Days Out Harrogate

Located in the Yorkshire countryside between York and Harrogate, this National Trust estate is a popular place for families to explore and relax together.

First stop for many is the wilderness play area, all ages can swing from heights with traditional and bucket swings on offer. Test your nerve on the clamber stacks and pick which slide suits your size.

If you prefer creating your own adventures the den zone is prepped to get building and the only limitation is your imagination. Build a den is just one of the ’50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾’ – tick off many more from the popular play list when you visit.

During the holidays try a nature or play themed trails and other hands-on activities to help fill those days away from school. There’s space on the south lawn for ball games, flying a kite or watching the clouds go by, and don’t forget to check on the fishpond!

Head in the hall to see the latest exhibition with hands-on ways to get involved or wander the hall spotting faces and animals in the carvings and tapestries.

Free entry to National Trust and RHS members and under-fives.

Now there’s a new way to take a look into the past as you explore North Yorkshire’s County Town, guided by the ‘Discover Northallerton’ app in the palm of your hand.

Discover more about the heritage of Northallerton and uncover hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events that shaped this historic market town through the centuries.

With 2 trails, there is loads of fun to be had!

‘Autumnfest trail with the Mowbrees’ enjoying the sights as we watered Tinker Mowbree’s veggie patch near the phone box, threw conkers in Applegarth Park, searched for treats hiding in pumpkins in Zetland Street, and danced with the twins, Violet and Spike Mowbree, by the pedestrian crossing!

‘Portals into the Past’ entitles the second trail, which is packed with information about the history of the town and we had chance to have a little look, but would love to return another day to take in the details of the trail.  Here you can uncover Northallerton’s hidden stories of fascinating people, places and events, including the Town Hall and Shambles, the Rutson Hospital, Register House, and the original site of Northallerton Grammar School before it moved to Grammar School Lane and then became Northallerton College.  This would be a great trail for schools to use as part of a local history project.

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Take part in your biggest ever game of hide and seek on your visit to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. Hide in all corners of the large abbey ruins before following the river to the water garden. Race around the moon ponds, see the swans swimming and discover the winding dark tunnel. Emerge from the tunnel to find three fun buildings called follies along this woodland path. With acres of space to explore, hidden places to discover and lots of sniffs to sniff, Fountains Abbey is the perfect place to bring your four-legged friends. Dogs are welcome in all the outdoor spaces and in the Visitor Centre Restaurant too.

Be sure to have a playground adventure. There are things to wobble along, jump over and climb on…you’ll find a wooden abbey, a woodland house, scramble nets and posts, swings, fireman’s poles, a slide, a roundabout, a gigantic rope bridge and a huge zip wire for the most daring adventurers of all.

Have a well-earned sit down with a seasonal meal in the Visitor Centre Restaurant, tuck into tea and cake with a lakeside view at Studley Tea Room or a sweet treat at Mill Café.

If there’s still oodles of energy left visit the deer park. Admire the views down to Ripon Cathedral and see if you can spot the deer. There are three different types from small fallow deer to the largest of them all: red deer.

There’s lots to do but don’t worry if you can’t fit it all in this time – we’ll be here another day! Become a member on your first visit and come back for free as many times as you like. Plus, get the feel-goods about it as every time you scan your membership card, you’re contributing towards the essential conservation work we do.

There’s always lots for families to do at Harrogate Museums and Gallery!  Games, dressing up, trails, art materials and children’s books are just some of the activities available.

At the Royal Pump Room Museum in Harrogate smell the stinky sulphur water that was drunk by hundreds of people each morning, back when Harrogate was the place for health and happiness visited by the rich and famous.  See and smell the original wells on a tour, discover the spa treatments, beautiful clothes, toys and household objects from the people of Harrogate past.  Enjoy further back in time with our Ancient Egyptian displays.

Royal Pump Room Museum, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RY | 01423 556188 | museums@harrogate.gov.uk

At Knaresborough Castle and Museum take in the beautiful views and discover the dungeon, ancient graffiti and special secret underground tunnel.  It may seem peaceful now, but the castle was once a mighty stronghold of medieval kings. Inside the museum you’ll find tales of local characters including Blind Jack, Guy Fawkes and Mother Shipton. You’ll also find the rare, original Tudor court room where suspected criminals faced public trial as well as family activities.

Knaresborough Castle and Museum, Castle Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 8AS | 01423 556188 | museums@harrogate.gov.uk

The Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate is a relaxed, welcoming art space with changing exhibitions to suit everyone.  Our art trolley is always full of art materials to give the whole family a chance to get creative.

Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SA, 01423 556188 | museums@harrogate.gov.uk

For full details of our museums and gallery visit www.harrogate.gov.uk/museums

Can you find the missing Gargoyle Grobblenook at The Hole In Wand Wizard Golf?

Visit the World’s Most Magical Golf Course in York’s Coppergate Shopping Centre in York, and take on 9 magical golf holes.

Along the way there will be bubbling cauldrons, magical portals, a giant picture frame where you become part of the painting…and can you do a Light Spell to illuminate the way in our dark hole?

At the end of your adventure you will find out if you have the magical powers of a Serpent, Basilisk, Unicorn or Wizard and every player will receive a magic potion gift to take home, plus hopefully find Grobblenook and maybe get a Hole In One badge!

After a magical 9 hole adventure you can relax in our Wizard Tavern with a Cauldron Cake or Uni-Pop-Corn, and a delicious potion with poisonous options for grown up spell makers.

Wizard golf with a potion drink for every player is £6.99 per person and you can book now via the website. Minimum age is 3 and the maximum group size is 6 Wizard with wands.

Use the magic password MUMBLER to get our secret discounted Coffee in our Wizard Tavern.

Discover Lotherton, a country estate, historic hall and Wildlife World zoo.

The expansive grounds and gardens are lovely walking spots, with or without four-legged companions. Each season brings new surprises including wild garlic in the spring, a sea of colourful blooms in summer in the formal gardens and stunning autumnal colours later on in the year.

The two playgrounds mean there’s plenty of space for running about and letting off steam, with zip wires for older children to enjoy.

The evolving zoo, Wildlife World, is a real highlight and visitors can see the Humboldt penguins splash and swim in their pool. Other colourful characters include Arthur the tapir, porcupines and a flamboyance of pink flamingos. New for 2021 is the Nocturnal House with a kinkajou, armadillo and more!

To discover the history of the estate step inside the former home of the Gascoigne family and wander the rooms. A fascinating collection of artworks and objects fill each room and tell the story of its former residents and the community around them. The Museum is also home to an annually-changing exhibition on the first floor.

The traditional stables area courtyard is where you’ll find the Stables café serving a range of lunch options, cakes and ice creams.

To make the most of Lotherton there is an annual membership available which means regular trips, invitations to exclusive events and behind-the-scenes updates straight to your inbox.

All visitors, including members, require a timed ticket to visit the estate between 9am – 4pm, book online here. Children under 5 can visit for free.

Discover Lotherton, a country estate, historic hall and Wildlife World zoo.

The expansive grounds and gardens are lovely walking spots, with or without four-legged companions. Each season brings new surprises including wild garlic in the spring, a sea of colourful blooms in summer in the formal gardens and stunning autumnal colours later on in the year.

The two playgrounds mean there’s plenty of space for running about and letting off steam, with zip wires for older children to enjoy.

The evolving zoo, Wildlife World, is a real highlight and visitors can see the Humboldt penguins splash and swim in their pool. Other colourful characters include Arthur the tapir, porcupines and a flamboyance of pink flamingos. New for 2021 is the Nocturnal House with a kinkajou, armadillo and more!

To discover the history of the estate step inside the former home of the Gascoigne family and wander the rooms. A fascinating collection of artworks and objects fill each room and tell the story of its former residents and the community around them. The Museum is also home to an annually-changing exhibition on the first floor.

The traditional stables area courtyard is where you’ll find the Stables café serving a range of lunch options, cakes and ice creams.

To make the most of Lotherton there is an annual membership available which means regular trips, invitations to exclusive events and behind-the-scenes updates straight to your inbox.

All visitors, including members, require a timed ticket to visit the estate between 9am – 4pm, book online here. Children under 5 can visit for free.

Within historic woodland along the River Nidd is Mother Shipton’s Cave, the birthplace of Yorkshire’s famous prophetess. It is situated next to the Petrifying Well, England’s oldest visitor attraction. The attraction tells the story of Mother Shipton and the water which turns objects to stone.

The park is a unique, unspoilt remnant of the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. During a visit it is an old tradition to make a wish. The Wishing Well is fed by the same magical waters as the Petrifying Well and has been wished upon for over 300 years. Many visitors have been in touch to tell us their wishes have come true!

The park has several scenic picnic areas, a coffee and ice cream kiosk, an adventure playground and museum and gift shop. Dogs are welcome in all areas, apart from the playground.

Themed events run during school holidays.  For more information about family events visit our website.

Please check the website for up-to-date opening times and any unforeseen park closures. Open from February.

Swinton Bivouac is part of the 20,000 acre Swinton Estate and a rural experience for friends and family. Sited in a beautiful location, it is one of the most picturesque settings in the Yorkshire Dales.

At Swinton Bivouac enjoy miles of walking trails, bike tracks and pursuits from bug hunting to geocaching, woodland school, Druid’s Temple, outdoor theatres, crafts in the owl barn and an ever changing array of daily activities – plenty to do outside in the fresh air!

The Bivouac Café is the place for guests and visiting walkers, families and friends, with snacks and simple dishes made from local produce, drop by for a coffee, cake, a light lunch, or enjoy a delicious meal in this perfect setting.

The café also hosts fabulous pop-up food evenings throughout the school holidays!

The Mountain Bike track will be open for those seeking some thrills and spills. With a variety of routes for differing ability levels to experience the jumps, bumps and downhill sections, please bring your own bike.

Let the creativity flow with craft activities for children in the Long Barn with a range of activities available.