Half Term around Harrogate
Things to do this may half-term in Harrogate and beyond
With the May half-term and the promise of warmer, sunnier weather on the way, it’s the perfect time to start planning how to spend your time off. Whether you need to find things to do to keep the kids entertained or are looking for fun things to do without them, there is lots happening in the Harrogate district to keep everyone entertained.

Children can join in with the Sow Awesome garden activities at RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate this half-term. The week is jam-packed with things to do. Learn how to grow-your-own vegetables and pot up your own tomato plant to take home, follow the trail to find the Fruit and Vegetable Superheroes and join the Garden Detectives on an Edible Garden Tour.
May Half Term at RHS Garden Harlow Carr: Sow Awesome
The Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park near Ripon has some great family events taking place. Children can pick up leaves and twigs from the gardens and weave them into the Earth Loom in the Yeti Den plus discover creatures of the waterways with the garden ranger. On Wednesday 31 May, A Dragon’s Tale is a one hour interactive tour through the gardens with Dragonella as she tells tales of magical creatures and adventure.
A Dragon's Tale
Collect your treasure map at Mother Shipton’s Cave in Knaresborough and follow the clues around the park to find the pirate treasure. With lots of nautical scenes, look out for the pirate and the fortune-teller, Venus, the Voodoo Princess. The cave, petrifying well and adventure playground within the woodland park make this a great day out for all the family.
Treasure Island - May Half Term at Mother Shipton's
Ripon Rogues and Vagabonds half-term activities at Ripon Workhouse Museum give children the chance to find out about life in a Victorian workhouse. Activities include having your fingerprints taken, baking Ripon rogue buns, dressing up as convicts and having your mugshot taken plus there is a trail and quiz to complete.
Ripon Rogues & Vagabonds Half Term Activities
The stunning Royal Hall in Harrogate, our ‘glittering palace of gold’ is 120 years old this year. To celebrate this milestone, a special celebration takes place on Saturday 27 May from 10am to 4pm. As well as being able to see the beautiful interior of this Edwardian concert hall, there is also a programme of live music for you to sit and listen to, plus access to the stage and dressing rooms. You can also purchase a souvenir programme of the day.
120th Anniversary Celebration
Lightwater Valley near Ripon has a fun week of Alice in Wonderland-inspired activities for children of all ages. Watch Alice in Pantoland, meet and greet some of your favourite Alice characters and enjoy arts and crafts including making your own finger puppet and face painting. You can follow the Whimsical Woodland Trail plus new for 2023 - Alice's Car Ride - ride in the vintage car on an immersive journey in search of Alice. Events run until Sunday 4th June and tickets can be booked online.
Mega May Half Term at Lightwater Valley
Spring Adventure at Stockeld Park is a pirate-themed week of family fun around the attraction. Come in your best pirate fancy dress ready to find the hidden passwords in The Enchanted Forest, explore the maze and enjoy pirate party dances. Hook, Line and Stinker presented by the Stockeld Theatre is a thirty minute high-energy, fun and entertaining show for all the family. Plus children can explore the four inter-connected worlds in the Playhive. The Spring Adventure runs until Sunday 4th June.
The Spring Adventure
On Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 June, the first Comic-Con Yorkshire comes to Harrogate and is a must for all comic, TV and film fans. With some A-list stars lined up to appear, it’s a chance for fans to meet some of their favourite heroes – this is an event not to be missed.
Comic-Con YorkshireWith so many exciting events taking place over the half-term for both children and adults. However you decide to spend the time, you are sure to have a great day out in Harrogate and beyond.
Find out more about things to see and do on our explore pages and don't forget to share what you've been up to using #MyHarrogate
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