introduction to theatre.
Creative children can get hands-on at Mercer Art Gallery with workshops including:
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Tapestry with a Twist (17 Feb)
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Make & Take: Print and Ink (18 Feb)
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Zine Making (20 Feb)
There’s also an Animal Mask Workshop at Harrogate Library on 16 February — perfect for imaginative minds.
Meanwhile, Lush Harrogate is offering free skincare consultations and product applications throughout half term.
Get Creative & Get Outdoors
Fancy learning something new? Head to Great Yorkshire Showground on Tuesday 24 February (9.30am) for a School Vegetable Garden Workshop packed with practical tips.
For something a little different, Allerton Castle hosts its Winter Artisan Fayre on Wednesday 25 February from 5pm — showcasing handmade crafts in a spectacular historic setting.
Nature lovers can also join a volunteer conservation day at Crimple Head Farm on 17 February.
Don’t Forget Harrogate’s Outdoor Gems
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Open for crisp winter walks, with seasonal planting, the Sub-Tropicana Garden and peaceful woodland trails.
Valley Gardens
A beautiful 17-acre Grade II listed park — ideal for a family stroll, fresh air and open space.
From comedy and culture to crafts and countryside, Harrogate is packed with reasons to get out and explore this February.
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Ten-Man Chesterfield Denied as Harrogate Town Snatch Late Point in Survival Fight
Harrogate Town AFC boosted their League Two survival hopes with a dramatic late equaliser to earn a 1–1 draw against promotion-chasing Chesterfield FC at the SMH Group Stadium.
With the hosts eyeing a play-off push and Town battling at the foot of the table, the contest had huge implications at both ends of the division — and it delivered.
Bonis Strikes Early
Chesterfield started brightly and were rewarded in the 12th minute when Lee Bonis volleyed home Liam Mandeville’s lofted pass. The striker had already struck the crossbar moments earlier as the Spireites dominated the early exchanges.
Harrogate goalkeeper Henry Gray kept the deficit at one with an excellent save to deny Tom Pearce, ensuring the visitors remained within touching distance at the break.
Red Card Changes Everything
The turning point arrived just before the hour mark. Bonis, already booked, received a second yellow card in quick succession — first for a foul and then for throwing the ball away — leaving Chesterfield to play the final half hour with ten men.
From that moment, momentum shifted decisively.
Harrogate pressed forward with renewed belief, forcing goalkeeper Zach Hemming into several saves as the visitors searched for an equaliser.
Brenan’s First Goal Sparks Relief
The breakthrough finally came in the 84th minute. Substitute Jack Muldoon slipped the ball into Tobias Brenan, who drilled home his first goal for the club to silence the home crowd and secure a vital point.
Despite late pressure, neither side could find a winner.
What It Means
The result keeps Harrogate bottom of League Two but trims the gap to safety to four points, giving Simon Weaver’s side renewed hope in their fight to stay up.
For Chesterfield, the draw dents their play-off ambitions, leaving them ninth and just outside the top seven.
With the season entering a decisive phase, both sides know every point now carries extra weight — and this one could prove crucial at both ends of the table.
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- Big Girls Don’t Cry: Enjoy a tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons at
on Saturday 14 February at 19:30.
- Love Stories Concert: The Harrogate Theatre Choir performs at the Harrogate Studio Theatre on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 February.
- Love is in the Air: A family-friendly live music event at
on Saturday 14 February.
- Valentines Dance: DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa hosts a dance with a three-course meal and DJ on Saturday 14 February at 19:00.
- Love to Dance 9: A dance performance at the
on Sunday 15 February, with shows at 13:00 and 18:00.
- SUP Skills & Drills: A paddleboarding session for adults and children (12+) at
on Sunday 15 February at 15:00.
- Spa Workers Exhibition: Visit the
to explore the stories of the people who built Harrogate’s spa reputation.
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Knaresborough
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: Visit England’s oldest tourist attraction, open Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 to 15:30. Note that pre-booking tickets is highly recommended.
- Pancake Afternoon Tea: Seasonal tea begins at various venues during half term, starting Sunday 15 February.
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: Explore the medieval stronghold and its grounds, which offer iconic views of the
.
- Riverside Walks: The
River Nidd Waterside Walk
is a popular scenic route leading from the castle down to the river, where you can find the
Ripon- ‘Hop into the Wild’ Trail: A Disney and Pixar “Hoppers” inspired family trail at
Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
runs throughout the weekend, 14–15 February.
- Valentine’s Cruises: Ripon Cruises offers special Valentine-themed boat trips on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 February.
- The Wind in the Willows Trail: A new garden adventure trail following Mole, Ratty, and Badger begins at
(near Harrogate) on Saturday 14 February.
- Winter Garden and Abbey Tours: Guided tours of
take place every Saturday and Sunday this winter at 13:00.
- Ripon Museums: The
,
, and
offer “February Half Term” hands-on activities beginning Saturday 14 February.
- Sunday Carvery:
hosts its traditional Sunday carvery on 15 February from 12:00 to 17:00.
- ‘Hop into the Wild’ Trail: A Disney and Pixar “Hoppers” inspired family trail at
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Harrogate Blog delivers breaking news, events, business openings and community stories from across Harrogate. From town centre updates to lifestyle features, it keeps readers informed, inspired and connected with everything happening in this vibrant North Yorkshire spa town.
Fifty Two at Rudding Park Wins Harrogate’s First Michelin Star
Harrogate has entered the Michelin spotlight after Fifty Two at Rudding Park secured a Michelin Star at the 2026 Great Britain & Ireland awards ceremony hosted by the Michelin Guide in Dublin.
The award marks a historic first for Harrogate, making Fifty Two the town’s only Michelin Star restaurant and firmly positioning the North Yorkshire spa destination on the UK fine dining map. READ MORE CLICK HERE
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Valentines Day 2026 in Harrogate: Romantic Dinners, Spa Escapes and Unique Experiences
Valentine’s Day in Harrogate
In Harrogate, where lanterns softly glow,
And winter paints the streets below,
We wander past the crescent lights,
Wrapped warm in Yorkshire nights.
Through Valley Gardens, crisp and still,
A quiet path, a gentle thrill,
Your hand in mine, the world so small,
As twilight settles over all.
Steam drifts high in marble halls,
Where whispered echoes trace the walls,
At the Turkish Baths Harrogate warm embrace,
Time slows to love’s unhurried pace.
A table set with candle flame,
Soft laughter spoken low by name,
In Harrogate tonight we see—
The truest gift is you and me.
Love is set to take centre stage in Harrogate this Valentine’s Day, with a packed programme of fine dining, luxury spa retreats and one-off events running across 13–15 February 2026.
From elegant tasting menus to candlelit concerts, the spa town is pulling out all the stops for couples looking to celebrate in style.
Candlelit Dining Experiences
Top restaurants are unveiling exclusive Valentine’s menus for the big weekend.
At Rhubarb, diners can expect refined British fine dining and carefully crafted tasting menus in an intimate setting.
The Ivy Harrogate Brasserie is offering a three-course Valentine’s set menu complete with Champagne, a rose and a keepsake photo.
For countryside luxury just minutes away, Goldsborough Hall is hosting a seven-course candlelit dinner designed for an unforgettable evening.
Couples seeking something different can head underground at Stump Cross Caverns for a Valentine’s Afternoon Tea followed by a self-guided cave experience.
Relax and Reconnect
Harrogate’s spa heritage makes it a natural destination for romantic relaxation.
The historic Turkish Baths Harrogate offers a traditional hydrotherapy experience in stunning Victorian surroundings.
Meanwhile, Rudding Park and DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa are rolling out special Valentine’s packages including couples’ treatments, rooftop spa access and Champagne afternoon teas.
Live Music and Creative Nights
Beyond dining and spa days, the town is hosting a range of themed events.
Harrogate Theatre will debut the Harrogate Theatre Choir’s new production “Love Stories”, celebrating iconic songs from stage and screen.
There’s also wine tasting at Hotel du Vin Harrogate, paint-and-prosecco evenings and a Valentine’s dance at the Majestic Hotel.
Whether it’s a lavish dinner, a soothing spa break or an evening of live entertainment, Harrogate is shaping up to be one of Yorkshire’s most romantic destinations this Valentine’s Day.
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Over & Above Ranked in UK’s Top 50 – A Hidden Gem Making National Headlines
A secret speakeasy in Harrogate has vaulted into the national spotlight — securing 38th place in the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bars list less than 12 months after opening.
Hidden behind a bookcase at 7 Cheltenham Crescent, Over & Above has become the first North Yorkshire venue ever to appear in the prestigious rankings, which are voted for by drinks industry professionals, operators and journalists.
From London’s Top Bars to the Heart of Yorkshire
The bar opened in March 2025, founded by Rich and Fran Hamer as their first independent venture. Rich brings nearly two decades of hospitality experience, including ten years in London as Head of Prestige & Advocacy for gin pioneers Sipsmith, where he worked alongside some of the UK’s most respected bars and bartenders.
Returning to Yorkshire, the couple set out to create something different for Harrogate — a neighbourhood cocktail bar built on quality, theatre and genuine hospitality.
“I take my drinks seriously, but never myself,” Rich says — a philosophy reflected in every detail, from the presentation of the drinks to the relaxed but polished table service.
Elevated Classics With a Twist
Over & Above has quickly gained a reputation for taking familiar flavours and refining them to the highest level.
Its Margarita swaps the traditional salted rim for a silky salt air, delivering a balanced savoury note in every sip. The Clarified Colada keeps all the tropical character of a Piña Colada but appears crystal clear — a technical showcase that still feels approachable and fun.
Across two stylish floors, the space blends an intimate speakeasy vibe with an upmarket finish. Low lighting, carefully curated spirits and knowledgeable staff create an experience that feels both special and welcoming.
A Milestone for Harrogate
Reacting to the news, Rich said:We are absolutely over the moon to have been selected for the UK Top 50 Cocktail Bar list.
Since launching in March, our whole team has grafted incredibly hard to create a space we’re incredibly proud of.
This recognition is testament to their dedication and passion.”
Looking ahead, the team plans to host guest takeovers from other Top 50 bars throughout 2026 — giving Harrogate residents the opportunity to sample some of the country’s best cocktail talent without leaving town.
For Harrogate’s thriving food and drink scene, the accolade marks another major step forward — proving that world-class cocktails are no longer reserved for London or Manchester.
Behind a bookcase on Cheltenham Crescent, something special is shaking up Yorkshire’s nightlife — and the rest of the UK is taking notice.