There’s never a dull moment to be had in Yorkshire. And springtime, with its promise of warmer days and endless daylight, is the perfect time to enjoy everything it has to offer. From foodie fairs and cultural happenings to family fun and special exhibitions, April events in Yorkshire represent an abundance of must-sees and must-dos.
Even if you’re happily ensconced in your Yorkshire holiday home, a fun-packed day trip helps to create even more magic moments. Whether you’re travelling with friends or family, you’ll find plenty to inspire and entertain you within a short drive from your accommodation. From traditional Easter events in Yorkshire to seasonal festivals let’s delve in and take a look at what’s on in Yorkshire this month.
Harrogate Spring Flower Show
24th to 27th April
Immerse yourself in a heart-soaring mix of colours and fragrances. Heralding the start of the national gardening calendar, Harrogate Spring Flower Show certainly kicks it off in style. Whether you just want to just be among the exquisite blooms or find inspiration for your own garden, this show is not to be missed.
From floral art displays to spectacular show gardens, there’s beauty to be found in every corner. You can feed your mind as well as your soul with a series of talks on subjects spanning from gardening to nature and wellbeing.
Mother Shipton’s Easter Wonderland
5th to 21st April
Mother Shipton’s Easter Wonderland
Step into an other-wordly realm of whimsy and magic. At Mother Shipton’s Easter Wonderland, you can follow the White Rabbit’s woodland trail to discover delightful surprises and colourful characters along the way. Enjoy your own Mad Hatter’s tea party with delicious treats from the vintage-style kiosks or pack a picnic and dive deeper in the woods to find your perfect alfresco feasting spot.
After lunch, you can walk along the picture-perfect riverside path. Or head to Mother Shipton’s cave to explore the titular prophetess’ lair and the Petrifying Well, the high mineral content of which turns everyday objects into stone. A perfect day out for big kids as well as smaller ones too!
York Chocolate Festival
16th to 20th April
Indulge in one of life’s simple pleasures in the City of Chocolate. York’s tradition of chocolate making started in the early 18th century and the York Chocolate Festival celebrates the city’s legacy with a five-day event devoted to the delicious substance.
Meander through York’s warren of cobbled streets, sampling delicious chocolate creations as you go. Let the kids express their creativity by decorating their own Easter eggs. Explore the festival market and fill your bag with gourmet goodies to take home. Easter events in Yorkshire don’t come more chocolatey than this!
Spring Festival, Beverley
2nd – 6th April
“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without,” said Confucius and we wholeheartedly agree. If you’re yearning for this particular kind of pleasure, the Spring Festival is a vibrant event celebrating classical and acoustic music from across a realm of countries and composers.
The picturesque market town of Beverley (just under an hour from York) plays host and offers up its beautiful buildings as unique venues in which to immerse yourself in a rich blanket of sounds and experiences. From Schubert recitals to classical guitar, star trumpeters and celebrated sopranos, its thrilling programme explores many different worlds and themes.
Flying Scotsman at the National Railway Museum
5th to 20th April
Don’t miss the chance to see the iconic steam locomotive in all its resplendent glory at the National Railway Museum this month. Built just over a century ago, the locomotive’s train service soon became synonymous with glamorous travel, including, as it did, a cinema car and cocktail bar. It also clocked up many firsts for a locomotive of its kind, including the first to reach 100mph and to circumnavigate the globe.
Once you’ve marvelled at its might and stature, you can relive its greatest moments in the VR experience. Afterwards, delve into the stories from people whose lives have been touched by the locomotive in the 100 Years, 100 Voices exhibition, where you can explore the film, photographs and tales surrounding the engine’s storied history.
Springtime Live Harrogate
5th April
If you’re wondering what’s on in Yorkshire for kids, you can let them unleash their wild selves at Springtime Live Harrogate. An entire menagerie of farm animals is waiting for them to get up close and personal with, not to mention more surprising creatures including ferrets, giant tortoises and reptiles.
The children can learn fun skills including dry stone walling and forest crafts and then settle down to watch sheep shows and ‘Super Spaniel’ displays. With tractors to climb on, mini diggers to drive and circus skills to master, there’s so much for them to see and do. Such a packed day can only result in happy memories for them and a guaranteed quiet trip home in the car for you!
Burton Agnes Orchid Festival
5th to 21st April
Envelop your senses in a heady experience as you wander through a glorious celebration of these vibrant and heavenly-scented flowers. They make for a striking juxtaposition set in the stately Elizabethan setting of Burton Agnes Hall, the ground floor of which is completely transformed by these flamboyant blooms. Orchid expert Ray Creek will be on hand to dispense knowledge and tips and you can pick up some of your favourite plants in the shop to inject a touch of tropical allure to your own inside space – they grow exceptionally well as houseplants.
Scarborough Food & Drink Festival
12th and 13th April
Scarborough Food & Drink Festival
Bring hungry tummies and inquiring appetites to the inaugural Scarborough Food & Drink Festival, set in the seaside town’s scenic open air theatre. From gourmet pies and wood-fired pizzas to cheese and churros, there’s plenty to get your mouth watering. And with delicious international dishes from countries including Greece, Germany, Mexico and the Caribbean, all the flavours of the world are waiting for you to enjoy.
On the drinks side, you can taste flavoured rums, coffees and local, sustainably produced gins and liqueurs, as well as beers and ciders. If you have kids in tow, they’ll love the fairground rides and live music. To us, it sounds like a recipe for the perfect day out.
The perfect day out ends with the perfect holiday home to return to. Our carefully curated selection of luxury Yorkshire properties provide an ideal backdrop to a wonderful holiday. Whether you’re looking for a cosy cottage for two, a family (or pet) friendly property or a large space perfect for gathering, we have an outstanding range of luxury properties in which to build your dream Yorkshire staycation.
You can browse our complete range of holiday homes here.
