2017 is the year to enjoy the great outdoors in Yorkshire. Here’s a few events you might like to visit

4 February- 5 March

Snowdrop Spectacular

Each February, hundreds of thousands of hardy snowdrops push through the cold winter ground to create a magnificent ‘white carpet’ across the woodland floor behind Burton Agnes Hall, a much-loved Elizabethan stately home. 01262 490324 burtonagnes.com

18-26 February

Dark Skies Festival

Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors National Park Authorities team up again to stage a second Dark Skies Festival. Stargazers will be introduced to the beauty of the skies and the nocturnal wonders of the national parks during a series of night events. Interesting to note businesses and attractions are waking up to possible benefits of growing astro-tourism. northyorkmoors.org.uk/darkskies yorkshiredales.org.uk/stargazing

4 & 5 March

Burton Agnes Orchid Festival

Burton Agnes has its annual Orchid Festival with stunning exhibitions in the hall plus flower sales. Expert advisors will give talks and take questions about how to care for orchids, and there will be slide shows and stalls selling orchid related goods. 01262 490324 burtonagnes.com

20-23 April

Harrogate Spring Flower Show

One of the first if not the first gardens event of the season featuring beautiful show gardens, the very latest in gardening trends, great shopping, live entertainment and the biggest exhibition by florists and flower arrangers in the country. 01423 546157 flowershow.org.uk/spring-show-2017

23 June-25 June

Harlow Carr Flower Show

The three-day floral extravaganza takes place against a backdrop of the early summer garden plus more than 30 specialist nurseries and garden trade stands, offering you the chance to get hints and tips from the growers themselves. rhs.org.uk/harlowcarr

15-17 September

Harrogate Autumn Flower Show

Beautiful show gardens, stunning plant nursery displays, live expert demonstrations and great gardening shopping from gloves to greenhouses, while handmade crafts, lovely gifts and tempting specialist foods all add to the perfect day out. 01423 546157 flowershow.org.uk/autumn-show-2017