10 Autumnal Activities in Harrogate

I don’t know about you but autumn is my all-time favourite season. I get to wear oversized jumpers, boots and drink spiced pumpkin lattes like there’s no tomorrow. I’m also a big fan of the crisp mornings and Harrogate just looks stunning as the trees turn to burn orange, gold and red. Who’s with me?

Whilst it’s sad to hear many of our local events are canceled such as the Stray Bonfire and there’s no chance of trick or treat I thought I’d compile my top 10 activities to do over the next couple of months…

Please check before you visit any of the following attractions as opening times and guidelines may have changed since I wrote this post. As ever, please stick to the guidelines for your local area so we can all play our part in beating Coronavirus.

1. Pumpkin Picking at Birchfield Farm

Oh, it’s a must, I couldn’t compile a list without a visit to Birchfield. As traditional as an Easter egg hunt. Pumpkin picking is becoming an annual must-do for families. From 3rd October to 31st October Birtchfiled Farm is going all out with its Pumpkin Festival. Grab a wheelbarrow and head to the patch to choose your perfect pumpkin in many different colours and varieties. But make sure you wear your wellies or boots as it can get muddy!

The entrance fee for the carving barn, farm maze, and woodland walk is £3.00 per person.

2. Make your own Autumn wreath with Leafy Couture Flower Club

I’m loving being part of the Leafy Couture Flower Club (previously gifted) and in October you can order your autumn wreath. It’s the first time I’ll be able to put a wreath on my own front door so I can’t wait to receive a box of florist choice seasonal flowers and foliages to create my autumn wreath at home!

By ordering your box of joy it will provide you with membership to the fabulous Leafy Couture facebook flower club page & instruction video plus includes a Leafy Couture postcard and herbal teabag. But you better be quick as you need to order by 30th October. Starting price at £50.

3. Adventure at Brimham Rocks

Discover an amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations, which makes a great day out for families, climbers, and those wanting to enjoy every part of a crisp autumn day. Keep an eye out for some fantastically shaped rocks, such as the Dancing Bear, The Eagle, and The Gorilla. Walk over heather moorland, through beautiful woodland, and take in the magnificent views over Nidderdale and beyond. Free parking for National Trust members.

4. Forage for sloes to create the perfect tipple in time for Christmas

It’s the time of year to make sloe gin. The sweet liqueur that’s traditional at Christmas and throughout the winter. Head out on your local walk to see if you can spot some sloe ripe for the taking. Read more about foraging sloes here. And for the perfect Sloe Gin recipe, follow Country Living’s guide to the best Sloe gin.

5. Autumn Colours and a hot chocolate at RHS & Bettys

• 

• 

• 

As the days shorten, why not stay closer to Harrogate. Hop on the number 6 bus and visit the RHS Gardens Harlow Carr. As autumn sets in the garden erupts with late perennials, grasses, and a bonfire of foliage colours. As you enjoy the spectacle, don’t forget to stop off at the Bettys Tea House for a traditional hot chocolate which will put a smile on anyone’s face.

Prices start from £6.10 for children and £12.15 for adults unless you are a member of the RHS, in which case it is free entry. Currently, you have to book a time slot.

6. Bake the perfect parkin with a recipe from Bettys (or if you aren’t a baker you can always buy it)

Traditionally enjoyed in Yorkshire on Bonfire Night, Parkin is a delicious seasonal treat packed with black treacle and spiced with ginger. Why not try your hand at making your own to share with family and friends on 5th November with this recipe from Bettys Cookery School? Or buy it online, priced at £5.00.

7. Sunday lunch at the Tiger Inn at Coneythorpe

The Tiger Inn is a family-run village pub, walkable from Knaresborough. With traditional cask ales and hearty food, it’s perfect for an autumn afternoon with friends or family. Although a Sunday roast is a must, I do recommend you try the pie with chips – you won’t regret it! Currently, the Tigre Inn is serving two courses for £18 or three for £22.

8. Head to Mamma Doreens for a spooky afternoon tea

A very ghostly Halloween afternoon will be arriving from the dark side from the 17th October to 5th November at Mamma Doreens. So why not head down to the Cafe in Harrogate for a spooktacular afternoon with your bubble.

9. Autumn/Winter wardrobe shopping

Although small, Harrogate is home to some amazing shops perfect to stock up on the latest seasons clothes. I’d recommend visiting Bias on Cold Bath Road, followed by Morgan Claire, Toast, and Rocca around Montpellier. Plus you could always stop for lunch at one of Harrogate’s amazing restaurants – La Feria, Hoxton, Bettys, or The Ivy to name a few.

10. Spooky happenings at Stump Cross Caverns

Discovered in 1860 by lead miners, Stump Cross Caverns has a rich history going back hundreds of millions of years. New passageways have been opened up over the years, with remains of prehistoric creatures such as wolverine and reindeer found in the caves. On Saturday 31st October and Sunday 1st November Stump Cross Caverns is hosting a ‘Potion Commotion’ – a science workshop for ages 7+ and cost £15 per person which includes a mini cave tour.  All workshops are 1.5 hours.

The caves are a constant temperature of 7 degrees so dress warmly. Steps and walkways will be damp. Waterproof boots or wellies make ideal footwear for your visit.

Autumn in Harrogate is looking fabulous!

So what are you waiting for? Anything here takes your fancy or are you already on planning doing a couple of the activities? If so, tag me on social media and let me know how you get on. You can find me on Instagram and Facebook.