spring into action …

Be inspired by Spring Time and get out and about to explore the treasures of the North East and Yorkshire.

Here are our top picks for the coming weeks

north east

Get starry-eyed at Northumberland National Park at the dark Skies Festival (12 – 28th Feb)

Northumberland is England’s first and largest international Dark Sky Park and is hosting events from all 5 observatories in the area – Battlesteads, Kielder, Stone haugh, Twice Brewed and Alienheads. With beginner events and family astronomy sessions as well as more specialised workshops.

Celebrate the 1900th anniversary of Hadrian’s Wall

Visit Vindolanda and The Roman Army Museum with a series of workshops and activities for families.

Explore Warden Hill and a make a ‘surprise discovery.’

 Enjoy breath-taking views and spectacular walks in Northumberland National Park, including a Warden Hill trail named recently by the Guardian as a ‘surprise discovery,’ that looks down on to two great river valleys. The North and the South Tyne join and to the west is the tilted whinstone ridge of Hadrian’s Wall.

Head to Belsay Hall and Gardens to see stunning Grecian architecture

 A medieval castle and explore thirty acres of gardens to create new adventures, from 19-27th Feb join the half term explorer quest. Finish it all off with a slice of cake when you visit the Victorian Tearoom

Take High Tea at Howick Hall

Learn more about the history of the 2nd Earl, after whom the famous tea is named, and take a cup of the good stuff in the Earl Grey Tea

yorkshire

Join the East Ridings FEASTival tour

…until 27th Feb as it hits the local area at Hessle, Hornsea, Market Weighton and Howden and enjoy street food, bars, alfresco dining, live music and children’s entertainment.

Celebrate the skies on The North Yorks Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Park

…for the 7th time, with events such as night runs, zip wires, kayaking and biking, astrophotography workshops, stargazing safaris, kids’ trails and stargazing experiences from 18th Feb – 6th March as part of the Dark Skies Festival.

Check out their event page below! 

Experience magnificent displays of nature’s most intriguing flowers

At the Orchid Festival at Burton Agnes (East Yorkshire) with stunning colours and fragrant delights during the weekend of 5th and 6th The Elizabethan Hall will be hosting talks and giving specialist advice about growing your own with local expert Ray Creek.

Visit Sewerby Hall Gardens this spring

For a little bit of everything including magnificent gardens, a zoo and a historical house all from its dramatic cliff-top position with spectacular views over Bridlington.

Chill out at the York Ice Trail

With more than 40 incredible ice sculptures designed and sponsored by local businesses on display on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th March, in line with this year’s theme of ‘Around the World’ …further details below.

There’s so many things to explore around our parks – we can’t wait to see what you’ve been up to!