Keep It Handy Haxby & Wigginton: August - October 2026 by Your Local Link

Hello Haxby & Wigginton!

Welcome to another edition of Keep It Handy: Haxby & Wigginton.

In this issue, we’ve rounded up the latest events and activities taking place across the local area, giving you plenty of ideas to help you make the most of what’s happening nearby.

New for this edition is our Days Out & Attractions page, packed with inspiration for great places to visit and enjoy over the the

coming months. We’ve also included another local walk, this time exploring Haxby’s Byways and Backwaters.

As autumn approaches, you’ll also find a round-up of Halloween and October half-term activities, along with a handy guide to local Bonfire Night events taking place this year.

We hope you enjoy this edition and find it useful in the weeks ahead.

Head to our handy Index on page 31 to quickly find advertisers, featured throughout this guide.

See us online!

Missed a copy? You can read all of our Keep It Handy Guides and magazines online at: issuu.com/yourlocallink

What’s On

Haxby, Wigginton & Surrounding Areas

8 AUGUST

CHURCHFIELD OPEN SPACE

FUNDRAISER, Wigginton Village Green. In support of Richard Denton, who is raising funds while undergoing treatment for Cancer. Help fund new play equipment at Churchfield Open Space, a place he has worked to improve for the local community. Enjoy coffee, tea and homemade cakes from Sprinkle of Tism's Home Bakery. www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=61586544275219.

11 & 26TH AUGUST | 10TH & 25TH SEPTEMBER

STRENSALL WALKING GROUP

Strensall Walking Group is a friendly and welcoming group offering regular 5-6 mile walks, usually finishing at a pub or café. Open to everyone with no commitment required, walkers simply meet at the village hall car park before 9am on selected dates, with car sharing available so transport isn’t essential. It’s a great way to stay active, explore the local area and enjoy good company. For more information, call 07786 914272.

14 AUGUST

YORK DISTRICT RIDING CLUB DOG SHOW, Riding Club Field, Corban Lane, YO32 2RE. Enjoy a fun-filled evening at this friendly community dog show. Enter your four-legged friend or simply come along to watch, with classes including Best Trick, Most Handsome Dog, Biscuit Catcher, Best Veteran and more. Rosettes and treats are up for grabs, plus there's have-a-go agility and plenty of wagging tails from 6pm! www.facebook.com/ YorkDistrictRidingClub.

15 AUGUST

ELTON JOHN TRIBUTE SHOW, Haxby Sports Bar, YO32 3JP. Enjoy an evening of Elton John classics performed by acclaimed tribute artist Andy Crosbie. With a disco, optional fancy dress and a complimentary drink included in the £4 ticket price, it's set to be a fantastic night of entertainment. www.facebook. com/HaxbySportsBar.

22 AUGUST

POTTERY SALE, outside Huby Shop. Browse a beautiful selection of handmade ceramics by local potter Jeremy Comfort, including bowls, vases, mugs, jugs and more. Every purchase supports the Dragonfly

Schools Foundation, making it the perfect opportunity to pick up a unique gift while supporting a worthwhile local cause. www. suttonontheforestvillage.org.uk/events/ categories/events.

12 SEPTEMBER

THE STRENSALL & TOWTHORPE VILLAGE SHOW, Village Hall, YO32 5SR. Celebrate local talent and community spirit at this traditional village show. Browse exhibits including handicrafts, homegrown produce, fruit and vegetables, flowers and photography, while younger visitors can enjoy dedicated children's classes. A lovely afternoon out for all ages. www.facebook.com/ groups/245401156117559.

13 SEPTEMBER

CHARITY GOLF DAY, Forest of Galtres Golf Club, YO32 2RF. Gather a team of four and enjoy 18 holes of golf in support of the Captains' charities, Prostate Cancer UK and Diabetes UK. Entry includes a bacon bap, tea or coffee, the chance to win fantastic prizes, and helps raise vital funds for two worthy causes. www. forestofgaltres.co.uk.

19 SEPTEMBER

GIN, SPIRITS & BEERS NIGHT, Haxby Sports Bar, YO32 3JP. Enjoy a fantastic evening of live entertainment with an Olly Murs tribute act, followed by a disco until late. Tickets are £25 and include four drinks plus a topquality buffet, making it a great night out with friends. www.facebook.com/HaxbySportsBar.

27 SEPTEMBER

SUTTON 10K, Sutton-on-the-Forest. Take on this popular flat, multi-terrain 10K through the beautiful countryside, following parkland tracks, surfaced lanes and farm roads. Whether you're running, cheering on friends and family, or simply enjoying tea and homemade treats from the village tea tent, there's a fantastic community atmosphere. The event also raises vital funds for local village projects and equipment. www.sutton10k.org.

4 OCTOBER

HEPPNI HALF MARATHON,

14 Swinegate, YO1 8AZ. Lace up for the second Heppni Half Marathon and enjoy a scenic route, a fantastic atmosphere and plenty of support along the way. Cross the finish line to earn a

finisher's medal before celebrating with one of Heppni's delicious pastries – the perfect reward for your efforts! www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/heppnihalf-marathon-tickets-1598626588159.

16–17 & 23–24 OCTOBER

YORKTOBERFEST, Clocktower Enclosure, York Racecourse, Knavesmire Rd, YO23 1EX . Pull on your lederhosen or dirndl and enjoy York's biggest Bavarian celebration as Yorktoberfest returns under a spectacular Big Top. Expect live oompah music, fantastic entertainment, delicious beer from Brew York, traditional German food and an unforgettable party atmosphere. www.yorktoberfest.co.uk.

17 OCTOBER

AUTUMN TREES WATERCOLOUR WORKSHOP, Breezy Knees Gardens, YO19 5XS. Capture the beautiful colours of autumn in this relaxed, watercolour workshop led by experienced landscape artist Ione Harrison. Suitable for beginners and improvers alike, all materials, plus tea and coffee, are included –just bring your enthusiasm and create your own autumn woodland masterpiece to take home. www.breezyknees.co.uk/events.

21 NOVEMBER

BRAMBLE BERRY MARKETS, Haxby Memorial Hall, YO32 3HT. Discover a beautifully curated indoor artisan market featuring independent makers, local produce and handmade gifts. Free entry with dogs welcome, running from 10am until 3pm. A perfect local shopping day out. www.facebook. com/brambleberrymarkets.

LAST SATURDAY OF THE MONTH

CRAFTY FOX KIDS CLUB ART & CRAFT WORKSHOPS, Costa Coffee, YO32 3SA. Held on the last Saturday of every month, these fun, themed art and craft workshops are perfect for children aged 5–11. Drop the kids off or relax with a coffee while they get creative. All materials are provided and classes last one hour. www.craftyfoxkidsclub.com/our-classes.

Looking for more local events in your area?

Discover what’s on in and around your community at: yourlocallink.co.uk

Yorktober Fest

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Days Out & Attractions

Haxby, Wigginton & Surrounding Areas

Discover great days out right on your doorstep. From historic houses and family attractions to woodland walks and riverside adventures, here are some of the best places to visit within easy reach of Haxby & Wigginton. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip, a school-holiday outing or simply exploring somewhere new, there’s plenty to enjoy all year round.

Beningbrough Hall

A beautiful National Trust estate just outside York, featuring art exhibitions, historic rooms, walled gardens, play areas and peaceful walks. Perfect for family days out or exploring Yorkshire heritage. nationaltrust.org.uk/ beningbrough-hall

Castle Howard

One of Britain’s grandest stately homes, offering magnificent interiors, sweeping parkland, lakeside paths, cafés and yearround exhibitions. Seasonal highlights include Christmas at Castle Howard and outdoor events. castlehoward.co.uk

Yearsley Woods

A vast woodland area with excellent walking routes, dogfriendly trails, cycling paths and wildlife spotting. A peaceful nature escape close to Easingwold.

Jorvik Viking Centre

Experience Viking-age York with immersive ride-through displays, archaeology and exhibitions. A top choice for families and history lovers. jorvikvikingcentre.co.uk

Monk Park Farm

A hands-on family farm offering animal encounters, tractor rides, feeding sessions, play areas and seasonal events - perfect for younger children.monkparkfarm. co.uk

Piglets Adventure Farm

A brilliant family attraction with animal barns, outdoor adventure areas, tractor rides, indoor play and seasonal events including Easter and Halloween. pigletsadventurefarm.com

Sutton Bank & North York

Moors National Park

Known for “the finest view in England”, Sutton Bank offers spectacular scenery, walking and cycling trails, a visitor centre and dramatic moorland landscapes. northyorkmoors.org.uk

York’s Chocolate Story

Explore York’s chocolate-making heritage with tastings, interactive exhibits and the stories behind Rowntree’s and Terry’s. yorkschocolatestory.com

Murton Park

Bringing history to life with its museum, working farm and handson living history experiences. Families can explore vintage tractors, meet friendly animals and step back in time with immersive Viking and Roman villages. murtonpark.co.uk

Fairfax House

One of York’s finest Georgian townhouses transports you to the elegance of the 18th century. Marvel at exquisite period interiors, stunning decorative plasterwork, and a rich collection of art and furniture. fairfaxhouse.co.uk

Dreamery Gardens

This magical forest offers an enchanting experience where you can explore fairy walkways and trails, visit the Faery Museum and dine in The Kitchen. dreamerygardens.co.uk.

York Foot Golf

A great place to relax and enjoy this fast-growing sport. With the same rules as golf, the only difference is that you play by kicking a football

instead of using golf clubs and balls. yorkfootgolf.com.

Eden Camp

Step back in time at this modern history museum and discover 22 immersive exhibits housed inside the original huts of the former prisoner of war camp. Enjoy a family day out while learning about Britain’s history. edencamp. co.uk.

Yorkshire Lavender

Enjoy the beautiful lavender fields, set within 60 acres overlooking the Vale of York. A great place to spend time with family and friends or walk the dog, you can also visit the Tea Room and gift shop. www. yorkshirelavender.com.

York Dungeon

Immerse yourself in this thrilling experience and discover some of York’s fascinating history. With live actors, jump scares, smells and special effects, York Dungeon is a truly unforgettable experience. www.thedungeons.com/york.

Barley Hall

Visit this medieval townhouse in the centre of York and uncover its rich history. With a range of events taking place throughout the year, it’s a great way to learn while having fun. www.barleyhall. co.uk.

DIG York

This hands-on adventure lets children become archaeologists for the day. Discover stories from 2,000 years ago, uncover hidden secrets and learn what it takes to

be an archaeologist. It’s not just for kids, you can also join one of the special Dig Deeper tours at the end of the day. www.digyork.co.uk.

Moorlands Nature Reserve

Just outside Wigginton, Moorlands is a charming woodland garden. With its nature trail, wooden sculptures and treehouse, it’s a hidden gem well worth exploring. www.ywt.org.uk/naturereserves/moorlands-naturereserve.

Strensall Common

Although situated beside a busy road, Strensall Common feels a world away, offering a peaceful stroll through beautiful wildlife. Keep an eye out for birds and reptiles, you might even spot some lizards! www.ywt.org.uk/naturereserves/strensall-commonnature-reserve.

Foss Fairy Trail

Run by volunteers, this magical trail follows a riverside walk where you can discover fairy houses and local folklore. Free to visit and cared for by the local community, it’s an exciting family adventure. www.thefossfairytrail.com/ about-us.

Homestead Park

This historic park has something for everyone, with a meadow, woodland, children’s play area and The Pavilion serving refreshments. It’s the perfect place for a summer day out. Don’t forget to explore the Circle Garden and Cherry Walk while you’re there. www. homesteadpark.org.uk.

7 DAYS A WEEK 8AM-8PM

Broken Cables & Spring Repairs

LOCAL Walking Routes

WALKING WITH THE WANDERER

HAXBY’S BYWAYS AND BACKWATERS

Time: 21/4 hours

Distance: 5 miles

Starting from the centre of Haxby, you’ll visit Wigginton before taking an old farm track to reach a newly created woodland managed by the Woodland Trust. After negotiating alleys and Haxby’s southern outskirts, the route arrives at the River Foss by Huntington Church. The pleasant walk alongside the Foss provides an opportunity to see a range of wildlife, more information on what may be seen is available at www.riverfosssociety.co.uk. The river is then followed for one-and-a-half miles back to Haxby.

This is an easy, flat, walk. Although there are a few potentially muddy stretches, most of the route is on hard surfaces. The recommended starting point is Haxby Memorial Hall.

1. With the Co-op supermarket behind you and the Memorial Hall opposite, go left along the main street (The Village), soon passing the Tiger Inn. Continue for about 700 metres until just beyond the Cottage Inn, then take the signed public footpath on your left between the fences. Keep ahead at a barrier, then go left before turning almost immediately right following Back Lane (with the church left). Go right at the next junction (still Back Lane) but in 50 metres turn left. Pass the school but as the road bends left, keep on a track to the right of the houses.

2. Follow the track with houses to the left and fields to the right. Keep going as it narrows and partly runs between hedges (ignoring a way off to the left). Eventually you’ll arrive at a kissing gate on the edge of Westfield Wood.

3. Enter the wood. For the shortest route, take the left path through the trees, which takes you straight to Direction Point 4. To walk through the wood take either of the paths to the right. The rightmost keeps to the woodedge, which is closest to the fields on the right, before turning left at the right corner. The middle path takes a clear route through the wood. Both meet at the wood’s far corner. Once there, do not follow the path right, but

Disclaimer:

go left for a few metres towards the houses opposite, to reach a ditch. Turn left to walk alongside the ditch with houses over to the right and the wood to the left. Both this path and the shortest route meet at a footpath sign by a redundant kissing gate.

4. At the footpath sign go left (right if you’ve taken the longer walk through the wood), crossing the ditch to follow a path between gardens. Cross a road and keep ahead on the path between houses. At a metal gate, go right then left. Keep ahead and cross the road in front of houses to continue on the path as it angles left to reach some barriers. Next, turn right through the parking area, cross a road, and then keep ahead on a tarmac footpath before you pass through further barriers to arrive at the main road.

5. Turn right on the road. Cross and continue over a mini roundabout and level crossing, then take the underpass beneath the ring road. 125 metres later, you’ll see a sign for Tregarth Stables, at this point you should turn left on an enclosed path.

Walks are undertaken at your own risk. Due care must be taken in following the walk, particularly after poor weather. Whilst every care is taken in compiling the description, changes may have occurred since compilation. Neither the walk author nor Your Local Link can accept any responsibility for errors or omissions.

6. Follow this to a gate, pass through and continue for a short distance until you reach a signpost at a crossing track. Turn right here, then after 50 metreswhere the hedge to the left ends - go half-left to move diagonally across the field, aiming towards the left of the trees by a pylon. You’ll reach a kissing gate. In the next field, continue to move diagonally across the grass to reach the river.

7. Turn left and follow the river right. Continue in the same direction for about a kilometre to pass under the ring-road bridge, beyond which you'll soon find a footbridge.

8. Cross the bridge and turn left onto the riverside path. Continue beside the river with a park-like area to the right until you reach another bridge. Cross here and follow the clear path in front of you with a fence and house to the left and the river to the right. Remain on this path until it turns away from the river to meet a concrete track. Turn right and continue until you reach houses and a road junction.

9. Then turn left, continuing over the level crossing to a roundabout. Go straight over to arrive back at the starting point.

NEW TENNIS COACHING NEAR

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• Net play and volley skills

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• Matchplay scenarios

• Confidence building and mindset

HALLOWEEN & OCTOBER HALF-TERM

DREAMERY GARDENS

Enjoy a gentler take on Halloween with lanterns, lights and torches illuminating the gardens and autumn grottos. Expect seasonal food and drinks from the café and bar, plus a Halloween grotto and storytelling. Visit dreamerygardens.co.uk/gentlehalloween for more information.

HALLOWTWEEN

Explore four immersive Halloween attractions, each with its own eerie backstory: Corny’s Cornevil, Necropolis, The Flesh Pot and The Singularity. There’s also live entertainment throughout the event. Visit www.hallowtween.co.uk for more information and to book.

Take a look at our pick of family-friendly events and activities taking place this October half-term and Halloween.

SPILMANS PUMPKINS

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Spilmans' Pumpkin Festival returns bigger and better than ever. Alongside thousands of pumpkins, visitors can enjoy Wizford's Academy, The Great Fortune Flop, fancy dress, a disco, pumpkin carving and more. Planned opening dates include 27 September, 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 23 and 31 October. Visit www.spilmans. co.uk for details.

GHOSTS IN THE GARDENS

York BID's much-loved Ghosts in the Gardens trail is expected to return this autumn. Visit www.theyorkbid.com/ghostsin-the-gardens/ for the latest updates.

CASTLE HOWARD

Castle Howard traditionally runs a range of October half-term activities for families. Visit their website nearer the time for details of this year’s events.

PIGLETS ADVENTURE FARM

Piglets usually celebrates October half term with a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including its popular pumpkin patch. Keep an eye on their website for 2026 updates.

BEETLE BANK FARM

Beetle Bank Farm usually hosts a popular October Half-Term Spooktacular packed with seasonal family fun. Check their website closer to the time for 2026 event details.

Information was correct at the time of going to print. Some event dates, times and details may not yet have been announced or may change after publication. Please check with the event organiser before travelling. Your Local Link cannot accept responsibility for any changes, cancellations, errors or omissions.

BONFIRE NIGHT 2026

Wondering where to celebrate Bonfire Night this year? We’ve compiled a handy guide to bonfires and fireworks displays taking place across the area.

EASINGWOLD

For details, visit: 1steasingwold. scoutsonline.co.uk/About/ Easingwold-Fireworks

RAWCLIFFE BAR

Check local Facebook pages for details to be released.

POPPLETON CENTRE

For details, visit: www.facebook. com/ThePoppletonCentre

MONK PARK FARM

For details, visit: www.facebook. com/MonkParkFarm

ACORN BIG BANG

Check local Facebook pages for details to be released.

STILLINGTON

Check local Facebook pages for details to be released.

CRAYKE

For details, visit: www.facebook. com/godsowncounty16

STAMFORD BRIDGE

For details, visit: www.facebook. com/p/Stamford-BridgeCommunity-Bonfire-andFireworks-100086677643611

York Manor Care Home

York Manor redefines senior living, offering a spacious and thoughtfully designed environment that ensures comfort and elegance. Residents enjoy an exceptional lifestyle experience, supported by our commitment to care and quality. We invite you to discover our home because it’s always the right time to embrace the luxury care you deserve.

Wicstun Distillery, established in 2022, is a family and friends business based in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire, just 20 minutes from York.

We create, distil and bottle our own Rums, Vodka, Gins and Vodka Liqueurs, being inspired by our locality and the people we know.

We attend lots of local food Festivals and markets (including Haxby 19th September/ 21st November) as well as having an on-line shop and a drop in shop at the Distillery.

Our best-sellers include Toffee Vodka, Chocolate, Spiced and Caribbean Rum and several gins including awardwinning Scarborough Gin (with 24 carat gold flakes).

wicstun_distillery wicstun_distillery wicstun-distillery.co.uk