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Autumn Colours In The Harrogate District

Autumn colours in the Harrogate district

Date Posted: Wednesday 28th Sept 2022

If you’re looking for fresh air to feel good and fun things to do outdoors this October, then look no further than the Harrogate district this autumn. With so much happening it is a great time to head out and explore our gardens and outdoor spaces. Grab your wellies, wrap up warm and get ready for a superb string of seasonal events and exciting experiences that the whole family can enjoy.

Autumn has arrived and while the nights may be drawing in, our gardens and outdoor spaces are ablaze with striking shades of red, orange, gold and bronze, inviting you to soak up the colours of the season in Insta-worthy garden landscapes and beautiful venues across the Harrogate district.

Here you’ll find some of the best places to visit in autumn in North Yorkshire, whether it’s a weekend day trip, a half term treat or a short break away to chill out, relax and escape the everyday.

Emma Bird one of the gardeners at Newby Hall harvesting some of the 50 varieties grown in the orchards

Apple Day & International Apple Throwing Championships, Newby Hall & Gardens

Head to beautiful Newby Hall and Gardens near Ripon on 2 October to celebrate all things apple-related. Ahead of National Apple Day (21 October), you can enjoy the apple pressing demonstrations, find out about the wide variety of apples grown in the orchards at Newby Hall and pick up some tips on all things fruity from the Northern Fruit Group experts .

Don’t miss the hotly contested Apple Throwing Championships – yes, they really are a thing! Whoever throws an apple the furthest over the River Ure wins the prestigious title and trophy. Are you tempted to have a go?

Beningbrough apple display compressed c NT Sue Jordan crop

Apple harvest at Beningbrough

Visit Beningbrough Hall near York between 5 and 9 October to celebrate the season of the apple harvest. Discover everything you didn’t know about this versatile fruit and find out about the many apple varieties that are grown in this National Trust garden in the Harrogate district.

With daily talks, apple pressing and a chance to sample apple juice fresh from the press, you can even take a sample bag home and have a go yourself. Free entry to National Trust and RHS members.

Autumn events at RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Make a trip to the fabulous RHS Garden at Harlow Carr this October for events that celebrate both floral excellence and a bountiful harvest of fruit and veg! On Sat 15 October it’s the National Alpine Show, where the Alpine Garden Society will showcase the best variety of the hardy little horticultural gems. There will also be a selection of specialist alpine growers on-site, making it the ideal opportunity to pick up interesting varieties of alpines and ask advice from a host of UK alpine plant growers.

The prestigious and RHS-judged Late Fruit and Vegetable Competition takes place, for the second year, at RHS Garden Harlow Carr from Thursday 20 to Sunday 23 October. Featuring stunning displays of homegrown produce and more than 60 classes of champion fruit and vegetables, the competition is free to enter and open to everyone who'd like to take part. Included is the Festival of Flavours on 22 & 23 Oct. This world food bonanza brings together growers and chefs, communities and schools, families, foodies and gardeners of all ages and backgrounds.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Until 16 October Bath House Gallery hosts Autumn Crafts, from 10am - 4:30pm, with an Aladdin's cave of handcrafted pieces from local artists, designers and crafters. The perfect place to treat yourself or buy a gift.

Seasonal treats at the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park

At the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park near Masham, it’s all about enjoying the splendour of the autumn colours and sampling some seriously scrumptious and seasonal delights.

Work up an appetite as you wander around the 45 acres of stunning woodland and gardens, home to more than 80 striking contemporary sculptures, before heading to the tearoom to try out Chef’s new autumn menu. Perhaps you’ll plump for a traditional Yorkshire pudding with butternut squash curry, tasty mince or vegetable casserole? Or will you go for a new vegetarian wrap or tasty cheese crumble? Little ones will love to know that the fruity Yeti Smoothies are continuing this season as well!

The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park is open until 30 October.

The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture Park

Autumn at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden

Enjoy a seasonal stroll or relaxing ramble around the beautiful and vast estate of the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, with trees adorned in reds and golds providing a stunning seasonal backdrop. Youngsters can enjoy half-term fun in the colourful landscape, following the sensory trail, finding the faces in the deer park and joining in with autumn crafts every day from 11am to 3pm in Swanley Grange near the playground.

Crunchy autumn leaves surround the abbey ruins

On Saturday 8 October and Saturday 22 October, visitors can join the Deer Park Walks taking place and learn about the resident deer herd from the wildlife team, who will also be sharing their knowledge of other wildlife on the estate.

On Friday 21 and 28 October, and every Saturday in October, Fountains Abbey hosts an unforgettable after-dark experience. At Fountains by Floodlight, visitors can wander through the illuminated ruins of the abbey – the largest monastic ruins in England – and feel enchanted listening to haunting choral music ringing through the cellarium. Tickets MUST be booked and sell out very quickly!

Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden

The gardens and outdoor spaces of the Harrogate district are fabulous to visit in autumn and all year round. Thinking of booking a visit for next spring? Head to visitharrogate.co.uk/gardens and find out more.