Harrogate Borough Council

Find out more

To find out more about any of the events listed on this page, or to book, please contact Harrogate Museums and Arts.

email

phone:01423 556188

fax: 01423 556130

Mercer Art Gallery,
Swan Road,
Harrogate,
HG1 2SA

or by calling in to any of our venues.

Our events are either free or very reasonably priced. Payment is requested in advance. Refunds by arrangement with more than 14 days' written notice.

If cancelling within the 14 day notice period, we regret that monetary refunds can only be guaranteed for payments over £10 due to the administrative costs involved. If cancelling a booking for under £10 the monies spent can be held as payment towards a future event.

See our Visitor information for all Harrogate Borough Council run museums and galleries.

Heritage Open Days 2010

Heritage Open Days is a celebration of Britain's fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to places that are usually closed, or charge for admission, or that you simply have not spent a lot of time looking at!

There are many venues worth a visit in the Harrogate district. Harrogate Borough Council along with Harrogate, Knaresborough and Ripon Civic Societies and the Woodland Trust have worked together to offer the following open days and tours in the area. Also featured are other events in the area listed online at http://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/

This year you can visit:

Harrogate

Council Chambers and Mayor's Parlour

Crescent Gardens, Harrogate, HG1 2SG

Thursday 9th and Friday 10th September 9am-12.30pm and 2pm-4pm

Public access to the Council Chamber, where council meetings take place to make decisions about the local community. Find out about its history and visit the Mayor's Parlour to see the Civic insignia and treasures

Grove House, Skipton Road, Harrogate, HG1 4LA
Friday 10th until Sunday 12th September, each day from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

Visit this historic Grade II listed building set in 7 acres of gardens. The museum displays artefacts all about the Order of the Buffaloes dating from the mid-19th century onwards.

Harlow Tower, Harrogate, copyright Roger Crowther (licensed for reuse)

Harlow Tower, Nursery Lane, Harrogate, HG2 0AZ
Thursday 9th and Friday 10th September by special arrangement
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September from 10am until 5pm. Pre-booking is required via David Cook on 0113 2693123 or david@davidcook42@@wanadoo.co.uk

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Observation Tower built in 1829. There are 92 stone steps to the small room at the top, then 8 steep stairs on to the roof. A pair of battleship's binoculars are available. The tower also contains a Foucault's Pendulum which demonstrates that the Earth turns on its axis.

The Harrogate Club, Victoria Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 5PR

Friday 10th September from 10.30am until 2.30pm.

Visit this fine Victorian building where the Gentlemen's Club was founded in 1875. One of the early members was Sir Titus Salt. Refreshments will be available.

Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF Thursday 9th and Friday 10th September with guided tours from 2pm.

Built at the end of the 19th century using the fashionable red glazed brick with stone facings that also can be found at the Majestic Hotel. See the Art Nouveau bas-relief frieze in the
foyer and a plaque listing famous artists who have appeared here.

Masonic Hall, Station Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 5NE

Friday 10th September between 10am and 12pm.

See this elegant and beautiful building, especially designed for the five Masonic lodges that meet here.

Royal Hall, Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2RD
Thursday 9th September from 10am 4pm.

Restored to its original magnificence, see the amazing restoration work of this stunning Edwardian theatre, designed by Frank Matcham Please note: some areas may be restricted due to event preparation.

Royal Pump Room Museum, Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RY
Saturday 11th September from 10am until 5pm and Sunday 13th September from 12pm until 5pm. Book a tour to visit the sulphur well on Saturday at 11am, 1pm or 3pm and Sunday at 11am or 1pm. Book on 01423 556188 or museums@harrogate.gov.uk

Visit the museum for FREE to discover Harrogate's fascinating spa history. See Ancient Egyptian treasures and the beginnings of our exhibition all about tea, due to open later in September.

Stonefall Cemetery, Wetherby Road, Harrogate, HG3 1DE

Thursday 10th and Friday 11th September from 9am until 3pm with guided tours at 10am and 2pm.

Visit this 30 acre site featuring the Crematorium, Memorial Gardens and Cemetery, together with adjoining Hebrew Cemetery and War Grave Commission.

Churches in Harrogate

Christ Church, Church Square, Harrogate, HG1 4SW Thursday 9th and Saturday 11th September from 9am until 4pm.

Located on the Stray with its own walled churchyard, this is the town's oldest church (1831). Notable interior galleries and crypt and reredos by Sir Ninian Comper; transept and chancel added 1862.

St John's Church, Bilton Lane, Harrogate, HG1 3DT

Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th September from 10am until 12pm.

Listed Gothic style church built in 1851. Unusual open timber roof with trefoil trusses and fine stained glass by Grace. Refreshments available on Saturday.

St Mark's Church, Leeds Road, Harrogate, HG2 8AY

Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th September from 10am until 12pm.

Built in 1898 by John Oldrid Scott and refurbished in recent years with opulent interior. Notable rose window and alabaster reredos. Refreshments available.

St Peter's Church, Cambridge Street, Harrogate, HG1 1RW

Thursday 9th until Saturday 11th September from 8am until 5pm.

The main body of this church dates from 1870 with its prominent bell tower added in 1926. Notable painted glass and stone roundels of faces. Currently undergoing restoration.

St Wilfrid's Church, Duchy Road, Harrogate, HG1 2EZ

Thursday 9th and Friday 10th September from 8am until 4pm and Saturday 11th from 8am until 11am.

Grade I listed building from the early 20th century and considered to be the best work of architect Temple Moore. See stained glass and a figure brass in the chancel floor depicting the first priest.

West Park United Reformed Church, Victoria Avenue, Harrogate, HG1 1EQ
Thursday 9th and Friday 10th September from 10.30am until 12pm and Saturday 11th September from 10am until 3pm.

Opened in 1862, the church was designed by Lockwood and Mawson in the early decorated style of English architecture. The church has many fascinating features including the tower with elegant spire, 12 figureheads on the southern corbels and later stained glass windows. Refreshments will be available.

The Wesley Chapel, Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1PP Friday 10th and Saturday 11th September from 10am until 2pm.

Grade II listed building dating from 1862. Built by Lockwood and Mawson in the traditional meeting house style with unusual curved gallery and superb woodwork. Refreshments available on Saturday.

All participating churches will be open on Sundays and invite you to attend their services.

In Knaresborough

Conyngham Hall, Bond End, Knaresborough, HG5 9AY Guided tours on Saturday 11th September at 10am, 11am and 12pm. Limited places are available so please book in advance through David Kaye on 07855 424501.

Visit this Grade II* 18th century building with four column portico of giant ionic columns. The building was designed by architect John Carr (1723-1807) who was the only provincial member of the London Architects' Club and also designed the Royal Crescent in Buxton.

Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum, Castle Yard, Knaresborough, HG5 8AS
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September from 10.30am until 5pm.

Discover medieval Knaresborough the King's Chamber, dark dungeon and secret underground tunnel. See the rare survival of an original Tudor Courthouse. Also try on clothes, play games and free the prisoner and get back to the 21st century by completing our brand new adventure computer game, created by local students.

St John the Baptist Church, Church Lane, Knaresborough, HG5 9AR

Open daily with guided tours on Saturday 11th September between 2pm and 4pm.

This historic church is believed to have been a place of worship for over a thousand years. In the 14th century King Edward III's wife, Philippa of Heinault took a considerable interest in restoration work. The bells were first hung in 1774 and the present clock was installed in 1884.

Nidderdale AONB

Gouthwaite Lodge Farm, near Pateley Bridge on Thursday 9th September from 2pm until 4pm.

Join a guided talk showcasing stunning views around Gouthwaite reservoir, a selection of interesting historic farm buildings, and features including a sheep-washing fold. You can also enjoy historic maps and records, and see the changes brought about by the reservoir. By kind permission of Mr John Rayner. The walk is 3 miles in length, it is steep in places, and will require suitable footwear.

Nidderdale Museum, King Street, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5LE

Sunday 12th September from 1.30pm until 4.30pm

Visit this large and lively collection illustrating all aspects of Dales life in the past. The 11 rooms of exhibitions, housed in the former workhouse, contain wonderful collections of photographs, costumes, and artefacts to give you a real insight into Nidderdale's history.
Contact: 01423 711225 or www.nidderdalemuseum.com

The Ruin Hackfall, Grewelthorpe, Harrogate, HG4 3DE Saturday 10th and Sunday 12th September from 10am until 4pm.

This little pavilion is dramatically perched above a steep wooded gorge in the remnants of an outstanding mid-18th century garden at Hackfall, conceived and created by the Aisabies.
Special activities at the Ruin:
Guided walks: Saturday and Sunday, 11am and 2.30pm

Free Family Day: Sunday, 11am - 5pm featuring:

Penny Plain Theatre "Summer Mummers" at Fountains Pond:

Sunday, 12pm, 2pm and 3pm

Storytelling at Fisher's Hall / Alum Spring

Printmaking at The Grotto

Teas served in marquee behind The Ruin.

Contact Paul Mosley on 0845 293 5847 or paulmosley@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Stroll in Swinton Park, Masham, HG4 4JH

Friday 10th September from 10am until 12pm.
Places are limited so booking is essential. Contact: Nidderdale AONB on 01423 712950 or aonbevents@harrogate.gov.uk

Explore Grade II* listed Swinton Park - the landscape park, pleasure grounds and gardens to Swinton Castle. The fascinating garden has seen many phases of development from the earliest design in 1699, to the landscaped park of the later 18th century and later alterations. Historic features include lakes, bridges and follies.

Wander to the Witch of the Woods,
Park at Galphay Inn, Galphay, Ripon on Saturday between 10am and 3pm. Guided walks depart to Witch of the Woods Cottage from Galphay at 10am, and 1.30pm.

Contact: Nidderdale AONB on 01423 712950 or aonbevents@harrogate.gov.uk

Take a circular (approx. 4 miles) walk from the village of Galphay to this wonderful 400-year-old cottage, set in a beautiful wooded landscape between Fountains Abbey and Hackfall. Either make your own way, or join in one of the three guided walks from the Galphay Inn. There is a shorter work from the entrance to Galphay Woods Farm.

In Ripon

Clifton Castle, Clifton, Ripon, HG4 4AB

Guided tours on Sunday 12th September at 12pm and 3pm.
Pre-booking is essential by giving name and address to Robert Frewen on 01969 623109 or robert.frewen@jghills.com

The current house is of neo-classical design, built in 1802 on the site of the castle, with spectacular views of Wensleydale. The house contains conditionally exempt items including paintings, porcelain and furniture and this is a rare chance for the public to visit them in their own setting.

Fountains Abbey, licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons licence

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, near Ripon, HG4 3DY
Saturday 11th September from 10am until 5pm.

This World Heritage Site comprises the spectacular ruin of a 12th century abbey and watermill, an Elizabethan mansion and one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden. Contact 01765 608888 or www.nationaltrust.org.uk

The Gazebo, Blossomgate, Ripon, HG4
Sunday 12th September between 2pm and 4pm.

A hidden 18th-century garden pavilion consisting of two brick towers joined by a gallery. A rare survivor, open only on Heritage Open Days each year.

The Masonic Hall, Waterskellgate, Ripon, HG4 1BH
Sunday 12th September between 2pm and 4pm.

A rare chance to see inside this building and learn about freemasonry in the area.

Ripon Cathedral Ringing Chamber, Minster Road, Ripon, HG4

Sunday 12th September between 2pm and 4pm.

See the room in the cathedral's south west tower from where its peal of bells is rung, and learn about bell-ringing techniques and peals from experts.

Ripon Workhouse Garden, Sharow View, Allhallowgate, Ripon, HG4 1LE

Sunday 12th September between 10am and 4pm.

Tours and activities in our reinstated 1890s Workhouse kitchen garden. Meet the gardeners and find out how their first full year in production has gone! There will be wildlife and recycling trails to try. Why not extend your visit by entering Ripon Workhouse itself? Open 1pm 4pm with a small admission charge. www.riponmuseums.co.uk

Chapel of St Mary Magdalen (The Leper Chapel)

Magdalen's Road, Ripon, HG4 1HU

Sunday 12th September between 2pm and 4pm

A rare survival of a medieval leper hospital, lasted restored in 1989. Features include medieval pavement with Roman medallion, a low-side/leper window and stone altar. There will be the 18th century tradition, The Old Codling Festival, with tasting of apples, cakes, single variety juices and ciders as well

as guided tours.

Church of Christ the Consoler, Newby Hall, Skelton-cum-Newby, Ripon, HG4 5AE
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th September between 10am and 4pm.

Enjoy a guided tour by local historian and Burges expert David Thornton. Saturday at 11am and 2pm, Sunday at 3pm.
Built in 1871-76 and designed by the famous Victorian architect, William Burges. The interior is wonderfully rich and colourful, with vibrant stained glass windows, carvings in stone and wood, lovely metalwork, and quality sculpture enriching the walls.

Public places worth a look...

Mercer Art Gallery, Swan Road, Harrrogate, HG1 2SA
Open Thursdays until Saturdays, 10am until 5pm and Sundays 2pm until 5pm.

The art gallery was completely gutted and renovated from Council offices in the early 1990s. It was built as the spa's Promenade Rooms in 1806 and has also been a theatre where Oscar Wilde and Lily Langtry performed.

Starbeck Baths, Spa Lane, Starbeck, HG2 7JF

Friday 10th and Sunday 12th September between 10.30am and 4pm and Saturday 11th from 10.30am until 12pm.

This public swimming pool was originally built in 1870. Previously known as the Prince of Wales Baths, they became one of the foremost spa attractions in the Victorian era.

And there are even more venues to visit in the district see www.heritageopendays.org.uk

So, take the time to enjoy your local surroundings and heritage with these wonderful free events.

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