1. Tour de Yorkshire
The Tour de Yorkshire is one of Britain’s biggest cycling even of the year. Set over three stages this tour is going to be a spectacular event over Friday 28th to Sunday 30th April 2017. Make sure you’re on the Stray in Harrogate on Saturday for the second stage finish.
2. Go to Rudding Park’s new spa
Must must must do this summer. Treat yourself to a bit of me time with a spa day at Rudding Park‘s new £9 million spa. Hand on heart it is spectacular.
3. Knaresborough Bed Race
The Great Knaresborough Bed Race is something different. The oldest bed race in the world; it’s part fancy dress pageant and part gruelling time trial over a 2.4 mile course, ending with a swim through the icy waters of the River Nidd. So head down on Saturday 10th June for great fun and an amazing spectacle on our doorstep!
4. Have a Ripley Ice Cream
5. The Great Yorkshire Show
The Great Yorkshire Show is something every Harrogate person will attend at least once in their life. This year’s show takes place on Tuesday 11th to Thursday 13th July 2017. I love the hustle and bustle of the crowds and watching the beautiful horses in the main arena. I wrote a post about the show last year – find out more about it here.
6. Walk around Swinsty
Nothing beats a walk on a summers day. Well one of the best walks has to be a trip around Swinsty, our local reservoir. It’s an easy 3.1 mile walk which I do in an hour no problem. There’s something magical when it’s a still day and the water reflects the trees.
7. Ripley Show
A brilliant show to take your dog and have a go at retrieving, and other dog activities. Watch the professionals with competitive events, demonstrations, competitions, country activities and trade stands, there really is something for everybody at the Ripley Show on Sunday 13th August.
8. Go to Harlow Carr
Explore the delights of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, a garden with a wide variety of growing landscapes ranging from woodland to wildflower meadows -it’s stunning and peaceful.
9. Book Lady Betty Afternoon Tea
Oh, afternoon tea at Bettys. Who can beat that! I experienced their reservation-only afternoon tea back in November last year and it was an experience I’ll never forget.
10. Visit Yorkshire Wildlife Park
It was my first really adventure with my boyfriend Niki. I’d so recommend a visit. Although quite expensive, at £17pp, they have lions, tigers, giraffes, rhinos and all the cute critters.
11. Go shopping in Victoria Gate
Visit Victoria Gate for a luxury shopping experience. I’m in awe of this building which house some of my favourite shops, from John Lewis to Anthropology.
12. Eat at Horto
Experience a taste sensation. Horto has now moved home into the new spa complex and I can’t wait to see what head chef, Murray Wilson has been conjuring up in the kitchen. My last experience was incredible.
13. Complete a charity challenge
Yes, I’m raising money for various charities in 2017 through coffee mornings and also a mighty hike. Yes, I’ve signed up to a charity challenge that I really need to start training for. Luckily I have my personal trainer on had for some sound advice.
14. Grab a coffee from Hoxton North
I can’t get enough of this local coffee shop. Just a short walk from my front door it is the perfect stop off as I walk into town.
15. Shop local at Leng’s
If you haven’t been to Leng’s, you must. Leng’s is a greengrocer on Cold Bath Road, which offers a variety of seasonal produce. It’s a great local business that keeps Cold Bath Road alive.
16. Attend the StrEAT Food Festival
After the success of last year’s event I’m  delighted that the StrEAT Food Festival is returning to Harrogate on the 25th to 28th August 2017. Bringing over 60 of the UK’s best street Food traders to tantalise our taste buds… the deckchairs will be out, the Craft Beer Teepee will be back and once again we will delight and entertain us – yippee!
17. Harrogate Festival
Been picked as one of the 7 Best literary festivals in Britain by Harper’s Bazaar, The Harrogate Music Festival has a 50 year heritage in the town, which is remarkable for an arts charity. It’s Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival is also the biggest celebration of the crime genre in the world! This year it feature Lee Child, Dennis Lehane, Brenda Blethyn (Vera), Robson Green (Grantchester), Ian Rankin – huge names.
18. Malton Food Festival
Set across the streets of Yorkshire’s Food Capital, Malton Food Lovers Festival is a celebration of the finest Yorkshire produce and cooking. The 2017 festival is set to be the biggest yet. On the 27th to 28th May, expect heaving stalls, delicious street food, talks, tastings, Levi Roots, Prue Leith and other celebrity chefs, demos, cookery lessons and much much more! Enjoy craft beer and cider at the festival bar, live music at the festival party and family entertainment for all!
19. Deershed Festival
Now in its eighth year, Deer Shed 8 Festive is one of the best family festivals in the UK and it’s right on our doorstep! They have a great line up to entertain you and your family, the whole weekend long on July 21 to 23. Each year holds a different theme, this year’s is The Wilderwild. It sounds adventurous so don’t forget to pick up your passes today!
20. A trip to Crimple Hall
A shopping experience nestled within a tranquil oasis of the Crimple valley. Crimple Hall offers a seedbed of inspiration from plants in their well stocked garden nursery or seeking out those hidden gems in their incredible antique hall. I just love it!
What do you have planned this summer? Are you going to any of the above? Have I missed an event I should be attending? Let me know and tag @THarrogateGirl in your photos.
