Open Country Yorkshire

Open Country Yorkshire Open Country's mission is to help people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside. Join us in making nature available to everyone.

As a charity (RCN 1107331) we depend on community support to create inclusive outdoor experiences for all.

Allotment days are the best days! We got really creative during our last visit: whipping up a batch of delicious stingin...
01/06/2026

Allotment days are the best days! We got really creative during our last visit: whipping up a batch of delicious stinging nettle dip (don't worry, no stings attached!). We also gave our wind chimes a beautiful colourful spruce up. Such a great effort from the whole team.




Harrogate Neighbours

A sunshiny walk at Hook Moor Wind Farm and Lotherton Hall for our York walkers today. With the special bonus of penguins...
30/05/2026

A sunshiny walk at Hook Moor Wind Farm and Lotherton Hall for our York walkers today. With the special bonus of penguins, peacocks and flamingos... not your usual day out in Yorkshire!

Here's our Ripon Tandem Club out on their first ride out of the year. We're really enjoying this season so far - especia...
27/05/2026

Here's our Ripon Tandem Club out on their first ride out of the year. We're really enjoying this season so far - especially this amazing weather!

A huge thank you to Ripon City Council for supporting Ripon tandem club for a second year; your continued support means so much to our charity and community - keeping our wheels spinning for miles of smiles.





Talk about busy! We've been out and about to speak at several organisations and events this past two weeks. From Castle ...
26/05/2026

Talk about busy! We've been out and about to speak at several organisations and events this past two weeks. From Castle Belles WI and Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough, to the Harrogate Inner Wheel Club, we're always happy to come and chat about all things Open Country!

We'll bring breakfree packs and countryside directories to give out, share some anecdotes from our 35-year-old history and demonstrate the impact of our work helping people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside.

Get in touch (E: [email protected]) if you'd like us to give a presentation at your club or organisation this year or next.

We're saying a very fond farewell to Harrogate activities officer Mark who is retiring this week.Mark has been at the he...
20/05/2026

We're saying a very fond farewell to Harrogate activities officer Mark who is retiring this week.

Mark has been at the helm of the Selby Tandem club and our Trailblazers conservation group, as well as our minibus guru for almost 4 years.

He is famed for his devotion to Leeds United, heavy metal, and travel, and hopes his new-found freedom will give him more time to indulge his passions.

He took his group out for one final trip this week - where everyone enjoyed fish and chips and a spot of beach cricket at Saltburn.

Mark told us: "It's been an amazing few years at Open Country with lots of smiles and some of the loveliest people!"

David said: "It's been a pleasure working with Mark for the last 3½ years and in that time he has certainly, err, made his mark!

"We're all very sorry to see him go but wish him all the very best for a happy and fulfilling retirement. Mark, please come back and volunteer for us when the dust has settled!"

Phil was delighted to receive his award for five year's faithful volunteer service to the Harrogate Tandem club. Thanks,...
19/05/2026

Phil was delighted to receive his award for five year's faithful volunteer service to the Harrogate Tandem club. Thanks, Phil - keep on pedalling!

May is National Walking Month – the perfect time to get outdoors, explore nature, and enjoy the many benefits of walking...
19/05/2026

May is National Walking Month – the perfect time to get outdoors, explore nature, and enjoy the many benefits of walking.

If physical barriers make getting out and about more challenging, Open Country is here to help make the countryside more accessible for everyone.

Our FREE Breakfree Packs, countryside directories, and access videos provide inspiration and practical information to help people of all abilities enjoy the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.

We have online directories covering:
• North Yorkshire
• South Yorkshire
• East Yorkshire
• West Yorkshire
• Durham
• Lancashire
• Teesside

We also offer printed copies of our West and North Yorkshire countryside directories, packed with information on accessible outdoor pursuits, days out, places to visit, sports clubs, and much more.

Our Breakfree Packs include mapped walking guides ranging from short 0.5 mile routes to longer trails. Each guide includes useful details such as:
• Path surfaces
• Steps and gates
• Refreshment stops
• Accessible toilets
• Benches and resting points

The packs are designed to take the guesswork out of visiting countryside locations and help you plan with confidence.

Packs are currently available for:
• Harrogate District
• Nidderdale
• Selby
• Wakefield
• Barnsley
• Leeds
• Burley-in-Wharfedale
• York (2 packs)
A Teesside pack is also currently in production.

While these resources were developed with wheelchair users in mind, they are also useful for families with pushchairs, cyclists, older people with limited mobility, and anyone looking for more accessible ways to enjoy the outdoors.

All resources are free to download from our website: www.opencountry.org.uk

Or get in touch with us and we may be able to post printed copies out to you.



Took a trip to the Big Smoke today for the launch of 'A Coast for All', the findings of the 'Beach Access Project Nation...
18/05/2026

Took a trip to the Big Smoke today for the launch of 'A Coast for All', the findings of the 'Beach Access Project National Survey'. It was alarming to hear of the current barriers to access, but really heartening to read the recommendations for improving inclusive beach access. Thanks to Andy MacNae MP and the research team from the University of Brighton. Let's all work together to get improving access to yellow space on a par with green and blue space.

A big well done to the 7 Open Country volunteers who walked the Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run Sunday 17th May 2026 yeste...
18/05/2026

A big well done to the 7 Open Country volunteers who walked the Nidderdale Charity Walk & Run Sunday 17th May 2026 yesterday to raise funds for our worthy cause. The weather held out for their 15 mile hike around the lovely Nidderdale Nidderdale National Landscape and they have already raised an amazing £350 for Open Country. If you fancy helping us round that up to £400 - the Givey link is below to sponsor them. Thank you.

https://www.givey.com/opencountryfundraising?fbclid=IwY2xjawR30UJleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEev5rW8dpf-JQiVxBAqiB8w4pe8hGdxSM1xEVYVTMxR05AhpvbV6_TQzzFJv4_aem_kyxN4Fyf4MiPeQ32Zt4XZg

14/05/2026

Check out this gorgeous video created for the Your Harrogate Radio Local Heroes award! Featuring one of our conservation groups as we were out at Birk Crag helping control rhododendrons.


Address

Community House, 46 East Parade
Harrogate
HG15LT

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441423507227

Website

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