Top Things to Do

Each block gives you a place to go, why it is worth visiting, and a live website. For walks and wider areas, the address is a suggested starting point.

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

Harrogate’s garden, spa, gallery and theatre details are covered in the local visitor listings. visitnorthyorkshire.com

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

The castle, riverside, cave and town-centre attractions are described in Knaresborough’s visitor guide. visitnorthyorkshire.com

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

Ripon’s heritage attractions, gardens and racecourse are covered in the visitor listings. Check individual websites for opening dates and events. visitnorthyorkshire.com