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Things To Do This February Half Term In The Harrogate District

Things to do this February half term in the Harrogate district

Date Posted: Monday 22nd Jan 2024

If you are looking for lots of fun things to do this February half-term to keep the children entertained, you will find lots of exciting activities, events and days out in and around Harrogate.  Whether you are planning to enjoy some fresh air and exercise in the great outdoors or looking to visit one of the many indoor attractions in the area, you will find the perfect combination to keep all the family happy.

Here are our suggestions for getting out and about and making the most of the week.

Discover a world on your windowsill

At RHS Garden Harlow Carr, discover a world on your windowsill and find out how to plant and grow plants in the smallest of spaces. Children can join planting workshops and learn how to up-cycle old containers into plant pots.

The Garden Detectives return to entertain children with their hilarious tales and walks around the gardens. Children can also join in story yoga sessions in the Learning Centre on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 February. After exploring 56 acres of gardens, indulge in a treat from Bettys tea room and once re-fuelled, you can walk through the pinewood to the Valley Gardens.

February Half Term: World on your windowsill

1471794 VH main image for Beningbrough half term

Beningbrough brings the past to life

The eight acres of formal gardens, including the beautiful two-acre walled garden, at Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens are perfect to explore for some family fun adventure.

This half-term, explore the wilderness play area which is perfect for children to let off some steam; popular activities include building a den, swinging high on the cantilever swing, balancing on the clamberstack or letting your imagination loose in the Wendy House. Take yourself on an adventure and tick off some of the '50 things to do before you're 11 3/4' playlist.

Focusing on mindfulness and well-being

The focus is on mindfulness and well-being this half term at Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal Water Garden with events for all the family.

Families can get crafty in their winter craft workshop where you can have a go at creating a lavender pouch to take home. You can tuck it in a drawer to make your clothes smell nice or take it out and about with you. This is a FREE workshop available every day from 11am-2pm during February half term.

Children can also become winter explorers and take a walk through the gardens and see how many winter sights they can spot. Look up and get your head stuck in the clouds. If the rain decides to pour, put your wellies on and splash in some puddles. Challenge your family and friends to a game of pooh sticks on the different bridges through the estate. And head to the bird hide to spot some of our feathery friends. The trail is available to 10 – 18 February, 10am – 4pm.

How Stean Gorge

For the more adventurous activity-minded families, How Stean Gorge in the heart of stunning Nidderdale offers a number of adrenalin-filled activities. Try your hand at gorge walking or abseiling, or book to stay in one of the rustic lodges and fill your week with exhilarating adventures. The How Stean Gorge café provides you with all the fuel you’ll need for a day of fun.

Stockeld Park

Children can enjoy February Fun at Stockeld Park. The Playhive is one of Europe’s largest indoor play centres featuring four interconnected worlds of space, air, the jungle and sea. The whole family can let their imagination lead them through each zone, exploring the high-level walkways and tunnel slides. Toddlers have their own zone while older children can enjoy the giant slides and interactive games. The Playhive Pizzeria offers a selection of freshly cooked pizzas, pasta dishes and jacket potatoes between 11:30am and 4pm.

Book an ice-skating session and a walk through the Enchanted Forest and Magical Maze or let the children burn off energy in the different play areas. Warm up afterwards with a hot chocolate in the Woodland Café.

A day out at Stockeld Park will keep children of all ages entertained.

Nidderdale Llamas

For an experience that is a little different, trek with a llama in beautiful Nidderdale. The length of trek can be chosen depending on the age of the children from the family experience for children aged 7+ to treks for adults and children aged 10+ Will your walking companion be Noodle, Rupert, Lola or Rosebud? Llama experiences must be pre-booked in advance.

Stump Cross Caverns

For a completely different adventure head to Stump Cross Caverns. Situated on the edge of the Harrogate district and surrounded by remote moorland, this spectacular subterranean world of caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites will captivate and amaze children and adults alike. This half term join in a fossil and gem dig with Stump Cross Caverns’ very own cavewoman. Close by is Grimwith Reservoir with a 4.5 mile walk around the water’s edge to burn off some energy.

Half-Term Fossil & Gem Dig with Cavewoman

Knaresborough Castle Mike Hine 1901974842

Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum

Explore the ruined Castle keep and dungeon perched on the top of the crag overlooking the River Nidd. Children can learn about the history of Knaresborough in the Courthouse Museum which houses the original Tudor courthouse. From the Castle, walk down the steps to the river for an ice cream or lunch at one of the riverside cafes.

Knaresborough Castle & Museum

However you decide to entertain the family this February half term, enjoy exploring the Harrogate district. Found out more about things to see and do on our explore pages and don't forgot to share what you've been up to using #MyHarrogate