The Visit Harrogate column with Tracy Morgan: Get out and about to boost your wellbeing

The stunning Fountains Abbey will be open to the public. Photo: National Trust Images / Chris Lacey.

As we face the challenges of a second lockdown across England, we are very lucky to have many beautiful open spaces across the Harrogate District where we can get out and enjoy the fresh air.

Getting out and about is important for our health and wellbeing, especially at this time of year now the clocks have gone back and the days are getting shorter and colder. So wrapping up warm and heading out to explore the delights on our doorstep with those we live with, should definitely be on our To Do list.

Walks for All

Simply put, our district is great for walking. Whether you’re a beginner and just fancy a short stroll or whether you’re wanting to push yourself with an extra challenge each day, have a look at the walks on our website www.visitharrogate.co.uk/things-to-do/walking, we have something for everyone.

From the gentle walking trails around our market towns where you can stop by for a takeaway coffee from one of our many independent cafes en-route, to the impressive 49 miles of the Ripon Rowels walk, there are walking routes to suit all abilities.

Looking ahead to 2021, Visit Harrogate will be working with Welcome to Yorkshire to promote the county as the walking capital of the world. The #Walkshire campaign will showcase not only the breath-taking countryside walks we are so familiar with, but the many ways in which we can all enjoy a walk no matter where we are or how far we want to go.

Gardens and Outdoor Spaces

We are extremely fortunate to have three unique National Trust properties in the Harrogate District; Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden, Brimham Rocks and Beningbrough Hall, Gallery and Gardens. This year we celebrate 125 years of the National Trust, founded to care for historic properties, areas of beautiful countryside and to provide access to green spaces for everyone. Their focus all year has been on ‘wellbeing’ and so with this in mind it is great news that the National Trust has been able to keep their gardens and outdoor spaces open at this time.

Also the RHS Gardens across the country have offered a vital safe sanctuary for mental and physical wellbeing in recent months so it is wonderful to hear that RHS Garden Harlow Carr will also remain open for you to enjoy.

At the time of writing, they are still waiting on further Government advice and clarification on whether they can run their GLOW illuminations events in the gardens and open for GLOW in the evenings.

The garden centre will also remain open to ensure that people can continue to garden and grow plants.

Please check online before you head out so that you know exactly what’s open and what’s not. You will find that mandatory pre-booking remains in place so book your time slot before you go.

It’s also important to bear in mind that some places across the Harrogate District such as our reservoirs and certain points of interest, may experience high visitor numbers especially if the weather is dry and mild.

Keep Up To Date

Visit Harrogate will continue to provide up to date information, travel inspiration for this winter and into 2021 and share the interesting stories that make our district a ‘must visit’ destination. So make sure you’re following us on; Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and visit our number 1 Google ranked website www.visitharrogate.co.uk.