(Image: FLOWER BELT)
A colourful pick-your-own flower field just 45 minutes from Darlington is attracting visitors looking for an unusual summer day out.
The Flower Belt, near Harrogate, offers visitors the chance to wander through fields of flowers, pick their own bouquet and enjoy food and drink surrounded by the North Yorkshire countryside.
Located on Thwaites Lane, between Ripon and Harrogate, the attraction is around a 45-minute drive from Darlington, making it an easy option for a day trip.
The site grows a changing mix of flowers throughout the year, with tulips in spring followed by wildflowers and towering sunflowers during the summer.
The Flower Belt in Harrogate
(Image: FLOWER BELT)
In autumn, the focus switches to pumpkins.
The Flower Belt is run by the Wainwright family, who have farmed the land since 1962.
Its website describes the attraction as a “pick-your-own flower and pumpkin farm” designed to give visitors a hands-on experience of the countryside.
Visitors can stroll around the flower fields or pick blooms to take home with them.
The Harrogate site does not charge a general admission fee, with visitors instead paying for the flowers they choose to pick.
One recent Tripadvisor visitor praised the “loads of flowers to choose from” and described it as a “wholesome trip out”.
Another visitor, who travelled with a two-year-old, said the attraction was “excellently priced” and praised the provision of toddler scissors for younger visitors.
They added: “It was a lovely morning activity and I would definitely do this again.”
The Flower Belt is not just about picking flowers.
Visitors can also stop for food and drink, with pizzas, barista coffee, artisan teas, cakes and ice cream available.
Live music is also held at weekends, while a programme of other events takes place throughout the season.
One reviewer who visited on a sunny Friday evening praised the “lovely setting”, live music and friendly staff, although they were less impressed by a lengthy wait for food.
Another visitor was particularly impressed by the landscape, describing the flower fields simply as having “Claude Monet like views”.
The site is dog-friendly and has toilets and parking available.
It is also located on the number 36 bus route between Ripon and Harrogate, with a stop close to the entrance.
The attraction has received positive reviews from families as well as couples and groups of friends.
One grandmother who visited with children aged 10 and 12 said the trip was “a huge success in every way”.
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She added: “The flower meadows are beautiful and the girls loved picking flowers.
“It’s very well organised, lovely staff and our pizza lunch was delicious. An unusual and delightful way to spend a few hours.”
Another reviewer praised the location as “stunning”, highlighting the countryside views, food and locally brewed ale.
And at around 45 minutes from Darlington by car, it is close enough for an easy morning, afternoon or full-day trip into North Yorkshire.