June 20 brings us the summer solstice and hopefully, splendid weather to match. We’ve discovered places to mark this heady and significant day and experiences to make it memorable.
FIRE & FEAST
Castle Howard welcomes diners for an evening of exquisite food at their Solstice Fireside Feast. The Castle’s Head Chef, Nathan Richardson-Kelly, has put together a scrumptious menu to celebrate the longest day of the year.
On Thursday, June 20, the Walled Garden in the Castle will be transformed into an outdoor banqueting suite. Estate-reared Slingsby lamb and Estate beef will take centre stage accompanied by sharing boards of Yorkshire charcuterie, and Walled Garden greens. If you still have room for dessert, there is spiced rum and vanilla glazed pineapple cooked over the fire’s coals served with meringue, creme fraiche and muscovado sauce. Before the dinner guests will be taken on an outdoor tour of the Estate in the tractor trailer.
castlehoward.co.uk/whats-on
ENERGY BEATS
Drum beats and connections will make the Summer Solstice an oasis of calm at a special event near Brimham Rocks on Thursday, June 20. Head to the Acorn Wellness Retreat for Cacao, Drum and Share. The evening will start with drinking Cacao in Ceremony to settle both hearts and minds before being led to a retreat with a Shamanic Drum, Rattle and Voice. After the rhythmic beating of drums, the energy will settle as people gather in a circle to share stories. Head along to Harrogate to feel the seasonal magic from 7-8.30pm.
acornwellness.co.uk/book-now/
SUNRISE YOGA
Head to the coast to welcome in the longest day of the year on the beach at Scarborough. Let the natural force of the waves be a backdrop for a sunrise yoga session on Thursday, June 20. Set your alarm for the 4.15am start and join Helen from Happy Seal Yoga for the 45 minute session. Meet at the Star Map at Scarborough South Bay and make sure you layer up as it may be chilly and perhaps take along a blanket for
happysealyoga.com/event-details/summer-solstice-sunrise-yoga-2024
EVENING TREK
Welcome the long summer days with a walk from Marsden Moor on Friday, June 21. The National Trust invites you to enjoy the last daylight hours with a five mile walk from 7-10pm. Pack a flask, put on your walking boots and enjoy everything nature has to offer on the walk that will go to Tunnel End before ascending to Intake Head and then Pule Summit before the descent and return via Old Mount Road. Meet at the National Trust Offices, The Old Goods Yard Station Road, Huddersfield.
nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/yorkshire/marsden-moor/events
CHILLAX
Chill out with a summer solstice yoga session in the calming surroundings of Pontefract Castle. From 6-10pm on June 30 there will be a host of activities designed to ensure an evening of rest and relaxation. Start with a physical and mental reset to the sound of live music from pianist Scott Rawlings before gentle Hatha Yoga for all abilities. Other Yoga activities include Vinyasa Flow and moonlight meditation. All group activities are optional so just take part in whatever takes your fancy. As well as the Yoga, visitors can watch the sun go down while indulging in pampering for the mind and body including Tarot card readings, reiki and sound baths.
Details and tickets can be found at eventbrite.
CALM THE MIND
Whitby Wellbeing hosts two events to celebrate the Summer Solstice. Visitors can take part in a Sweat Lodge Ceremony to reconnect with the medicine of nature, spirit and body. The sweat lodge is an ancient Native American ritual that has been practised by the indigenous tribes for many generations. The Sweat offers a deeply powerful and spiritual experience promoting physical, mental and emotional cleansing. It takes place in a small dome-shaped lodge made of willow branches and blankets. The ceremony is made up of four rounds each with its own distinct purpose – physical purification, emotional release, spiritual connection and gratitude.
Sweat Ceremonies take place over a full day on June 15 and 16.
whitbywellbeing.com/homepage
SOLSTICE SAUNTER
On your marks, get set, go. Put your running shoes on for a Summer Solstice fundraiser at Bolton Abbey. Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a top runner for this event – it’s name says it all. The Solstice Saunter, on June 20, is open to people of all abilities and it is for a great cause raising money for Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. It is returning again this year in the beautiful surroundings of Bolton Abbey, the North Yorkshire estate that covers some 30,000 acres of stunning landscapes. Every participant will receive a bespoke medal and the five mile route will take in some of the Estate’s most wonderful terrain.
Register at boltonabbey.com/whats-on/sue-ryder-solstice-saunter/
TIME TO BLOOM
Feel yourself bloom at a special craft workshop in Sheffield celebrating all things Summer Solstice. Head to Marmadukes at The Sorting Office on Ecclesall Road for a creative evening from 6-9pm on June 20. Using seasonal flowers from the venue’s cutting garden, guests will make a flower crown to take away. As well as expert guidance, the event offers a chance to spoil yourself as you create your floral crown. Sip a cocktail and enjoy some tasty nibbles as you make the most of the longest day. All flowers and equipment are included in the admission price.
Ticket details via eventbrite.
FAMILY FUN
An afternoon of spiritual healing awaits at Open Source Arts in Leeds. On Saturday, June 22, there is a host of activities at their Summer Solstice Full Moon Family Festival. Expect good vibes with everything from sound baths to Swedish massages and crystal healing to chakra balancing. There is also a free line-up of events including arts and crafts, meditation and games. Visitors can browse stalls offering crochet, jewellery, face painting and crystals. A host of food stalls will offer sustenance so take your pick from organic hot food, herbal teas and sweet treats.
Head to eventbrite for details.
