Outdoor activities in Harrogate

Take a look at the team’s top six things to do in the great outdoors this season when staying at The White Hart Harrogate. From a short walk on The Stray to taking an all-day trek with a llama we have the best of the bunch to entertain you whilst outdoors in Harrogate and the surrounding area.

Valley Gardens

Within a short walking distance from The White Hart is one of Harrogate’s most-loved and free attractions; Valley Gardens, perfect for a relaxed stroll or a fun day out for all. This English Heritage Grade II listed garden spanning an impressive 17 acres has formal gardens and woodlands to explore with footpaths guiding you around the attraction, which are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies. The historic Sun Pavilion and Colonnades are surrounding by stunning flowers, shrubs and herbaceous beds and borders.

Valley Gardens includes children’s playground, skate park, tennis court, pitch and putt, crazy golf, orienteering, paddling pool (seasonal), children’s boating pool, band concerts on Sundays (June – August), light refreshment café and toilets.

Location: Cornwall Road, Harrogate HG1 2SZ
Website: www.harrogate.gov.uk/valley-gardens
Cost: Free
Car parking: On-street parking, chargeable

Brimham Rocks

An impressive natural, giant rock formation in the heart of the North Yorkshire countryside is quite a spectacle to be seen. Created by an immense river 100 million years before the first dinosaurs walked the earth, Brimham Rocks is now managed by the National Trust.

Visitors are free to explore the site, spotting the Dancing Bear, the Gorilla, the Eagle and the Turtle, whilst the more nimble can crawl through the Smartie Tube and balance on the Rocking Stones. Suitable for families with paths suitable for buggies, but wheelchair users may find it challenging in places.

Location: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW
Website: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks
Cost: Free
Car parking: On-site, chargeable, free with National Trust membership card

Nidderdale Llamas

Looking for something unusual to do around Harrogate then a trek with a llama could be right up your street. Based in neighbouring Nidderdale this family working farm offers a fun activity for couples and families alike all year round.

Fantastic fun with amazing friendly animals, a range of options to choose from all including close contact with llamas, alpacas, and some other animals. This activity is suitable for all ages, although participants must be 10 years to trek with their own llama.

Location: Kiln Farm, Wilsill, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 5EE
Website: www.nidderdalellamas.org
Cost: Experiences from £38 per person. Pre-booking essential
Car parking: Free onsite

RHS Garden Harlow Carr

Owned and run by the Royal Horticultural Society, Harlow Carr is a must for a one visiting Harrogate. Brimming with gardens for all seasons, it is said to be one of Yorkshire’s most relaxing and innovative gardens, on the doorstep of the Yorkshire Dales.

Year-round events include the Harlow Carr Flower Show, and activities for all the family too. From outdoor theatre, guided walks, discovery trails, planting and wildlife workshops, to displays and demonstrations.

Plus, if you like what you see, the RHS Harlow Carr Plant Centre & Shop is on-site with staff on hand to help you choose a perfect gift or to take a little Yorkshire garden back home. Plus, Harrogate’s very own Bettys is on-site with their famous Tea Rooms to enjoy a fat rascal and a cup of Yorkshire Tea.

Location: Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB
Website: www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
Cost £12.15 per adult, £6.10 per child (RHS members go free)
Car parking: On Cragg Lane, chargeable

The Pinewoods

Located just 1km south west of Harrogate sits The Pinewoods, 96 acres of semi-natural woodland, with links to Valley Gardens and Harlow Carr, creating some beautiful woodland walks. The Pinewoods can be easily accessible via tarmac footpaths from the town centre and perfect for all the family. Popular walks range from The English Man at 1.5miles to a more challenging 3.6miles incorporating Birk Cragg.

For those looking to challenge themselves, orienteering is also available with three levels of experience. Pre-booking is essential.

Paths are suitable for wheelchairs and buggies.

Location: Nursery Lane East, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG2 0FH
Website: www.pinewoodsconservationgroup.org.uk/visit
Cost: Free
Car parking: Off Cragg Lane

The Stray

One of Harrogate’s most loved spaces is The Stray, a common parkland available for all and encompasses over 200 acres of grasslands. The southern half of the Stray sits next to the town centre, giving ease of access from the hotel.

With so many great food and drink shops the stray makes for a great place to enjoy a picnic away from the bustle of the town centre, but with just a few minutes’ walk back to it. A great all-weather location it is popular for kite flying and ball games with football pitches.

Location: Many starting locations, one outside the White Hart Hotel
Website: www.visitharrogate.co.uk/things-to-do/the-stray-harrogate-p1281281
Cost: Free
Car parking: Various locations around The Stray, or stay in our secure onsite car park.