Last weekend we went with the kids to Hookstone Woods in Harrogate as part of a (brilliantly) organised, self hosted (by someone else!) party. (More on that another time…)
Spending the afternoon in the woods made me wonder why we don’t do that more often. The kids LOVED being outside in a different environment and it didn’t really matter what the weather was doing, as long as it wasn’t raining, it was perfect.
They all enjoyed going on adventures down paths, climbing trees, making dens, raking leaves, and even having a go on a make-shift rope swing. There really is nothing like spending time outdoors, with your kids where they can have free rein over what they do.
They loved being able to see how high they could climb up a steep bank, daring themselves a bit to creep a bit higher over a felled tree and squelching through the mud.
It was great for the mind, body and soul for all of us!
The Woodlands Trust has this to say about Hookstone Woods: Small much-loved local wood, once part of the ancient Forest of Knaresborough. Now a Local Nature Reserve and designated ætown green’. Mixed native woodland with 2 ponds (formed from old quarries) and plenty of wildlife. Linking the ponds is a ‘Living Bridge’ created in 1995 with walls and arches of growing willow. Lovely all year round, but especially in spring and autumn.
The entrance to Hookstone Woods are just off Hookstone Drive on (handily enough!) Hookstone Wood Road, Harrogate and there’s usually plenty of space to park.