Harrogate Archives

One of the places we discovered in 2019 was Brimham Rocks, which is to the north of Harrogate near Pately Bridge. The mixture of climbing, adventure and mystic means that virtually every weekend a request is made to go back!!

Brimham Rocks view — The view at Brimham Rocks

What is at Brimham Rocks?

Brimham Rocks is set in 400 acres of moorland and historic rocks that is open all year round. As it is in great outdoors, weather can be a factor, and so take an extra layer, just in case!

To some, there isn’t much to do at Brimham Rocks except walking. There are no shops, no playgrounds, no games. However, the open space, mud and rocks prove an excellent backdrop to allow your children (and yourself) a way to get exercise and fresh air!

The Rocks

If you’re going to Brimham Rocks, then you’re going to want to climb the rocks! It is best to go when it is dry as they can become slippy but they aren’t too difficult to make a decent attempt at them.

Children from about 3 or 4 years of age can probably feel comfortable starting out on them, although it is best if a grown up leads the way and/or helps them up and down. Probably best not to wear anything you don’t want to get ripped or muddy, because once they start climbing, it will be difficult for you to stop them!

One thing that I like to do is get Heidi to imagine how the rocks came to be how they are. As such, it isn’t just a place to explore the body, it is a place to explore their imagination and mind too!

Geocaching

One of Heidi’s interests in 2019 is geocaching and Brimham Rocks is great for it! There are 4 which are quite easy to find for young families and they are great fun to help motivate little legs!

There are a total of 13 dotted around the park, but some of the others are a little more difficult and may be suitable for older families.

Facilities

The car park is of decent size, and whilst Brimham Rocks entry is free, car parking does cost. In 2019, it costs £6 for 4 hours (which is long enough for most) and is very competitive, especially compared to somewhere like the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. If you’re a National Trust member, parking is free!

There is a toilet block and outdoor cafe about half a mile walk from the car park, past most of the rocks and there is an information point at the car park. There is also a picnic area next to the cafe.

The paths are ok for prams and pushchairs, but it might be a slightly bumpy ride at times!

All in all, we absolutely love Brimham Rocks and I am sure that we will keep on going in 2020 and beyond.

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The “Sea Creatures” Tour is at the Harrogate Convention Centre between 27^th October to 25^th November 2018. The exhibition shows over 50 full body specimens and 150 body parts and organs, all of which have been preserved using a plasination process. As such, it is something that should be seen, given how unique it is!

The Sea Creatures Exhibition

The “Sea Creatures” exhibition is an exhibition hall full of marine animals which have been preserved. Beside each exhibit, there is a narrative about the creature/body part, which helps aid understanding.

Some of the exhibits are full sized marine life, whereas some are organs of the animals. Pretty much everywhere you turn there is a different exhibit and, most importantly, you can learn about every single exhibit on show.

Whilst there is a zig-zag path around the exhibit, you can swim against the tide and go back, in case it is too busy at certain points. I went on the opening day, and it wasn’t massively busy, so you should be fine.

Is “Sea Creatures” Child Appropriate?

The short answer is that it depends! If your child is somewhat squeamish and doesn’t like looking at body parts etc, then is won’t be for them. However, if they are mature and are interested in marine biology, then this is for them.

There is very little for children to touch at “Sea Creatures” and so that could be a problem to some. I did notice some stressed parents having to constantly tell their children not to touch things!

However, at the end, there is a small softplay ballpool and facepainter (£5) so there is that. It might be that one adult watches the children in the play area whilst the other looks at the exhibition, and then you swap. There is also a small cafe and shop, should the need arise.

How long will it take?

I took around 30 minutes to go all the way round. However, I was child-free, so I wasn’t having to explain it to anyone! However, a friend of mine went and spent 2 hours going round. As such, you can make it last as long or as short as you want.

Is it value for money?

If you pay full price, then “Sea Creatures” is unlikely to be good value for money, unless you have a particular interest in the field. However, on the “Sea Creatures” website/social media, there are a offers being promoted, and so you should be able to get a good deal.

Top Tip!

The “Sea Creatures” exhibition is at the Harrogate Convention Centre exhibition hall furthest away from the town centre. Therefore, you might want to look at parking at that side of town, rather than in the town. It is a flat walk, but a good 10 minute walk.

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