Many places are operating a book in advance system at the moment – so if you haven’t been organised enough to make plans in advance you might find yourself at a loose end with the little ones! We’ve pulled together these Days Out in and around Harrogate which you don’t need to book in advance – social distancing rules still apply and please ensure you are comfortable with the measures in place before you travel.
As with everything at the moment things can change very quickly so please check with each venue before you travel.
We’ve got a whole section jam packed with things to do with the kids in Harrogate this Summer – link here.
⭐️Birchfield Ice Cream Farm
Open 7 days a week over the summer holidays (weather permitting) 10am – 5pm last admission 4pm. No need to book in advance, however there are lots of measures in place to make sure things are as safe as possible:
The cafe will serve a reduced take out menu for both food drinks and ice creams.
⭐️ Knaresborough
Such a fab day out on our doorstep and no need to book! Take the train over if you’re in Harrogate for extra excitement for the kids! We went a couple of weeks ago. Took a picnic and ate it in the Castle grounds (free to enter), played on the lawns for ages, had a chat with the local Ravens then walked down to the water. You can hire a boat for an hour and paddle up and down the river – its £6 per adult for one hour. Again no need to book – just queue up. We went on a sunny Sunday and probably had to queue for only 10 minutes. They have excellent measures in place – and clean out the boats between uses.
⭐️ Free Walking Tour Harrogate
Come rain or shine Harry sets of from outside Bettys at 10.30, 12.00, 13.30 and 15.00 from Wednesday-Sunday. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is brilliant!
⭐️Outdoor play areas
We have some great play areas throughout Harrogate. Everyone knows I’m a big fan of Valley Gardens! You can also do the crazy golf there without pre-booking. They say a change is as good as a holiday and last week I took my little one to Saltergate Play area. She loved being somewhere new and she happily played there for hours! We have a list of all local council run play areas here.
⭐️Mrs Smith’s Summer Spotting Trails!
The trails only cost £2 (suggested donation) which all goes to local charities. There are two trails – one around Harrogate town centre, which you can pick up from Sophie Likes or one around Jennyfields which starts and finshes at Mrs Smith’s Cafe. Grap yourself and ice cream and off you go! Take it at your own pace – we did the Jennyfields one, and stopped for a picnic half way round, probably took us about 2.5 hours. Its fab and entertaining for all the family – and there’s even a chance to win prizes! Read our review of the trails here.
⭐️Library
Local libraries are now open, and although some of the brilliant classes aren’t yet on, the children’s areas are open. For the past couple of weeks my daughter and her Granny have been going there one morning a week and loving it!
⭐️Yolk Farm: Minskip Farm Shop
Meet the animals, explore the vegetable garden and more. The farm is free to visit and open during opening hours – there’s no need to book ahead They have a brilliant new egg restaurant onsite too which our users have raved about!
