Summer Holiday Fun at RHS Garden Harlow Carr 2026

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Posted on 21st June 2026

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RHS Garden Harlow Carr in Harrogate has a summer of inspiring and creative outdoor fun to keep the kids entertained all summer long. Nestled in a beautiful valley on the edge of the Yorkshire countryside, this stunning 58-acre garden transforms into an active family playground every summer holiday. For 2026, the garden is hosting a spectacular double-header of family trails: the brand-new, high-energy Brick Explorers Wildlife Trail alongside the charming, ongoing Wind in the Willows sculpture walk. Combined with expansive play areas and beautiful scenery, it offers a perfect blend of fresh air, nature-inspired learning, and running-around fun.

What To Expect

• The Brick Explorers Wildlife Trail: Running from 18th July to 6th September 2026, RHS Harlow Carr has partnered with Iconic Bricks to bring an incredible wildlife-themed brick sculpture trail to the gardens. Families can explore the landscape to discover ten larger-than-life "wildlife superheroes," individually designed and hand-crafted from hundreds of thousands of bricks. Kids can grab a dedicated activity booklet to collect superhero "superpowers" as they explore.
• The Wind in the Willows Trail:As you explore the gardens most beautiful spots, you’ll discover favourite characters such as Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger hidden among the plants and pathways along with sensory boxes to spark curiosity, traditional garden games for all ages and photo spots perfect for capturing family memories. The Wind In The Willows trail is at Harlow Carr until December.
• Interactive Build Stations: Feeling inspired by the brick trail? On weekdays between 20th July and 4th September, you can drop into the Brick Explorer Build Stations at The Lodge. Visitors of all ages can get hands-on and create their own nature-inspired brick masterpieces to help transform a model grey city into a wildlife-friendly green space.
• Woodland Play Areas: RHS HArlow Carr has three woodland play areas with treehouses and space to run, play and climb, perfect for when the kids still have energy to burn off and nicely sheltered on a hot day.

Photo Gallery

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Plan Your Visit

• 2026 Summer Event Dates: The Brick Explorers trail runs daily from Saturday 18th July to Sunday 6th September 2026. The Wind in the Willows trail runs until December.
• Opening Times: The gardens and both trails are open daily from 9:30am to 6:00pm.
• Ticket Prices & Booking: Access to both trails and the interactive build stations is completely included with your standard garden admission.
  • RHS Members: Enter completely FREE. JOIN HERE
  • Non-Members: Standard admission applies, with children under five entering for free, and children aged 5-16 visiting for just £6.
  • Booking Info: Advance booking is required, so be sure to secure your timed entry slots online via the official RHS website.
• Food & Drink: No trip to Harlow Carr is complete without stopping by the iconic Bettys Café Tea Rooms on-site! You can grab a formal afternoon tea, pick up takeaway pasties and cakes at the kiosk, or bring your own picnic to enjoy on the dedicated lawns.

Getting There

Address: RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 1QB

By Road 🚗

Harlow Carr is located on the western edge of Harrogate, roughly a 15-minute drive from the town center. Follow the brown tourist signs from the A61 or the B6162 Otley Road.

• Parking: There is extensive, free on-site parking available across multiple car parks. Electric vehicle charging points are also available.

By Public Transport, Bike, or Foot 🚌🚲

• The Harlow Carr Bus: The local Bus Route 106 runs a regular service connecting Harrogate Bus Station directly to the garden gates during the summer months..
• The Woodland Walk: If you fancy making an active day of it, you can take a beautiful, scenic 1.5-mile signposted walk from Harrogate's Valley Gardens directly through the pine woods straight to Harlow Carr's rear entrance.
• Bonus Green Discount: Visitors who arrive by public transport, bicycle, or on foot are rewarded with a generous discount on garden entry!