3 Top Gift Experiences for a Weekend Break in Harrogate

When it comes to a weekend escape, there’s nothing quite like the quaint charm of Harrogate.

This guide brings to you three exceptional gift experiences in Harrogate, each designed to make your stay not just memorable, but truly extraordinary.

From the mouth-watering Harrogate Food Tour to adrenaline-pumping axe throwing and serene paddle boarding at Ripley Castle, there’s an experience to suit every taste.

So, whether you’re looking to treat yourself or surprise a loved one, read on and discover the best way to spend a weekend break in Harrogate that goes beyond the ordinary.
 

 

Why visit Harrogate?

Nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, the spa town of Harrogate is well worth exploring. This picturesque town offers more than meets the eye.

As you wander through the quaint streets, you’ll find an exceptional blend of historic architecture, sprawling gardens, and traditional tea rooms which the town is well known for.

However, there are many hidden gems in Harrogate that you might not know about!

Peek into the narrow side streets and you’ll find charming independent boutiques offering everything from vintage clothes to handmade chocolates.

Foodies will be in their element exploring the array of local eateries, many of which use locally sourced ingredients to create delicious dishes. Plus, there are treats in store for adrenaline lovers, families, and couples.

Harrogate is a place where every turn brings an unexpected delight, making it an ideal destination for those who love to explore and uncover hidden gems.

So, if you’re seeking a unique weekend break that combines relaxation, adventure, and a feast for your senses, Harrogate is your perfect destination.

Let’s dive into the best way to spend a one-of-a-kind weekend in Harrogate.

 

Great Gift Experiences for a Weekend Break in Harrogate

Finding a unique and memorable gift can be quite the challenge. This is where a weekend break in Harrogate comes in.

Instead of adding to things we own, why not give the gift of experience?

A weekend in Harrogate is more than just a getaway, it’s an adventure that combines exploration and relaxation. The experience of discovering hidden gems, trying new activities, and sampling unique local cuisines provides a gift like no other.

So, for that person who has everything, a Harrogate weekend experience could be the thoughtful gift they’ve been waiting for.

Here’s how you can gift someone you love the perfect weekend break in Harrogate.
 

 

Saturday – Harrogate Food Tour: A Yorkshire Gift Experience for Food Lovers

Imagine embarking on a gastronomic adventure that highlights the best of Yorkshire’s culinary offerings. This is precisely what Harrogate Food Tour promises!

In Harrogate, where the quality of locally sourced ingredients is only equalled by the dedication of the chefs who craft them, Harrogate Food Tour takes you on a journey through its vibrant food scene.

This is your opportunity to discover the town’s rich food history, meet the passionate individuals behind the cuisine, and taste mouthwatering dishes that embody the spirit of Yorkshire.
 

 

What to expect on Harrogate Food Tour

We started our Harrogate Food Tour at Starling, an independent cafe and bar in the centre of town. It was here that we met our fabulous guide, Linda, and the rest of our tour group.

While I won’t disclose every stop on the trip (because the surprise venues are part of the fun!) I will share a few highlights to whet your appetite.

Starling was an excellent venue to start the tour as we kicked off with the perfect brunch dish. As we indulged in a delicious slice of sourdough topped with mushrooms, spinach and a poached egg, Linda kicked off with an introduction to the history of Harrogate.

Judging from the clean plates, it’s safe to say Starling was a hit! But this was just the first of five stops along our tour, so we grabbed our bags ready to move on to the next venue.

As we walked on to the next stop, Linda paused at several points to highlight interesting buildings and share more about the history of the town. She’s a real fount of knowledge when it comes to Harrogate!

It was an extra treat to learn such an in-depth history of the area as we were walking between spots. These pauses also provided a fantastic opportunity to digest before indulging in some more food!

Stop two was one of my favourites on the tour. Mainly because it was an opportunity to tuck into one of the best Yorkshire puddings I have ever tasted! The tour is a true taste of Yorkshire, designed to promote local Yorkshire businesses, selling delicious Yorkshire dishes made with Yorkshire ingredients. What more could you want?
 

More than just a food tour…

Another highlight of the tour is just how scenic it is! You’ll follow a 1.4-mile route which takes in many of the impressive Harrogate sights. From the iconic architecture of the town to an amble across the Stray and even a stroll through Valley Gardens, the tour highlights the most of Harrogate’s beauty, as well as the food.

Wandering through Valley Gardens in the sunshine was a lovely treat. Especially as one of the stops included the most incredible gelato! So, we were able to enjoy the stroll with an ice cream in hand.

Each of the stops offers a unique dining experience and is a brilliant introduction to some of the fantastic independent eateries Harrogate has to offer.

Plus, Linda can point out many more recommendations along the way. So, if you have an extended stay in Harrogate, you won’t be short on dining options!

As you approach the fifth and final stop along the trail, you’ll learn more about Harrogate’s rich spa history and have the chance to smell the sulphurous waters that drew wealthy visitors to the town.

But rather than drinking these questionable waters, you’ll be able to unwind at the last stop with a slice of cake and a tipple of your choice. An excellent way to digest the wealth of food and knowledge you’ve consumed over the last three hours!
 

What is included in Harrogate Food Tour

Here’s an overview of what is included in your Harrogate Food Tour experience:

• A three-hour guided tour of five independent restaurants in Harrogate
• A delicious dish at each of the stops on the tour plus a drink at the final stop
• Knowledgeable guide who presents a detailed history of the town, as well as an introduction to the venues along the route

So, if you’re considering a gift for someone who appreciates tasty food and the stories that come with it, Harrogate Food Tour is a gift experience that delivers on all fronts.

It’s more than a meal, it’s a journey into the heart of Harrogate’s culinary culture, making it the perfect recipe for an unforgettable weekend break.
 

Sunday – Live For Today: A Yorkshire Gift Experience for the Adventurous

After spending Saturday soaking up the sights, Sunday is your opportunity for some action and to burn off some of those calories!

Live For Today is an outdoor activity centre based at Ripley Castle, just a 15-minute drive north of Harrogate town centre. Here, you’ll discover a whole host of activities suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Whether you want to try your hand at an escape room, axe throwing, archery, paddle boarding, canoeing, raft building or many more, a day with Live for Today at Ripley Castle is guaranteed to be a fun one!

This is the perfect opportunity to try something new, with the support of qualified instructors on hand to help you every step of the way.

Here’s a taste of what’s in store when you visit Live For Today at Ripley Castle.
 

Live For Today Axe Throwing at Ripley Castle

To kick off the adventure, you’ll want to start your day with an activity to sharpen your focus, precision, and axes!

Axe throwing, once a pastime of lumberjacks in the Canadian backwoods, has recently experienced a surge in popularity that has brought it to the forefront of adventure activities.

This unlikely trend has captured the public’s imagination, offering an exhilarating combination of physical activity, skill, and friendly competition. There’s a primal satisfaction in the thud of the axe striking the wooden target.

It’s not only a test of strength but also of precision and focus, making it an activity that anyone can enjoy. It’s easy to see why this thrilling sport is fast becoming a must-try activity on any adventure seeker’s list!
 

What to expect at Live For Today’s Axe Throwing Experience

Arriving at Ripley Castle as axe throwing novices, we weren’t completely sure what to expect. However, it only took a few throws to have us hooked!

After checking in, we were led by our instructor to an axe throwing range, nestled in a charming woodland setting. The range was made up of six separate pairs of targets in an open outdoor space.

There was a shelter at one end where we could take a seat on a stump and stash our belongings while we were perfecting our throws.

Our session started with a detailed introduction from our guide, Yaro. He talked us through how to safely handle the axes and demonstrated a series of throws we would be trying out. He shared a lot of helpful information to perfect our technique, including where to stand in relation to the target, and where to place our feet.

Once we were fully up to speed, it was time to get throwing. And we quickly learned it is trickier than it looks!

However, Yaro was an attentive instructor and could quickly see where we were going wrong. He was able to advise slight changes we needed to make to our throws and body position to make a dramatic difference to our results.

Thanks to his excellent tips and expert guidance, we were quickly hitting more targets than we were missing! And after a few more practice throws and a few tweaks to our technique, it was time for a competition!

After a few rounds of competitive throwing to see who had the best aim, our session came to a close. We walked away fully-fledged axe throwing enthusiasts! Overall, it was an excellent session where we learned a lot and left with a new appreciation for the skill behind the sport.
 

What is included with Axe Throwing at Ripley Castle

Here’s an overview of what is included in your axe throwing experience at Ripley Castle:

• 55-minute axe-throwing session in a group of up to 12 people
• Tips and guidance from an experienced instructor to help you learn throws and improve your axe throwing skills
• Use of a variety of axes in a specially designed outdoor area

So, if you’re seeking a unique gift that ensures a day filled with fun, laughter and unforgettable memories, an axe throwing experience at Ripley Castle ticks all the boxes.

 

Live For Today Paddle Boarding at Ripley Castle

After the thrill of axe-throwing, now is the ideal opportunity to try something a little more relaxing. A three-hour stand up paddle boarding session is the perfect way to unwind as you enjoy the remaining hours of your weekend break in Harrogate.

Paddle boarding at Ripley Castle is a real treat. The house provides a picturesque backdrop for your paddle boarding adventure, offering a unique perspective of its breathtaking architecture from the tranquillity of the lake.

The beautiful house, with its stunning gardens and parklands, reflects perfectly onto the water surface, creating a serene experience.

As you paddle across the water, you may even spot some local wildlife, like swans, ducks, and deer, adding an extra layer of charm to the experience.

It’s a peaceful way to pass a Sunday afternoon that beautifully blends history, nature, and adventure, making paddle boarding at Ripley Castle an experience not to be missed.
 

What to expect at Live For Today Paddle Boarding Experience

After a brief pause for lunch from the cafe to refuel, we were ready to try our hand at paddle boarding.

We made our way towards the lake, stopping to pick up buoyancy aids along the way. This was also the opportunity to change into wetsuits for anyone who wanted one, but given the sunny weather, most people were happy to remain in shorts and t-shirts with a change of clothes on hand just in case.

The walk down to the lake was beautiful as we passed through the gardens and woodland into the deer park. Ripley Castle sits above the lake, providing a stunning view as we arrived at our launch point.

Here, we received a detailed introduction to paddle boarding. This was the first time paddle boarding for most of the people in the group, so it was helpful to receive a thorough breakdown of everything we needed to know before getting on the water.

Our instructor demonstrated how to get onto the board, how to paddle, how to turn, and how to stand up. Once we all felt confident we knew what we were doing, it was time to get onto the water.

 

And we’re on the water!

We began by paddling around one end of the lake while kneeling on the board so we could practice paddling and turning. With a little bit of practice, kneeling on the board began to feel quite natural. So, when we were ready, it was time to stand up!

This took a little more practice, but the session was excellently designed to allow people to move at their own pace. For those who preferred to remain kneeling, they could do so, with opportunities to practice standing once they felt ready.

When everyone felt confident, it was time to paddle around the lake.

Paddling the lake at Ripley, whether kneeling or standing, is a magical experience. The tranquil water is very smooth and the parkland has very few visitors. This makes the paddle very calm and quiet – perfect for a Sunday afternoon!

There is an opportunity to pause at the far end of the lake, so you can admire the beauty of Ripley Castle. Some members of the group even tried out some yoga moves on the board while we sat back and enjoyed the surroundings!

We then paddled back up the lake and spent the next hour continuing to practice our skills, learning some new ways of paddling and turning, plus, playing some fun team games on the water!

By the end of the session, we were all laughing, thrilled with our newly discovered paddle boarding skills. And only a handful of the group walked away a little soggy!

It was a brilliant end to our exceptional weekend break in Harrogate and has left us wanting to return again very soon to try out even more fun-filled activities!
 

What is included with Paddle Boarding at Ripley Castle

Here’s an overview of what is included in your paddle boarding experience at Ripley Castle:

• Three-hour paddle boarding session with a qualified instructor in a group of up to eight people
• Equipment hire of paddle boards and buoyancy aids plus wetsuits and helmets if desired

Treating a loved one to a stand up paddle boarding experience at Ripley Castle makes for a truly unforgettable gift.

The combination of stunning natural beauty, a tranquil lake, and the historic backdrop of Ripley Castle creates an experience that’s more than just an adventure – it’s a unique chance to unwind, explore, and connect with nature.
 

Other things to do in Harrogate

If you’re gifting someone (or treating yourself to) a Harrogate escape, here are a few other ideas of activities to add to your itinerary:

• Take a guided tour of Whittaker’s family distillery. Discover how their whisky and fin is made, before tasting some of their gins with nibbles.
• Experience afternoon tea with a difference on a fascinating walking tour of Harrogate where you will learn all about the history of the traditional afternoon tea, before indulging in one yourself.
• For an even more adrenaline packed experience, test your nerves on this tree top adventure as you traverse a nerve-racking high wire course!

 

How to spend the perfect weekend break in Harrogate

Whether you’re searching for a unique and memorable gift for a loved one or craving an exciting alternative to the typical tourist itineraries, a weekend break in Harrogate is the perfect solution.

This Yorkshire gem offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences from the foodie delights of the Harrogate Food Tour to the adrenaline-inducing axe throwing and serene stand up paddle boarding at Ripley Castle.

The combination of natural beauty, rich history, and thrilling activities ensures this spa town offers much more than meets the eye.

So why not gift an adventure in Harrogate? It’s more than just a getaway – it’s a journey into the unexpected, a chance to create enduring memories, and the perfect way to truly savour a slice of Yorkshire’s finest offerings.

Experienced by Hannah – Get Lost Travel Blog