Things To Do

Things to Do in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. Looking for things to do in Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the surrounding North Yorkshire villages? Explore gardens, historic landmarks, museums and art galleries, or discover farm shops, children’s play centres and family activities.

Wander through Harrogate’s gardens and elegant streets, enjoy Knaresborough’s riverside views, or uncover Ripon’s history. Beyond the towns, you’ll find village attractions, countryside walks and open-air adventures. Whether you’re planning a family day out, a weekend break or something to do today, Harrogate Guides will help you find your next place to explore.

Listed below things to do in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon. Togther with a list of Free things to do

30 Top Things to Do in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon

From Harrogate’s gardens and Victorian spa to Knaresborough’s riverside and Ripon’s cathedral, these three places offer very different North Yorkshire days out. Pick a town for a leisurely visit, or use this guide to plan a longer stay.

The 30 highlights below are grouped by town. Every entry has a practical address or starting point, a reason to go and a clickable information page. For walks and neighbourhoods, the address is a starting point rather than a single entrance.

Harrogate

Valley Gardens
Valley Drive, Harrogate
Why visit: Beautiful planting, historic spa features and an easy stroll close to the town centre.
Website: Valley Gardens

Pinewoods Walk to Harlow Carr
Start at Valley Gardens, Harrogate HG2 0JJ
Why visit: A woodland walk that links central Harrogate with RHS Garden Harlow Carr.
Website: Walking route

RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate HG3 1QB
Why visit: Seasonal gardens, woodland and family spaces make it a rewarding longer outing.
Website: RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Turkish Baths Harrogate
Parliament Street, Harrogate HG1 2WH
Why visit: Unwind amid the ornate interiors of Harrogate’s Victorian spa.
Website: Turkish Baths Harrogate

Royal Pump Room Museum
Crown Place, Harrogate HG1 2SA
Why visit: Discover the mineral waters and visitors that shaped Harrogate’s spa-town story.
Website: Royal Pump Room Museum

Montpellier Quarter
Start at Montpellier Hill, Harrogate
Why visit: Browse independent shops, galleries and cafés along characterful streets.
Website: Harrogate shopping guide

Mercer Art Gallery
31 Swan Road, Harrogate HG1 2SA
Why visit: See works from Harrogate’s collection alongside changing exhibitions.
Website: Mercer Art Gallery

The Stray
Start at West Park, Harrogate
Why visit: Its sweeping green space gives you room to walk and enjoy the town’s open feel.
Website: The Stray

Bettys Café Tea Rooms
1 Parliament Street, Harrogate HG1 2QU
Why visit: Afternoon tea here is one of Harrogate’s best-known treats.
Website: Bettys Café Tea Rooms

Harrogate Theatre
Oxford Street, Harrogate HG1 1QF
Why visit: Add a play, comedy show or other live performance to your visit.
Website: Harrogate Theatre

Knaresborough

Knaresborough Castle
Castle Yard, Knaresborough HG5 8AS
Why visit: The castle grounds offer the town’s celebrated view across the River Nidd and viaduct.
Website: Knaresborough Castle

Courthouse Museum
Castle Yard, Knaresborough HG5 8AS
Why visit: Step into the old courtroom and explore Knaresborough’s past.
Website: Courthouse Museum

Waterside Walk
Start at Waterside, Knaresborough
Why visit: Enjoy riverside cafés, boats and a close-up view of the viaduct’s arches.
Website: Knaresborough visitor guide

Rowing on the River Nidd
Waterside, Knaresborough
Why visit: See the riverside and viaduct from the water at your own pace.
Website: Things to do in Knaresborough

Mother Shipton’s Cave
Prophecy House, High Bridge, Knaresborough HG5 8DD
Why visit: Explore the cave, Petrifying Well and woodland setting behind a famous Yorkshire legend.
Website: Mother Shipton’s Cave

Bebra Gardens
Beside Knaresborough Castle, Castle Yard
Why visit: A peaceful garden stop between the castle and the riverside.
Website: Bebra Gardens

Nidd Gorge
Woodland west of Knaresborough; check the website for access points
Why visit: Follow wooded paths beside the River Nidd and enjoy a quieter outing.
Website: Nidd Gorge

Knaresborough Market
Market Place, Knaresborough HG5 8AE
Why visit: Browse the stalls and surrounding independent shops on market day.
Website: Knaresborough Market

Knaresborough Town Windows
Start at Market Place, Knaresborough
Why visit: Spot painted windows that reveal stories from the town’s history as you explore.
Website: Knaresborough Windows

St Robert’s Cave
Abbey Road, Knaresborough HG5 8HX
Why visit: Discover a rare medieval hermitage tucked into the riverside landscape.
Website: St Robert’s Cave

Ripon

Ripon Cathedral
Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT
Why visit: Explore the building at the heart of Ripon’s long history.
Website: Ripon Cathedral

Ripon Hornblower
Obelisk, Market Place, Ripon
Why visit: Hear the nightly setting of the watch, a tradition distinctive to the city.
Website: The Ripon Hornblower

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Fountains Abbey, Ripon HG4 3DY
Why visit: Spend a day among abbey ruins, water gardens and walking routes.
Website: Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal

Ripon Museums
Start at Workhouse Museum, 75 Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LE
Why visit: The Workhouse, Prison & Police, and Courthouse museums tell connected stories of Victorian life and justice.
Website: Ripon Workhouse Museum and museum information

Ripon Spa Gardens
Park Street, Ripon
Why visit: Take a gentle break among flowerbeds, trees and distinctive woodcarvings.
Website: Ripon Spa Gardens

Ripon Canal Walk
Start near Ripon Canal Basin, Ripon
Why visit: Follow the waterside from the city towards open countryside.
Website: Ripon walks guide

Ripon Market Place
Market Place, Ripon
Why visit: Browse the city’s historic centre and its surrounding shops and cafés.
Website: Ripon Market

Newby Hall and Gardens
Newby Hall Gardens, Ripon HG4 5AJ
Why visit: Explore formal gardens and family attractions on a full day out near Ripon.
Website: Newby Hall and Gardens

Ripon Walled Garden
Palace Road, Ripon HG4 3HN
Why visit: Enjoy a quieter garden visit and support a local community project.
Website: Ripon Walled Garden

Ripon Racecourse
Boroughbridge Road, Ripon HG4 1UG
Why visit: Experience a race day in its green setting when meetings are scheduled.
Website: Ripon Racecourse

More to Explore Nearby

If you have another day, these places broaden the trip beyond the three town centres. Check opening days and booking requirements before setting out.

Brimham Rocks
Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate HG3 4DW
Why visit: Explore remarkable natural rock formations and far-reaching countryside views.
Website: National Trust — Brimham Rocks

Ripley Castle and Village
Ripley, Harrogate HG3 3AY
Why visit: Combine castle grounds with a wander through an attractive estate village.
Website: Ripley Castle

Spofforth Castle
Castle Street, Spofforth, Harrogate HG3 1DA
Why visit: Explore evocative medieval ruins on a relaxed village outing.
Website: English Heritage — Spofforth Castle

Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park
The Hutts, Grewelthorpe, Ripon HG4 3DA
Why visit: Find sculpture among woodland paths, lakes and colourful planting.
Website: Himalayan Garden

Pateley Bridge and Nidderdale Museum
The Old Workhouse, King Street, Pateley Bridge HG3 5LE
Why visit: Pair a traditional high street with a museum of local life.
Website: Nidderdale Museum

Stump Cross Caverns
Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge HG3 5JL
Why visit: Go underground to see the area’s limestone geology.
Website: Stump Cross Caverns

How Stean Gorge
Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge HG3 5SF
Why visit: See a dramatic limestone gorge or book an instructor-led outdoor activity.
Website: How Stean Gorge

Nidderdale National Landscape
Various starting points around Nidderdale
Why visit: Choose from reservoir walks, moorland scenery, cycling and wildlife watching.
Website: Nidderdale National Landscape

Choose a Day Out

For a first visit: Valley Gardens and the spa quarter in Harrogate; castle and Waterside in Knaresborough; cathedral and market place in Ripon.
For families: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, rowing on the Nidd, Mother Shipton’s Cave or Newby Hall when open.
For a rainy day: The Royal Pump Room Museum, Mercer Art Gallery, Ripon Museums or a booked Turkish Baths visit.
For a free walk: The Stray, Pinewoods, Knaresborough Waterside or Ripon Canal. Parking and optional activities may still cost money.

Opening hours, access arrangements and event dates can change. Follow the linked pages when planning your visit.

Free Things to Do in Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon

A memorable Yorkshire day out needn’t cost a penny. In Harrogate, walk among the flowers in Valley Gardens, follow the woodland trails through the Pinewoods or find a picnic spot on The Stray. visitharrogate.co.uk In Knaresborough, take in the view from the castle grounds, wander through Bebra Gardens and enjoy a riverside walk beneath the viaduct. culturenorthyorkshire.co.uk

In Ripon, step inside Ripon Cathedral, include Spa Gardens on a city-centre stroll or follow the Ripon Canal walk. Choose one town for an easy afternoon or explore all three across the year.

Harrogate

Valley Gardens

Where: Valley Drive, Harrogate, HG1 2SZ
Why go: Wander through formal gardens, follow the paths and enjoy the open lawns and play areas close to town.
Cost: Free entry
Website: Valley Gardens visitharrogate.co.uk

The Stray

Where: Around central Harrogate
Why go: Walk, run or picnic across the historic open grassland that gives the town its spacious feel.
Cost: Free
Website: The Stray visitharrogate.co.uk

The Pinewoods

Where: Between Valley Gardens and RHS Harlow Carr
Why go: Follow peaceful woodland paths and extend a Valley Gardens visit into a longer walk.
Cost: Free
Website: Pinewoods Conservation Group www.pinewoodsconservationgroup.org.uk

Harrogate Ringway

Where: A circular route around Harrogate
Why go: Choose a short stretch of countryside path or take on the full 20-mile walk.
Cost: Free to walk
Website: Harrogate Ringway route Visit North Yorkshire

Nidderdale Greenway

Where: From Harrogate and Bilton towards Ripley
Why go: Walk or cycle a traffic-free route that crosses the Nidd Gorge Viaduct.
Cost: Free
Website: Nidderdale Greenway Visit North Yorkshire

Knaresborough

Knaresborough Castle Grounds

Where: Castle Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 8AS
Why go: Enjoy the castle setting and views across the River Nidd and viaduct. Allow extra time if you plan to visit the museum.
Cost: Grounds free; museum admission may apply
Website: Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum culturenorthyorkshire.co.uk

Knaresborough Riverside and Waterside

Where: Waterside, Knaresborough
Why go: Follow the river beneath the railway viaduct and take in one of the town’s best-known views.
Cost: Free to walk
Website: Knaresborough Viaduct Visit North Yorkshire

Bebra Gardens

Where: Access from the Knaresborough Castle area
Why go: Discover winding paths and a quieter garden tucked below the castle. The paths include steep sections.
Cost: Free
Website: Bebra Gardens visitharrogate.co.uk

Nidd Gorge

Where: Between Knaresborough and Bilton
Why go: Explore riverside paths and woodland, with routes of different lengths. Wear suitable shoes after rain.
Cost: Free to walk
Website: Woodland Trust: Nidd Gorge Woodland Trust

Historic Knaresborough

Where: Market Place, Castle Yard and the town centre
Why go: Make your own walking route through the historic streets, castle grounds and viewpoints before heading down to Waterside.
Cost: Free to explore
Website: Visit North Yorkshire: Knaresborough visitnorthyorkshire.com

Ripon

Ripon Cathedral

Where: Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT
Why go: Explore the cathedral’s architecture and its ancient crypt. Check visiting arrangements when services or events are taking place.
Cost: Free entry; donations welcomed
Website: Visit Ripon Cathedral riponcathedral.org.uk

Ripon Canal

Where: From Ripon towards the River Ure
Why go: Take a gentle waterside walk past locks and historic swing bridges.
Cost: Free to walk
Website: Canal & River Trust: Ripon Canal accessible canal walks

Ripon Spa Gardens

Where: Park Street, Ripon
Why go: Pause among the gardens and lawns, or include them on a longer walk through the city centre and along the River Skell.
Cost: Free
Website: Ripon city-centre walking route explore.visitripon.co.uk

Ripon Market Square

Where: Market Place, Ripon
Why go: Explore the historic heart of the city and see its obelisk before wandering the surrounding streets.
Cost: Free
Website: Visit Ripon walking routes visitripon.co.uk

Ripon Hornblower

Where: Obelisk, Ripon Market Place
Why go: Watch the horn sounded at the four corners of the obelisk as the traditional night watch is set.
Cost: Free
When: 9pm each evening
Website: Ripon City Council: The Hornblower Ripon City Council

More Free Outdoor Adventures Nearby

Brimham Rocks

Where: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, HG3 4DW
Why go: Explore striking natural rock formations and surrounding moorland. Supervise children around the rocks and steep edges.
Cost: No general admission charge; parking charges apply to non-members
Website: National Trust: Brimham Rocks National Trust

Fewston Reservoir

Where: Washburn Valley, west of Harrogate
Why go: Follow a waterside walking route with woodland and open views. Check the current car-park information before leaving.
Cost: Free to walk; parking charges apply
Website: Yorkshire Water: Fewston Reservoir yorkshirewater.com

Swinsty Reservoir

Where: Washburn Valley, west of Harrogate
Why go: Choose a relatively easy reservoir circuit for a family countryside walk.
Cost: Free to walk; parking charges apply
Website: Yorkshire Water: Swinsty Reservoir yorkshirewater.com

Thruscross Reservoir

Where: Reservoir Road, Thruscross, HG3 4BB
Why go: Pick this longer, rougher route for woodland, moorland and wide reservoir views.
Cost: Free to walk; parking charges apply
Website: Yorkshire Water: Thruscross Reservoir yorkshirewater.com

Nidderdale National Landscape

Where: Nidderdale and the surrounding countryside
Why go: Plan a walk or cycle ride through villages, valleys and open landscapes using the area’s visitor information.
Cost: Free to explore; individual facilities and parking may charge
Website: Nidderdale National Landscape

Need help finding a free day out? Email info@harrogateuk.co.uk, and we’ll try to help

Discover More Around Harrogate

Looking for something specific? Continue exploring Harrogate UK with our specialist local guides.

FOOD & DRINK
https://harrogateuk.co.uk/food-and-drink-in-harrogate/

FARM SHOPS
https://harrogateuk.co.uk/farm-shops-in-harrogate/

ART GALLERIES
https://harrogateuk.co.uk/art-galleries-in-harrogate/

CHILDREN’S PLAY CENTRES
https://harrogateuk.co.uk/childrens-play-centres-in-harrogate/

FAMILY ACTIVITIES
https://harrogateuk.co.uk/family-activities-in-harrogate/

MUSEUMS
https://harrogateuk.co.uk/museums-in-harrogate/

OPEN-AIR ACTIVITIES
https://harrogateuk.co.uk/open-air-activities-in-harrogate/

THEATRES
https://harrogateuk.co.uk/theatres-in-harrogate/

WALKING TRAILS
https://harrogateuk.co.uk/walking-trails-in-harrogate/

Dates, venues, addresses and opening times can change. Check with individual organisers before making a special journey.

The companies and businesses in this guide have been identified through independent online research. Inclusion does not imply recommendation or endorsement. Please contact each company/ business directly to verify its services, availability, prices and booking details.

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

Find Your Next Day Out

From castles, gardens and museums to caves, rowing boats, climbing, adventure trails, reservoirs and spectacular countryside, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ripon and the surrounding area offer an enormous variety of things to see and do.

Families can explore caves and castle ruins. Couples can enjoy gardens, riverside walks and historic towns. Teenagers can tackle climbing and outdoor adventures, while history lovers can travel from Roman Britain and medieval Yorkshire to the golden age of Harrogate’s famous spa.

And with so many parks, footpaths, riversides, reservoirs, villages and historic landmarks to explore, some of the best experiences cost absolutely nothing.

Whether you’re searching for things to do today, things to do this weekend, family days out, free attractions, rainy-day activities, outdoor adventures or places to visit near Harrogate, use Harrogate UK to discover somewhere new.

Can’t find what you’re looking for?
Email info@harrogateuk.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.