Activities Archives - Page 2 of 2

5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend

Get out and about with our guide of the top cultural goings-on from 5-7 April.

Attend a calligraphy course

(Image: Pixaby)

Handwriting seems to be somewhat of a dying art form, partly due to the rise in technology. Learn the skills of beautiful handwriting at this two-hour calligraphy workshop in Knaresborough.

Aimed at beginners and improvers, you will learn the strokes that are based on ancient manuscripts and get the knowhow to create Celtic designs.

£25, booking is required as spaces are limited, 10am-12noon, April 6, Briggate Art, 9a Briggate, Knaresborough, HG5 8BQ, 07931 778 276, chameleonartclasses@gmail.com.

Meet the artist exploring the life of a curlew

(Image: Paco Valera)

Did you know that the curlew is the largest European wading bird, found on estuaries in winter and the moors in summer?

Head up to the Yorkshire Dales this weekend and meet one of the artists behind the Curlew Calling exhibition, Sally Zaranko.

Sally’s work is shown alongside Paco Valera’s photography as well as experienced and highly regarded North Yorkshire artists including Judith Bromley, Hester Cox and Robert Nicholls.

You can chat, draw and write about the beautiful bird at the event.

Free, 10am-3pm, April 6, Dales Countryside Museum, Station Yard, Hawes, DL8 3NT.

Attempt to grow the tallest sunflower

(Image: Pixaby)

You know warmer climes are on the way when you’re sowing sunflower seeds. And this weekend is the last chance to take part in the Sunflower Challenge at F Tate & Sons in Ripon.

Plant your sunflower seed at the planting table at the nursery, take your seed pot home and then post the results on social media by August 15, tagging @FTateandSons and @RiponBID for a chance to win one of three kids’ gardening prizes.

Free, 10am-4pm, April 6, F Tate & Sons, Larkhill Nurseries, Studley Road, Ripon, HG4 2QR.

Visit Goldsborough Hall gardens

(Image: Goldsborough Hall gardens)

This week is Community Gardens Week for the National Open Garden Scheme, and to mark the occasion Goldsborough Hall is opening its gardens to the public on Sunday 7 April. Visitors can expect to see colourful displays from spring bulbs, the woodland walk and a stroll up the quarter-mile long Lime Tree Walk that is lined by a carpet of more than 50,000 daffodils.

There will also be garden talks in the Kitchen Garden at 12pm and 2pm by Goldsborough Hall’s head gardener, and a plant stall on the terrace too.

£7.50 per adult, children free, 11am-4pm, April 7, Goldsborough Hall, Knaresborough, HG5 8NR.

**Last chance to see For the Love of Art at 108 Fine Art Gallery**

(Image: For the Love of Art at 108 Fine Art Gallery)

Forming part of 108 Fine Art Gallery’s collections that breathe new life into the stories they tell, For the Love of Art explores personal narratives and shared experiences.

Showcasing the works of artists Paul Wager and Laimonis Mierins, expect to see work that’s from the heart and explores memories and personal connections that have been made.

Free, 11am-5pm, until April 6, 108 Fine Art Gallery, Cold Bath Road, Harrogate, HG2 ONA.

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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5 things to do in and around Harrogate this weekend from 22-24 March

Get out and about with our guide of the top activities and things to do this weekend.

Play crazy golf at a movie-themed course in the Yorkshire Dales

At The Stray Ferret we like to publish events that are slightly out of the ordinary – and if a movie-themed crazy golf experience isn’t that, then we don’t know what is.

Taking place at Uredale Mill in the picturesque Dales village of Askrigg, channel your inner Happy Gilmore and get competitive with friends and family on this 18-hole course that’s themed around films.

Dance the can-can at the Moulin Rouge or get a miserly score that would make The Grinch proud. This fun activity is one to pop on the weekend list – or as it runs for two weeks, it could be one for the Easter holidays too.

Children under 12 £8, adults £10, discounts for group bookings are available – email tickets@incredibleartists.uk, various time slots, March 23 – April 7, Uredale Mill (ex Carrs Billington Yard), Station Road, Askrigg, DL8 3HZ.

Listen to the soundtracks of the silver screen performed by a live orchestra

(Image: London Concertante)

This week’s ‘5 things to do in and around Harrogate’ has a slight film feel (Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is also being released on 22 March, 40 years after the original – book your tickets at The Everyman or The Odeon), while Ripon Cathedral is also hosting a Music from the Movies by Candlelight, performed by London Concertante.

Be mesmerised by the orchestra who will play some of the most iconic film scores of all time, including the suave sophistication of James Bond, the ethereal sounds of ET and the dark allure of The Godfather, to name but a few.

From £19, March 23, Ripon Cathedral, Liberty Court House, Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QT.

Visit Knaresborough Wellness Festival

(Image: Pixaby)

Think about your mind, body and soul at Knaresborough Wellness Festival, which is being held for the fourth year running. Featuring something for everyone including treatments such as reflexology, aromatherapy, reiki, and Indian head massage, to live music, aura photography and tarot card reading, you’ll be sure to find your inner zen here.

There will also be activities such as yoga, workshops and talks so you can learn more about a wide variety of wellness practices, and there will also be plenty of crystals too.

Free, March 24, 10am-4pm, Knaresborough Wellness Festival, Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre, 50 Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AL.

Go to Springtime Live at the Great Yorkshire Showground

(Image: Springtime Live)

The event for all the family is back. This year attendees won’t be disappointed as there will be a spaniel dog show, a crazy climbing wall, Mini Land Rover rides, tractor trailer rides and a sheep show. That’s not to mention all farm animals you could possibly imagine, as well as hands-on workshops and demonstrations, which are just some of this year’s highlights.

And once you’re inside the event, all of the attractions are free. Bonus. Be quick though as some of the tickets have already sold out.

Pre-booking is necessary, children £8, adults £12, March 23, Great Yorkshire Showground, Harrogate, HG2 8NZ.

Meet the extreme artist and explorer Philip Gray

(Image: Philip Gray)

Irish artist Philip Gray combines his love of painting with his passion for exploration and discovery. He often embarks on challenging expeditions for his art and paints these scenes from across the world, whether it’s tropical rainforests or icy mountain peaks.

Join him at Clarendon Fine Art Gallery where he will launch his Harrogate exhibition and tell the tales of some of the adventures he’s been on. It’s sure to make for an awe-inspiring evening.

Free, 6-8pm, March 23, Clarendon Fine Art, 1a James Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QS.

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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Fun activities at Christmas for children in North Yorkshire revealed

Events are set to take place this Christmas to teach children and young people new skills.

Called the FEASTive programme, it will see activities and event days taking place in each North Yorkshire district over the festive season.

The activities include a stop-motion animation workshop in Knaresborough, where children can learn how to make a short, festive film; as well as workshops where children can learn how to make their own Christmas dinner and Christmas gifts.

The events are funded by the Department for Education’s holiday activities and food programme, which recognises that school holidays can put additional pressures on family finances due to increased food and childcare costs.

North Yorkshire County Council commissioned North Yorkshire Together, a partnership between Rural Arts, North Yorkshire Sport and North Yorkshire Youth, to run the programme in the county under the banner of FEAST North Yorkshire.

Cllr Patrick Mulligan, Executive Member for Education and Skills said:

“We know the pandemic has presented many mental, physical and financial difficulties for families, children and young people. To be able to offer children healthy meals, fun activities and chances to socialise and learn new skills is vitally important.”

The sessions are open to all children and young people in North Yorkshire, but are free to those who are eligible for benefits-related free school meals. They include a free hot meal or packed lunch.

Eligible families have received an information pack, along with a booklet with ideas for activities and things to do over the school holidays.

For more information on the Christmas activities, visit the North Yorkshire Together website.

Harrogate’s Christmas Fayre starts today: here’s the lowdown

Harrogate Christmas Fayre begins today. With plenty of stallholders to buy gifts from, attractions to enjoy and festivities to embrace, it looks like being a memorable few days.

Market Place Europe is running the event in conjunction with Harrogate Borough Council from today until December 12.

It is a new venture so there are lots to look out for. The event will be spread out over more locations and days than the previous Harrogate Christmas Market, which took place on Montpellier Hill.

Here is everything you need to know:

Where will the stalls be?

There will be about 50 local and European stallholders on Cambridge Street, Market Place, Station Square and Cambridge Crescent.

For this weekend only there will also be stalls in Valley Gardens, where more than 60 local traders will sell a variety of festive arts and crafts plus food and drink at a separate artisan Christmas market.

When will the fayre be open?

It will be open between 10am and 7pm Monday to Wednesday, 10am and 9pm Thursday to Saturday, and 10am and 4.30pm on Sunday.

Little Bird Made’s Artisan Festive Market in Valley Gardens will be open from 10am to 3pm on Saturday, December 4 and Sunday, December 5.

Do you have to wear a face mask?

Harrogate Borough Council has advised visitors to wear face masks around the fayre and on the free Candy Cane Express road train, which will shuttle people around town.

A map of the Christmas road train.

The government brought in new rules this week stipulating people must wear face coverings in shops, shopping centres, transport hubs and on public transport.

Children under 11 and those with a health condition or disability which means they cannot wear a face covering are exempt.

What will the weather be like?

According to the Met Office, outbreaks of rains and drizzle will clear in the morning to leave a largely dry day. It will be cloudy at first with some brighter spells in the afternoon.

Temperatures are set to increase tomorrow but it is not set to stay mild for long.

From then we are set for a chilly weekend with some sunny spells and showers. It will be occasionally windy with some rain and snow possible on Monday morning.

Will there be rides and transport?

A free road train will take visitors around Harrogate from today as part of the Harrogate Christmas Fayre.

The Candy Cane Express will stop at James Street, St Mary’s Walk and Crescent Road. It will also pass Montpellier Hill, Cheltenham Parade, Station Parade and Victoria Avenue.

Not only that but there are also festive rides, including a carousel and ferris wheels at Crescent Garden and a helter skelter at the war memorial. All of those rides cost £3 for a ticket.

The Helter Skelter next to the war memorial in Harrogate town centre.

Free parking at Harrogate multi-storey

Parking will be free after 3pm in Harrogate’s Victoria multi-storey car park on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The initiative will last until December 23 and will be paid for by Harrogate Business Improvement District to encourage Christmas shoppers and revellers into the town midweek.

Activities to do with your toddler in the Harrogate district when older siblings go back to school

As the summer holidays draw to a close and older siblings return to school, it can often be more of a challenge entertaining toddlers.

The Harrogate district boasts a wealth of activities for babies, but what is there to do with preschoolers, particularly now the cooler weather is approaching?

Here are four classes to do with your toddler in the Harrogate district to keep the little ones entertained.

Little Gym Harrogate

Little Gym in Harrogate is a firm favourite on the parent-scene in Harrogate, offering progressively structured gym classes for babies from four months to children up to six-years-old.

Toddler classes include Beasts and Super Beasts for children aged 19 to 36 months, which see little ones attend sessions with parents and a class teacher, helping them to develop new physical and social skills.

Karen Dalby, from Little Gym Harrogate, said:

“We do get a lot busier when the kids are back at school, it’s so important to have something for toddlers where they can explore, take part in a semi-structured class and build confidence physically, socially and emotionally.

“Parents play a really active role in these sessions – the more fun they have, the more fun their children have. Our sessions are all based around movement – or assisted movement – for the younger children.

“At The Little Gym we use non-competitive activities like gymnastics to help children develop physically and mentally. Helping improve their confidence, aid their sleeping patterns, as well as developing vital motor and social skills. It’s time to get moving again. Let’s help them feel good about it.”

Toddler Sense

Run by Clair Miller in Harrogate, Wetherby and Staveley, near Karesborough, Toddler Sense offers sessions for children aged 13 months to five years.

Sessions are in two parts and involve a free play section and have an ever-changing set of equipment to explore – from bouncy castles, to tunnels, soft play to tents and balance beams.

There are then led activities for parents and toddlers to do together – all based on a weekly theme – these include games, bubbles, songs, dances and puppet shows.

Owner Claire, who was a primary school teacher for 11 years, said:

“I do find these classes are always busier in September once the older siblings return to school and families can give their toddlers some extra one-to-one time but classes are popular all year around.

“Our families have loved coming back to venue-based class again and seeing their toddlers begin to socialise.

“Toddlers have not had the same opportunities in recent times, so it is so lovely – and important developmentally – to see them learning new skills and meeting new friends.

“Something the grown-ups have appreciated too – I have seen many grown-up friendships forged in class which is so important. We all need that support.”

Moo Music

Moo Music, which holds classes in Harrogate, Ripon, Thirsk and Boroughbridge, offers interactive music sessions for children up to the age of five, where they can sing, dance and play alongside their parents, grandparents or carers.

The sessions are aimed at helping children gain confidence and develop memory, language and coordination skills in a multi-sensory way.

Owner Chantelle Riddle said:

“My sessions mainly operate during term time because of older siblings being off school, however I do run some summer holiday events in which older siblings are welcome to join in.

“This summer we’ve had special summer-themed classes, mobile soft play, messy play events and a visit from my mascot, Maggie Moo. However, these do seem to lend themselves to the younger audience up to the age of about six, which can be difficult for families with older children.

“Once we return to term-time – September especially – our numbers increase dramatically. The interest since Covid has had a massive effect on my business as parents are desperate to socialise and meet other mums. It’s actually been quite sad seeing so many new parents who haven’t been able to make the most of their maternity leave

“Moo Music is tailored for both babies and toddlers.

“I do love teaching the toddlers. I come from a teaching background and taught in primary for 10 years, so I love being able to adapt my sessions to suit their developmental needs. The progress is instant with toddlers right up to pre-school age.

“The aspect of development that I find the most rewarding is the little one’s self confidence. I’ve had many parents concerned with their little ones shyness, especially since Covid, so to see them thrive at Moo is amazing.

“As for mums – or dads – I think toddler groups are such an important part of their day. A great chance to socialise with other mums, share advice or any worries they have. I’ve seen many friendships blossom at Moo Music including some of my own.

“It’s been lovely to see parents bonding with their child at class too, having that time to really focus on enjoying their time together – one of the best parts of my job.”

Urban Circus

Based in Harrogate and Ripon, Urban Circus started life as a single pole fitness class in January 2013, appealing to ladies who wanted to get more active and see results without being bored at the gym.

It has now expanded across two venues, offering more than 40 classes including, pole, aerial hoop and children’s circus classes.

TwinkleTops and TumbleTots are instructor-led classes for children aged 12 months to four-years-old and are for both mum and little one to enjoy together.

The non-traditional mum group combined with baby cirque-gymnastics is aimed at helping improve motor skills, balance, coordination and more.

The class includes a fun warm-up, lots of action games, a circus or gymnastics circuit, including playing on all the apparatus, and learning skills such as forward rolls and handstand fundamentals, and provides an opportunity to make new friends and for parents to chat too.

The circus apparatus includes custom-made mini aerial hoops an aerial hammock and a pole.