More to North Yorkshire: Heart weekend break

Arrive at your accommodation, a beautiful farmhouse just outside Ripon and close to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden.

Mallard Grange is a family working farm nestled in beautiful countryside where you can enjoy a relaxing stay in a comfy bedroom with a lounge and start the day with a delicious, cooked Yorkshire breakfast to set you up for the day.

Stay at Carlton Towers near Selby, a beautiful stately home with a gothic exterior and clock tower. Feel like the lord or lady of the manor as you stay in one of the beautifully furnished rooms complete with original features.

At certain times of the year, the house is opened to guests for Stately Stays which includes a guided tour of the house followed by a three-course meal and the opportunity to explore the 250-acre estate. Immerse yourself in the history of this beautiful place.

Spend your morning at this stunning Adams house set in beautiful gardens which include the longest double herbaceous border in the country - a riot of colour in the summer months.

Wander through the Water Garden, take in the scent of the Rose Garden and enjoy the spectacular sight of the yellow Laburnum in full bloom.

Take a tour of the house to see the Tapestry Room, Statue Room and Circular Room with its beautiful pale blue decor and learn about the similarities between Newby Hall and Downton Abbey.

If you prefer somewhere a little off the beaten track, then head to Stillingfleet Lodge Gardens between York and Selby. This private cottage garden which is open to the public is a wildlife haven, and features double herbaceous borders, a wildflower meadow, and a pond.

The flowers have been planted to attract bees and butterflies, which you will see as you stroll around. Finish your visit with a drink and some cake in the tearooms and call into the plant centre to buy something to take back for your own garden.

Indulge in afternoon tea at Bettys Tea Rooms in Harrogate or Northallerton. Dainty sandwiches, scones and miniature cakes served on delicate china cake stands with a pot of tea, or for that extra bit of indulgence, a glass of pink champagne or prosecco.

Treat yourself to this most traditional experience in elegant surroundings with family or friends. Even if you are full afterwards, you'll be tempted to buy one of Bettys famous Fat Rascals  from the shop for later.

If you love real ale and micro-breweries, then book a Cold Bath Experience at the Cold Bath Brewing Co in Harrogate and find out how the beer is brewed onsite.

Enjoy this guided tasting experience with six x thirds of beers to sample, and a choice of Asian street food from the neigbouring Yuzu.

Take in a show or theatre production at Harrogate Theatre. This Edwardian theatre has an interesting programme of plays, musical shows, and comedy throughout the year.

From serious dramas to musical tribute acts and concerts, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The theatre surroundings are opulent with many period features and there is even a resident ghost!

You can't beat the atmosphere and excitement of a day at the races and Ripon Racecourse is one of the prettiest and is known as 'Yorkshire's Garden Racecourse'. Enjoying an evening meeting in the late day sunshine is a fun way to spend a few hours with friends.

Listen to live music in the bandstand, enjoy a glass of champagne or a pint of beer and of course, see if you can pick the winners – experience the excitement of choosing your horse, placing your bet and cheering your favourite home from the railings.

If you like to be outdoors in beautiful countryside, then walk the Harrogate Ringway around the edge of the town. In total the route is 21 miles across open fields and through woodland but if you prefer a shorter walk, you can easily access the route at various points in Harrogate and Knaresborough.

Feel as if you are deep in the North Yorkshire countryside while having the convenience of knowing you are not far away from the town centre and a refreshment stop.

Head to the Sherburn Aero Club and see the outdoors from a different perspective. Enjoy a flight experience across the Yorkshire Dales or Yorkshire Coast.

Fly high over the dramatic North Yorkshire countryside, historic abbeys and the spectacular sights of Malham Cove and the Ribblehead Viaduct or see the stunning coastline and beaches from a different angle before returning over the North York Moors.

What better way to see North Yorkshire than from a bird's eye view.

Kiplin Hall near Richmond is a 400-year-old Jacobean-style house with stunning gardens to explore. Visit the hall and learn the stories of the previous owners, including one with a connection to the United States. Step through time as each room is full of treasures from four centuries of history.

Walk through the formal gardens and parkland, see the lily pond, walled garden and garden museum and look out for the different flora, fauna and wildlife.