Yorkshire Day at RHS Garden Harlow Carr Review
Yorkshire Day at RHS Garden Harlow Carr
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
Reviewed by Tracey Flintham
We have just returned from a lovely day celebrating Yorkshire Day (1 August 2016) in the beautiful RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Harlow Carr is easy to find just outside Harrogate and is signposted with ample free car parking for visitors. We arrived in the morning with our picnic and set out to explore the different areas of the gardens. There is a garden map which you can pick up on arrival and acts as a good point of reference if there is a particular area you’re interested in seeing.
There is a rocket science event throughout the summer holidays (23 July to 4 September) so my girls collected their captain’s logs and set out on the Mars garden trail, which takes you around the gardens, filling in interesting facts about space. We called in at the learning centre and there was a children’s activity taking place which was to make your own sundial. The tables were all stocked with everything you needed and information cards to show you how to make the sundials. Further along the way there was a rocket making activity and you could either join in making a large rocket sculpture or make your own mini one with things you find, to take home with you. There were several little play park areas throughout the garden which nicely breaks up the walking around for little legs. Once we had completed our Mars garden trail it was time for our picnic before the events for Yorkshire Day started. There are lots of areas for picnics throughout the gardens, with lots of benches, picnic benches or grass areas to sit on.
At 1pm it was time for some intergalactic races starting with some space hopper races. The races were nicely split into under sixes and over sixes and both my girls were eager to take part. There were several heats and then a couple of final races for winners from the previous heats. After this comes the teacup challenge which was a relay style race with four different teams and finally a welly wanging competition. The games were lots of fun to watch and families were eager to get involved.
There is even a Bettys’ cafe if you wanted to spoil yourself and make the day even more special.
We had a lovely day at the gardens, they are wonderfully maintained and there is lots to take in and see with many different trees, stone features, a bird hide and lots of different flowers. It was a perfect day spent with my family in the outdoors. The walk around the gardens isn’t too far either so, young or old, everyone can enjoy them.
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost: £5.50 child / £11 adult / Family 2+2 £28.25 – these prices include Gift Aid
For more information and events at RHS Garden Harlow Carr visit www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB
0845 265 8070
