A full summer ahead

Posted: 15/06/2012

The Ukranian Cossacks are the Main Ring attraction at this year's Great Yorkshire Show

There is always plenty to see and do in the Yorkshire Dales but the summer months in particular offer a vast array of special events.

Agricultural shows feature prominently in this part of the world and The Great Yorkshire Show I(10-12 July) n Harrogate is the largest of its kind in England. Also well worth attending are the nearby Wensleydale Show on 25 August and Reeth Show on 29 August, both traditional country shows with livestock events, ring displays, stunt teams and live entertainment.

The castles and stately homes in the area also offer plenty of events  throughout the season, from ‘Knights and Ladies’ weekends (23-27 July and 30 July-3 August) at nearby Bolton Castle – where Mary Queen of Scots was famously imprisoned – to a Medieval knights’ tournament (4-5 August) at Richmond Castle – one of the greatest Norman fortresses in Britain.

Thorp Perrow Arboretum, which has one of the finest private collections of trees and shrubs in the country, is holding various children’s activity days throughout the season including woodland and animal tracking, storytelling tours, minibeast hunting and circus antics. Theatre buffs can enjoy open-air performances by some of the most prestigious theatre groups in the country, including the renowned Globe Theatre performing Shakespeare’s As You Like It at Newby Hall (28-29 August) and another Shakespearian favourite The Taming of the Shrew by Sprite Productions at Ripley Castle from 20 June to 8 July.

We are always happy to advise about these and the many other local events taking place during your visit. This part of Yorkshire really does have something for everyone. Come and see for yourself.