Make the Most of the Jubilee Weekend
Have you been thinking about how to make the most of the extra-long Bank Holiday weekend this year? With events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee taking place across the Harrogate district, you’ll find us decked with bunting and afternoon tea parties just about wherever you go!
Jubilee celebrations aside, whether you’re keen to discover gorgeous gardens, fascinating history and heritage or adventures in the great outdoors, have a read of our suggestions and start planning your extra long weekend of fun today.
Visit Newby Hall and Gardens to experience the splendour of the famous 172 metre long double herbaceous borders, and a special Jubilee edition of the Newby Tractor Fest that rolls into town from 3 to 5 June! Tractor Fest showcases more than 1,500 vintage vehicles including a display of 70-year-old Jubilee and Coronation vintage tractors.
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At Beningbrough, explore the exquisite gardens of Beningbrough Hall and capture the beauty of early summer through the floral delights of the formal gardens, woods, riverside walks and parkland. See the revival in garden design taking place, from the pergola to herbaceous borders and walled kitchen garden with blossoms giving way to fruit.
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RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate pays a nod to World Bee Day and kicks off a bee-eautiful ten days dedicated to the Power of the Superbee from 28 May to 5 June - so if you’re planning a half-term trip away and want to know what to do with the kids this is sure to get them buzzing!
Events include beekeeping demonstrations, bee-spotting safaris, pollinator-friendly planting workshops and more, all taking place amongst the horticultural excellence that offers outstanding inspiration you can take into your own garden.
Step inside the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate town centre to experience an incredible show of colour and energy through “Celebration”, the new exhibition of British abstract art.
Just around the corner, you can also visit the Royal Pump Room Museum to discover the story of Harrogate’s spa heritage and if you’re here for the week, head to the Royal Hall open day on 1 June to learn about the incredible history of Harrogate’s “glittering palace of gold” – the only surviving Kursaal in the UK.
Of course, there are dedicated Jubilee celebrations taking place across the district including family festivals, big picnics, garden festivals, artisan markets and all kinds of family entertainment, not to mention live screenings of the national celebrations taking place in London. Every town is hosting celebrations and events, and you can find details for what's happening where and when on our Jubilee page.
See our Jubilee events page
Knaresborough Castle open from 2 to 4 June, so you can make the long weekend the time to explore this historical and cultural gem. Enjoy the breath-taking view overlooking the River Nidd as you discover the dungeon, ancient graffiti and secret tunnel of this one-time stronghold of medieval kings.
Head to the museum to learn about local characters, from Guy Fawkes to Mother Shipton, and see the original Tudor courtroom where suspected criminals faced public trail.
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In Knaresborough with little ones? Don’t miss the half term week at Mother Shipton’s Cave, where you can wander into a world of Enchanted Stories with giant story books and a wonderland of fairy-tale themed displays. Explore the ancient woodland, peek into miniature fairy houses and sit on the Wishing Chair throne. Children can dress up as their favourite storybook characters to be with a chance of winning a prize!
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Whether it’s peace and tranquillity you crave, or action and adventure in the great outdoors, Nidderdale has it all.
At Nidderdale Llamas, go trekking through the hills and soak up the splendour of the AONB with a woolly four-legged friend to keep you company. A wonderful way to escape from the everyday - and definitely different – llama and alpaca-trekking offers a wonderful way to relax and leave your worries behind you. It’s a unique and personal experience with gentle, friendly animals who are great fun to be with – what’s not to love?
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For a more adrenalin-fuelled experience, head to How Stean Gorge and experience the natural wonder of this limestone ravine and steep-sided chasm in the Yorkshire Dales. Get ready for adventuring as you explore the length (and depth!) of the gorge and discover the geological formations of the cave systems.
If you’re not the adventurous one in your group, head to the visitor centre bistro and enjoy spectacular views of the gorge from the viewing room without exerting yourself too much!
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For a truly unique garden escape, head to the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park near Masham. This fascinating garden is widely considered to house the North’s largest collection of rhododendrons, azaleas and magnolias.
The Garden is also home to more than 80 contemporary sculptures nestled amongst the beautiful woodland, lakes and garden settings. New for 2022, Bursting from the Slumber is an incredible installation of 1300 blue ceramic poppies created by Harrogate-based artist Anna Whitehouse. The piece mirrors the Meconopsis poppies that grow in the garden.
Find out moreAnd there is so much more, so whether you are looking to visit one of our wonderful family attractions, enjoying a walk across the countryside, getting out on the bike or just paying a visit to one of our beautiful country pubs this extra-long Bank Holiday weekend, make it the Harrogate district.
