5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend, July 31-August 2Five memorable Father’s Day experiences to enjoy together5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend, January 23-255 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend, January 16-18Knaresborough Castle to open underground tunnel as part of halfterm entertainment5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend June 21-235 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Above: Darren Taylor.

Go to photographer Darren Taylor’s exhibition

Showcasing his photography work that he has taken in and around Harrogate, Darren Taylor is putting on an exhibition at Harrogate Library.

Expect to see work from Harrogate town, aerial and vintage-style photography, as well as ICM photography; the art of moving a camera to create beautiful blur.

Free, various times, from May 3, Harrogate Library, Victoria Avenue, HG1 1EG.

Kick off the bank holiday weekend with live music at The West Park Hotel

The West Park Hotel in Harrogate is hosting its Courtyard Sessions with soundtracks to start the bank holiday weekend in style.

Proceedings begin at 5pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday with an array of DJs, and both evenings will be seen out with a saxophonist.

And if the weather takes a turn for the worse, fret not, as the area is covered with blankets and heaters.

Free, call 01423 524471 to book, from 5pm on May 3 and 2pm on May 4, The West Park Hotel, 19 West Park, HG1 1BJ.

Admire the tulips at Constable Burton Hall & Gardens

The beauty of spring flowers blooming is always a sight to behold thanks to it signalling the start of a new season, and this year it seems particularly fitting as we keep hoping for warmer climes to be on their way.

See them in all of their glory at Constable Burton Hall & Gardens, Leyburn where it is showcasing more than 6,000 tulips planted throughout its formal and woodland gardens. Its lawn marquee will also host a display of cut blooms and there will also be expert advice on hand on how to care for your own garden arrangements.

Tickets in advance cost £5 for children aged three to 16 years old and £10 for adults, 10am-4pm, 4-6 May, Constable Burton Hall & Gardens, Leyburn, DL8 5LJ.

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Go to Henshaws Beer Festival

The annual Henshaws Beer Festival is back for 2024.

Visitors will get to enjoy live music across two stages, street food and family-friendly activities, along with a carefully curated selection of beers, wine, gins, ciders, and non-alcoholic drinks all crafted in Yorkshire.

There will also be an adult only evening session on the Saturday night.

Tickets in advance cost £5 for children aged three to 17 years old, £15 for adults. 12-5pm on Saturday daytime (family friendly), 6-11pm on Saturday evening (adults only), 12-6pm on Sunday (family friendly), May 4-5, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL. 

Visit Sports Cars in the Park at Newby Hall

There will be many different models of sports cars at this event that returns this spring to Newby Hall on its 20th anniversary. It currently expects to see more than 1,350 display cars in attendance.

Not only can you admire the motors, but the ticket price also includes access to Newby Hall’s gardens, restaurant, adventure playground, dolls house and teddy bear exhibitions.

Under 4s free, tickets in advance cost £15 for children aged four to 15 years old, £18 for adults, 10am-3pm, May 5, Newby Hall & Gardens, Ripon, HG4 5AE.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

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Lace up your boots for these picturesque waterfall walks in Yorkshire

(Lead image: Pixabay)

The region boasts many natural wonders, but one phenomena that never fails to bring the wow factor is the waterfall, and there are plenty of impressive examples dotted throughout the landscape.

From the popular to the tucked away, here are some unmissable walks in Yorkshire that include waterfalls en route.

Did you know? The reason that so many waterfalls have the word foss or force in their name can be traced back to the Vikings. Foss is the Old Norse word for waterfall –  this is the same case with beck, fell, ghyll or gill.

Scaleber Foss, Settle

(Image: Pixabay)

Outside of Settle and on the road to Malham, Scaleber Foss is a great stop-off point to stretch your legs if you’re on a longer journey into the heart of the Yorkshire Dales.

Although it’s a short, and well-signed route to the waterfall, there is a steep descent to the lower pool, passing a disused lime kiln on the way.

Once you’ve reached the bottom, there’s a large pool in which the waterfall cascades into, from a 40 foot drop.

Parking: There’s free parking along the verges and in the lay-by around Scaleber Bridge.

Don’t miss… The pool is a great spot to paddle when it’s warm, but take care as it isn’t always accessible, especially after periods of bad weather.

Force Gill, Whernside

Ribbleshead Viaduct can be seen on the walk (Image: Benedict Roberts)

Whernside is best known for being one of the Yorkshire Three Peaks – but did you know there’s a waterfall cascading off one of its sides?

Passing the iconic Ribbleshead Viaduct on the way there and back, you’ll need to deviate from the footpath that climbs Whernside at the gate on Smithy Hill.

Parking: There’s free roadside parking near the viaduct, but this can be popular, especially in summer months.

Don’t miss… The Settle to Carlisle railway passes over the viaduct, so you might be able to spot the billowing smoke of a steam train.

River Nidd Falls, Lofthouse

(Image: Pixabay)

These waterfalls don’t have an official name on the map, but they’re commonly referred to as Nidd Falls.

Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) just outside the hamlet of Lofthouse, there’s a series of waterfalls to be discovered in the woodland, with pools that can be paddled in – carefully, of course.

If you’re looking for a longer walk, Scar House Reservoir is also located nearby, and offers a four-mile stroll around the expanse of water.

Parking: There are several places to park depending on the length of your walk; Lofthouse car park, the village itself or the access road near Scar House Reservoir.

Don’t miss… If you’re feeling peckish there’s plenty of places to refuel in Lofthouse, including the Crown Hotel, which is known for serving classic pub food, to be washed down with local ales.

Janet’s Foss, Malham

(Image: Pixabay)

It would be remiss to not mention this popular Yorkshire Dales walk, which takes in the iconic scenery of Malham – arguably more famous for the limestone pavement at Malham Cove.

Starting from the village, a footpath winds its way along the River Aire, through meadow and woodland, before reaching Janet’s Foss.

While local folklore tells of the queen of the fairies calling the area home, a less magical – but just as surprising – historical use for the pool beneath the waterfall was as a sheep dip.

Parking: There’s a car park in Malham village, but it is advised to arrive early to secure a space.

Don’t miss… The award-winning farm shop and café Town End Farm Shop is located on Malham Road, two miles outside of the village. If you’re looking for a unique experience, it runs charcuterie, salumi and curing courses throughout the year.

Mallyan Spout, Goathland

Mallyan Spout

Recognised as the highest waterfall in the North York Moors National Park at over 70 feet, Mallyan Spout was popular with tourists as far back as the Victorian era.

Accessible from Goathland, the walk can be challenging in parts, with large boulders to navigate as you near the waterfall. Walkers looking for a longer route often combine a visit to Mallyan Spout with Beck Hole, Thomason Foss and Nelly Ayre Foss.   

The path can be slippery, especially in wet weather, so caution is advised.

Parking: There’s a pay and display car park in Goathland village and by the train station.

Don’t miss… Goathland station was featured in the Harry Potter film franchise, as Hogsmeade station, otherwise known as the stop for Hogwarts.

Lumb Falls, Hebden Bridge

The river at Midgehole (Image: Greg Wilson/unsplash)

Lumb Falls is located three miles outside of Hebden Bridge and two miles away from Hardcastle Crags.

The route can vary in length; approximately 1.7 miles one way from Hardcastle Crags and 3 miles one way from Hebden Bridge.

From either direction, you can enjoy peaceful woodland scenery, with some uphill sections.

Parking: For walks starting near Hardcastle Crags, there’s Midgehole car park. Alternatively, if you’re starting in Hebden Bridge there are numerous pay-and-display car parks in the centre.

Don’t miss… Hebden Bridge is well worth a visit, and is known for being an artist’s haven, with numerous independent businesses to explore.

Hardraw Force, Hawes

Hardraw Force

Reputed to be England’s highest single drop waterfall at 100 feet, Hardraw Force has been immortalised in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves but it was already famous in its own right as a beautiful feature of the Dales landscape.

Tucked behind the Green Dragon Inn, the short trail to Hardraw Force is accessible for a small fee, as the land is privately owned. For a longer route, walkers often set off from the charming market town of Hawes and follow the River Ure.

Parking: The Green Dragon car park, or the Yorkshire Dales National Park car park in the centre of Hawes.

Don’t miss… The clearing below the waterfall lends itself to great acoustics, providing a perfect – and scenic – backdrop for the annual Hardraw Scar Brass Band Festival.

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5 things to do in Harrogate and the district this weekend

Lead image: Pixaby

Stuck for ideas of what to do at the weekend? Here’s the Stray Ferret’s top picks of cultural activities from April 11-14.

Harrogate Dog Show

Harrogate Dog Show

Taking place for the third year running, Harrogate Dog Show is back on Saturday.

Held at Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, you can show up on the day with your dog and enter him or her into some of the categories that include Handsomest Dog, Fanciest Female, Cutest Puppy, Best Purebred, Best Cross Breed/Heinz 57, Best Trick and Dog the Judge Would Most Like to Take Home, all of which are judged by a surprise guest star.

New for this year are dog training workshops, alongside firm favourite the mini dog park.

Free, 10am-4pm, April 13, Victoria Shopping Centre Piazza, Station Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1AE.

Visit the Spring Food, Home and Garden Show

Spring Food, Home and Garden Show

Get your home spring ready inside and out with ideas from the Spring Food, Home and Garden Show held at Ripon Cathedral. Discover the latest trends in home décor for ideas to revamp your living space and gather garden inspiration aplenty. There will also be garden related talks and demonstrations in the library.

Make a day of it and have a bite to eat in the pop-up café or from one of the vendors at the local food stalls. There will also be a live choir singing, children’s activities and even farm animals in front of the cathedral to see.

£5, 10am-4pm, April 13, Ripon Cathedral, Liberty Court House, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4 1QT.

Take part in a Miss Marbles Mystery event

Murder Mystery event

What could be better than taking part in a whodunnit, dining on a three-course meal all aboard a steam train?

The murder mystery has an unusual horticulture theme and during the evening participants have to search the space for clues, evidence to uncover and suspects to interrogate, trying to out the people who might be connected to the crime in order to get to the bottom of the mystery.

£72 per person, lunchtime performance doors open at 12.30pm and starts at 1pm, evening performances doors open at 5.30pm and start at 6pm, Friday April 12, 6pm, Saturday April 13 1pm & 6pm, Bolton Abbey Station, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AF.

Visit the two baby camels at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Two male Bactrian camels were born at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park in March and the youngsters have recently ventured out into the reserve to join the rest of the herd.

“We are overjoyed by the two new additions, and we cannot wait for our visitors to see them,” says Ayshea Seston, hoofstock team leader at the 175-acre park.

“It is really lovely to welcome the new arrivals at the same time – they will grow up together and create such a strong bond.”

Go visit the fluffy calves along with the rest of the animals at the Yorkshire Wildlife Park this weekend.

From £20.99 per person, Yorkshire Wildlife Park, Hurst Lane, Doncaster, DN9 3QY.

Transform your unworn jewellery

Legacy Jewellery

Most people have unworn pieces of jewellery sitting at home that they may no longer wear, or they may have inherited and don’t know what to do with.

Discover the potential of how they can be created into new pieces at Legacy Discovery Session with Antiques Roadshow dealer Paul Hollis so that you wear them time and time again.

Free, 11am-2pm, Palm Court, Windsor House, Cornwall Road, Harrogate, HG1 2PW.

Do you have an event that you’d like us to potentially feature in the future? Drop me an email at francesca@thestrayferret.co.uk

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Did you know there’s a hidden Spa Room in Harrogate’s Turkish Baths?

Everyone knows about the Victorian Turkish Baths in Harrogate, but did you know that there’s more rest and relaxation to be had in the somewhat secret Spa Room?

An overview of the baths

Harrogate is known for its Turkish Baths: visitors and residents alike have flocked to them since 1897. Indeed, residents of Harrogate are lucky to live in a town that still has Victorian baths – only seven that date back to the 19th century remain today. The baths are run by Harrogate Borough Council.

What’s it like to visit the Turkish Baths?

Turkish Baths

(Image: Harrogate’s Turkish Baths)

The baths are a place where you can fully immerse yourself for a few hours of total relaxation with no phones allowed.

Visit the steam room, the three hot rooms that gradually increase in heat all the way up to 70 degrees, the cold invigorating plunge pool to dip into between the rooms – or swim if you’re brave enough, as well as a rest area, and winter garden lounge where you can order food and drink.

This is all to the backdrop of impressive ornate Moorish-style décor, Italian mosaic terrazzo floors, walls of vibrant glazed brickwork and arabesque painted ceilings.

But where’s the hidden Spa Room in the Turkish Baths?

(Image: Spa Room – David Lindsay, photosbydavid.co.uk)

Tucked away around the corner inside the main Turkish Baths, there’s a Spa Room that features a Jacuzzi, aromatherapy steam room, foot spas and cold bucket shower that not many people are aware of.

It can either be booked in conjunction with a Turkish Baths session to extend the time you’re at the Turkish Baths, or it can be used before or after a treatment.

It costs just £10 for 1.5 hours and up to six people can use the room.

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