The Stray, Harrogate

Address

Harrogate N Yorkshire

Opening hours

The Stray is open to the public all day, every day.

Some area may be restricted at certain times due to special events.

One of Harrogate’s best known landmarks, the Stray, is 200 acres of grass parkland that encompasses the town centre on the southern half, as well and giving the town a uniquely green and spacious feel, it provides a public space for games, walks and relaxation.

With so many great food and drink shops the stray makes for a great place to enjoy a picnic away from the bustle of the town centre, but with just a few minutes’ walk back to it.

Popular for kite flying and ball games the stray does also include football pitches for local groups and hosts two annual funfairs over the Spring and August bank holidays, as well as other events through the year including an annual and popular Stray bonfire in November.

The Stray dates back to 1778 when it was created from the forest of Knaresborough to link of Harrogate’s springs together in one area.  Since the late 16th Century countless springs had been discovered around Harrogate and deemed to have medicinal properties for their high quantities of Sulphur, iron and other minerals.

Over the years it has grazed livestock, been occasional side for the Great Yorkshire Show and Harrogate Flower Shows, been used as allotments and wheat fields during the second world war, and at several times been used as an airfield for light aircraft.

Today it has been returned to open grassland, and in spring takes on the beautiful colours as first millions of crocuses come into flower, which give way to daffodils, and then the long lines of cherry blossom trees and their iconic pink covering.

The Stray is protected by an act of parliament and its total area must remain constant, meaning if any of it is ever removed it must be replaced elsewhere, ensuring the great public space will always be there at the heart of the town.

Read more

Nearby  Places

Royal Hall, Harrogate
Things To Do

Royal Hall, Harrogate

The Harrogate Inn
Stay

The Harrogate Inn

Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments
Stay

Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments

The Lawrance Apart-Hotel
Stay

The Lawrance Apart-Hotel

The Cheeseboard
Shopping

The Cheeseboard

Dove Tree Art Gallery
Shopping

Dove Tree Art Gallery

Loading...

Loading entries...

Behind the scenes of  Things To Do

Beningbrough Hall, a unique exhibition space for a unique exhibition
Attractions
17th Mar 2019
Beningbrough Hall, a unique exhibition space for a unique exhibition icon

Beningbrough Hall, a unique exhibition space for a unique exhibition

Sally Lee; Visitor Welcome Assistant - National Trust Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Gardens. The installation of the 2019 exhibition...

Walking in Harrogate: Five serious walks
Stay Active
25th May 2023
Walking in Harrogate: Five serious walks icon

Walking in Harrogate: Five serious walks

Sometimes you want a challenge, sometimes you want the freedom of stepping away from the short walk where you’re...

Summer Heroes at Beningbrough Hall Gardens
Family Attractions
27th Jul 2022
Summer Heroes at Beningbrough Hall Gardens icon

Summer Heroes at Beningbrough Hall Gardens

Stop and take time to look Summer is such a busy time in the garden it’s easy to forget...

Loading...

Loading entries...

More  Things To Do businesses

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours...
Things To Do

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours...

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours
Things To Do

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours

Markenfield Hall
Things To Do

Markenfield Hall

Farm Adventure
Things To Do

Farm Adventure

Beningbrough - National Trust
Things To Do

Beningbrough - National Trust

Royal Hall, Harrogate
Things To Do

Royal Hall, Harrogate

Vern Overton Cycling
Things To Do

Vern Overton Cycling

Mercer Art Gallery
Things To Do

Mercer Art Gallery

How Stean Gorge
Things To Do

How Stean Gorge

Loading...

Loading entries...