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May Half Term

May Half Term around Harrogate and the Dales

Date Posted: Wednesday 1st May 2024

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 a lot happening around Harrogate and the Dales to keep everyone entertained.

The Family Garden Festival at RHS Garden Harlow Carr is the perfect opportunity to get young ones out in the garden, learn about plants and have fun all at the same time. A range of garden activities take place over half-term from learning how to plant seedlings to solving puzzles around the garden. All this in the beautiful surroundings of the RHS most northerly Garden, where you can also watch and learn about wildlife, see bees go about their busy work and see how easy it can be to grow tasty food in your own garden.

May Half Term: Family Gardening Festival

Embark on a magical journey to Neverland with the Lost Boys at Mother Shipton’s Cave. Explore shipwrecks and secret Pirate Hideaways and other Peter Pan inspired scenes as you make your way around the woodland on the banks of the River Nidd in Knaresborough. As well as the half term trail and the petrifying well, you will find plenty of picnic spots or you can enjoy some tasty treats from the refreshment kiosks.

Explore the history of Victorian punishment in the city of Ripon with a collection of activities and experiences. From life in the workhouse to reenacting a trial in the courthouse and doing time in a Victorian prison cell. Craft activities and baking are on offer to provide some hands-on fun for visitors. With a restored Workhouse Museum Garden to explore, Ripon’s museums offer a great family day out in the heart of this historic city.

Find some feathered friends at National Trust Beningbrough this half term. Set within many acres of parkland Beningbrough Hall has incredible gardens, views and parklands, around which wooden birds have been hidden for you to find. Pick up a trail map and start exploring and as you do, find the walled garden, wilderness play areas as well as a host of spaces where children can play.

Extract Fountains swing Play area Emily and Josh 7 nt crop 1972503190

Find all the faces at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal this half-term. A special trail of clay faces has been created around the site for families to find. Daily spring craft sessions take place where you can weave and colour your own spring flower. The visitor centre also has an amazing play area and café making for a great day out.

The Spring Adventure at Stockeld Park is your guaranteed fun day out for all the family, both outdoors and inside. With go-karts, boats, an adventure maze, magical forest trail and one of the biggest indoor playgrounds in Europe you can play all day at Stockeld Park.

The Spring Adventure

This part of North Yorkshire is packed with family fun and attractions, open spaces and landmarks waiting to be discovered, so start planning your summer fun today and find out for yourself.