Around the Harrogate district we have some amazing spaces and events to enjoy for some outdoor family fun, exercise, shopping or to simply enjoy a stroll out in the fresh air.
Knaresborough Castle grounds are open all year round. They surround the castle which stands on a cliff top and have stunning riverside views over the River Nidd. The grassed areas around the ancient moment are accessible and can be easily reached by train, bus or car. If you fancy exploring further there’s connecting steps across to Bebra Gardens – a hidden haven with sloping gardens, mature trees and meandering paths which lead down to the waterside.
If you love Halloween you’ll love the new special event coming to Knaresborough Castle Grounds this half-term. ‘Creepy Castle – the Spooktastic Halloween Trail’ will take you around the grounds to see some spooky special guests, wizard magic shows and stories in the castle. There will also be face painting and other spooky surprises. Tickets are just £3.75 for both children and adults (under 2’s are free) and available from 3pm – 8pm on Thursday 27 October to Saturday 29 October. To book your trail tickets for a specific event day and time please visit www.horticulturalnursery.com/events
There’s some perfect places to exercise outdoors in our parks to help keep you and your family active over the autumn months (and throughout the year). The Valley Gardens in Harrogate and Spa Park in Ripon both have hard-surface tennis courts which are available to hire during daylight hours. To book a game for a few of you or for all the family simply book online at www.clubspark.lta.org.uk/tennisinharrogate and then you’ll be sent instructions about how to access the courts for the time you’ve booked.
Did you know can find the council’s Horticultural Nursery just a short walk through the Valley Gardens next to the Pinewoods? All year round their gardening experts grow quality bedding plants in several large greenhouses which then go on to be planted in the award winning flower beds across our district. The bedding plants grown are also available to buy from their nursery shop or online at www.harrogate.gov.uk/plantsforsale This month there’s a stunning selection of pansies, violas and wallflowers, all available in trays from £3.50. They’re perfect to keep some brightness going in your garden and for spending time outside planting in your own garden with any little green fingers you may have. There’s also a good selection of other indoor and outdoor plants to choose from, along with a range of gardening accessories including containers, compost and spring bulbs. Gift vouchers are also available and valid for up to 12 months – perfect to treat any friend or family member who loves plants and gardening.
You’ll find the nursery on Nursery Lane East, off Harlow Moor Road in Harrogate (use the postcode HG2 0FH). The shop is open Monday to Friday from 9.30am-3.30pm.
Look out for more seasonal plants and garden gifts on sale at the nursery later in the year. Poinsettias in a range of different colours including white, pink and red will be ready to buy from 26 November to Sunday 18 December, along with Christmas trees supplied by Stockeld Park. Save the date for a special Christmas themed Little Birds artisan market visiting the Horticultural Nursery grounds on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 November at 9.30am – 3.30pm. There will be a range of stalls, Christmas plants and a wreath making workshop.
If you enjoy the outdoor shopping experience why not visit your local market. There’s an amazing range of local, quality products including fresh food, flowers, hot drinks, homeware, clothing, crafts, gifts and plenty of sweet treats. Our friendly traders are on hand to provide advice about their quality products and they look forward to meeting you in the market square on Wednesdays in Knaresborough, and on Thursdays and Saturday mornings in Ripon. Find out more at www.harrogate.gov.uk/markets
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