Places to Explore

Places to Explore. Discover amazing places to explore in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, from beautiful gardens and historic castles to museums, abbeys and family attractions. Visit RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Knaresborough Castle, Mother Shipton’s Cave, Ripon Cathedral and Fountains Abbey, or enjoy walking, cycling and food tours. Explore unforgettable days out and attractions across this beautiful part of North Yorkshire.

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Places to Explore

Places to Explore – In Harrogate, Knarisborough and Ripon. Discover some of the best places to explore in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon, where history, beautiful countryside and memorable attractions come together. Harrogate offers elegant gardens and fascinating heritage, including Valley Gardens and RHS Garden Harlow Carr. RHS

In picturesque Knaresborough, explore Knaresborough Castle, riverside walks, Mother Shipton’s Cave and historic St Robert’s Cave. Ripon combines impressive heritage with outstanding days out, including Ripon Cathedral, Newby Hall and the spectacular Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Park.

Beyond the towns, discover National Trust – Brimham Rocks, cycling through Nidderdale, guided walking tours, local food experiences and family attractions. Whether you enjoy castles, museums, gardens, history or outdoor adventures, Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon provide an inspiring choice of North Yorkshire attractions and places to visit throughout the year.

Harrogate

Valley Gardens Harrogate
Valley Drive, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2SZ
01423 500600
www.northyorks.gov.uk
Beautiful historic parkland featuring gardens, woodland walks, play areas and open spaces close to Harrogate town centre.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB
01423 565418
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
One of Yorkshire’s leading gardens, with colourful borders, woodland, kitchen gardens, seasonal displays and scenic walking routes.

Royal Pump Room Museum
Crown Place, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2RY
01423 556188
www.northyorks.gov.uk
Discover Harrogate’s fascinating history as a fashionable Victorian spa town and the story of its famous mineral waters.

Mercer Art Gallery
Swan Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2SA
01423 556188
www.northyorks.gov.uk
An attractive gallery showcasing fine art from Harrogate’s collection alongside regularly changing exhibitions.

The Stray
West Park, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1BJ
01423 500600
www.visitharrogate.co.uk
Harrogate’s famous open parkland provides acres of green space for walking, relaxing and enjoying spectacular seasonal displays.

Free Walking Tour of Harrogate
The Cenotaph, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 1RH
Contact via website
www.harrydoeshistory.com
Explore Harrogate on foot while discovering entertaining stories about the town’s history, people, landmarks and spa heritage.

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours
Harrogate, North Yorkshire
07960 240802
www.yorkshireappetite.com
Guided food tours combining Harrogate’s local history with opportunities to discover independent food and drink businesses.

Vern Overton Cycling – Bike Hire
3 Low Lane, Darley, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 2QN
07595 460465
www.voc.bike
Bike hire and cycling experiences offering a great way to explore Nidderdale and the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside.

Brimham Rocks
Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW
01423 780688
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks
Explore extraordinary natural rock formations surrounded by moorland, countryside walks and impressive Nidderdale views.

Knaresborough

Knaresborough Castle & Courthouse Museum
Castle Yard, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8AS
01423 556188
www.northyorks.gov.uk
Explore the remains of Knaresborough’s medieval castle and discover the fascinating history of this picturesque Yorkshire market town.

Mother Shipton’s Cave
Prophecy Lodge, High Bridge, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8DD
01423 864600
www.mothershipton.co.uk
A historic visitor attraction famous for Mother Shipton, the legendary prophetess, and its remarkable Petrifying Well.

Knaresborough Heritage Centre
12 High Street, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0EQ
07788 842096
www.knaresboroughheritagecentre.co.uk
Discover Knaresborough’s rich local heritage through displays, stories, photographs and information about the town’s past.

St Robert’s Cave
Abbey Road, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 8HY
Contact via website
www.visitharrogate.co.uk
An atmospheric riverside cave associated with the medieval hermit St Robert and centuries of Knaresborough history.

Ripon

Ripon Cathedral
Minster Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1QT
01765 603462
www.riponcathedral.org.uk
A magnificent historic cathedral with impressive architecture, beautiful interiors and centuries of religious and civic heritage.

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden
Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY
01765 608888
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey
Explore spectacular abbey ruins, landscaped water gardens, woodland and parkland at this remarkable World Heritage Site.

Workhouse Museum & Garden
Allhallowgate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LE
01765 690799
www.riponmuseums.co.uk
Step inside a historic Victorian workhouse and discover compelling stories about poverty, everyday life and social history.

Prison & Police Museum
St Marygate, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1LX
01765 690799
www.riponmuseums.co.uk
Explore historic prison cells and exhibitions revealing fascinating stories of crime, punishment and policing.

Courthouse Museum
Minster Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 1QS
01765 690799
www.riponmuseums.co.uk
Discover Ripon’s historic courtroom and learn how justice was administered in centuries past.

Newby Hall & Gardens
Skelton-on-Ure, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 5AE
01423 322583
www.newbyhall.com
A magnificent historic country house with impressive interiors, beautiful gardens, riverside grounds and popular family attractions.

Studley Royal Deer Park
Studley Royal, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY
01765 608888
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studley-royal
Historic parkland adjoining Fountains Abbey, offering countryside walks, impressive views and opportunities to see the resident deer.

Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park
Water Lane, North Stainley, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3HT
01765 635321
www.lightwatervalley.co.uk
A family adventure park near Ripon offering rides, attractions and entertainment aimed particularly at families with younger children.

Boroughbridge & Aldborough

Aldborough Roman Site
Aldborough, Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, YO51 9ES
01423 322768
www.english-heritage.org.uk/aldborough-roman-site
Discover the remains of the important Roman town of Isurium Brigantum, including impressive mosaics, archaeological finds and a museum.

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Listings are compiled through independent research for general information only and do not constitute a recommendation or endorsement; as services, availability, opening times, dates, prices, tickets, venues and other details may change, please verify all information directly with the relevant business, venue, organiser or service provider and obtain a clear written estimate where appropriate before booking, purchasing, travelling or agreeing to any work.