YOUR GUIDE TO THE BEST FREE ACTIVITIES IN NORTH YORKSHIRE
Low Cost & Free Classes, Activities and Clubs Offered in Ripon, Boroughbridge, Thirsk, Easingwold, Knaresborough, and beyond.
Don’t miss out on the top free activities, clubs, and things to do acriss the North Yorkshire Heartland area.
Finding free and low-cost clubs in North Yorkshire is a great way for families, children, and adults to stay active, learn new skills, and connect with the community without breaking the bank. Across towns like Ripon, Thirsk, Knaresborough, Easingwold, and Boroughbridge, you’ll find a wide range of affordable clubs offering everything from sports and arts to mental health support, youth groups, and wellbeing activities. Local libraries, community centres, and charities have a great selection of free clubs and low cost clubs such as book groups, craft sessions, toddler playgroups, and walking clubs. In addition, youth organisations and churches frequently host free and low-cost clubs, holiday activities, and weekend meet-ups.
Browse our list of free and low-cost clubs and classes below.
Baby Rhyme Time, Knaresborough
Baby rhyme time sessions are held every Friday from 2.15 pm to 2.45 pm at Knaresborough Library. The sessions are free with no booking required. Contact the library for more information.
Children’s Church (Mustard Seeds), Ripon
A group for 0-6 year olds and their families that involves singing, storytelling, and crafts. Meetings are held in Ripon Cathedral Library after the first hymn on Sundays. Contact Ripon Cathedral for more information.
Coffee and Conversation, Ripon
Every Friday morning, 10:30 am to 11:30 am, Ripon Library hosts a free coffee and conversation session. No pre-booking required – just drop in and say hello. Contact Ripon Library for further details.
Craft, Knit and Natter Group, Ripon
Ripon Library hosts a ‘craft and chat’ group every Tuesday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to bring their knitting, crochet or needlecraft and join the friendly conversation. Contact Ripon Library for more information.
Forest Church, Lower Dunsforth
On the second Sunday of every month at 4.00 pm, there is a free forest school activity session followed by outside worship at St Mary’s Church, Lower Dunsforth. This is currently not running but is hoping to return when the church vacancy has been filled. Contact Boroughbridge Churches for more information.
Imagine and Play, Knaresborough
Imagine and Play is a fun session for under 5’s and their carers. Sessions are held on Tuesdays between 2:15 pm to 3.00 pm at Knaresborough Library. Contact the library for more information.
Jigsaw Club, Boroughbridge
Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of every month from 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm at Boroughbridge Library. The cost is £2.00 per session with refreshments included. Pop in or book ahead for the best tables. Contact Boroughbridge Library for more information.
Knit and Natter, Boroughbridge
Bring along your crafting project and meet like-minded people to Boroughbridge Library. There’s no need to book and there’s only a small charge. Club meets every Tuesday 2.00 pm – 4.00 pm at Boroughbridge Library.
Lego Club, Boroughbridge and Ripon
Every Saturday at 11.00 am, ages 5+ can come together for free to design and build lego creations at Boroughbridge Library or Ripon Library. No need to book but children should be library members. Contact Boroughbridge Library or Ripon Library for more information.
Library Book Club, Boroughbridge
Every first Wednesday of the month at 2.00 pm, keen readers gather to discuss the book they have just read at Boroughbridge Library. All ages and genders welcome. There is a small charge to attend. Contact Boroughbridge Library for more details.
Make Time For Music, Boroughbridge
On Thursdays during term-time we have a music themed preschool group at St James’ Church, Boroughbridge. This runs from 9.30 am – 10.00 am with tea and coffee served afterwards. No need to book. Donations welcome.
Messy Church Art Club, Boroughbridge
This free creative art session happens every third Sunday of each month at 4.00 pm, excluding July and August. It is hosted at St James’ Church, Boroughbridge. Anyone is welcome to attend. Most of the creative art and crafts activities are aimed at children and young people 0-13 years but we always make sure there is something for teenagers and adults too. Free to attend and no need to book.
Reading Hacks Club, Knaresborough
Join the Reading Hacks and inspire others to enjoy literacy through planning events and activities. The group is for 13 to 18 year olds and is a Reading Agency project. Sessions are weekly on Wednesdays between 3.45 pm and 4.45 pm. Contact Knaresborough Library for more information.
Relaxed Storytime, Knaresborough
A children’s relaxed storytime is held every Friday from 10.30 am to 11.00 am at Knaresborough Library. The sessions are free with no need to book. Contact the library for more information.
Stay and Explore, Queen Mary’s School, Topcliffe
Free monthly preschool classes to prepare toddlers and preschoolers for school. Covering a wide range of activities, Montessori methods, free play, and social time for both children and parents. Held at Queen Mary’s School near Thirsk. Visit their website for more information.
Scrabble Club, Boroughbridge
All ages are welcome on Thursdays at 10.00 am at Boroughbridge Library for a friendly, non-competitive game or two of scrabble. The club is free and there is no need to book. Contact Boroughbridge Library for more details.
Story and Rhyme Time, Ripon
Ripon Library hosts ‘story and rhyme time’ sessions on Wednesdays from 10:30 am to 11.00 am and on Fridays from 10:30 am to 11.00 am during term-time. The free, drop-in sessions are aimed children 0-5 years and are delivered by a library volunteer. Contact Ripon Library for more information.
Storytime at Bedale Library
Storytime sessions for pre-school children (0-5 years) happens every Friday afternoon from 2.15 pm – 2.45 pm. Contact Bedale Library for more information.
Storytime at Boroughbridge Library
Join us on Wednesday mornings 10.15 am – 10.45 am for interactive storytelling and singing. For all children aged under 5 and their carers. It’s free with no need to book. Contact Boroughbridge Library for more information.
Storytime at Easingwold Library
Easingwold Library hosts a free preschool storytime session on Thursday mornings 10.15 am – 11.00 am. It caters for all children aged under 5 and their carers. No need to book. Contact Easingwold Library for more information.
Storytime at Knaresborough Library
A storytime for children under five is held every Monday from 10:30 am to 11.00 am at Knaresborough Library. Attendance is free and no booking is required. Contact the library for further details.
Fireside Readers, Skelton-on-Ure
A monthly book club for adults on the last Thursday evening of each month that happens in The Black Lion Pub, Skelton-on-Ure. New adult members of any age welcome. Contact The Black Lion Pub for further details.
TRAVEL & OUTDOOR RECREATION
Free and Low Cost Clubs for Adults and Kids
in Ripon, Boroughbridge, Easingwold, Knaresborough, Masham, and Thirsk
For children, there are plenty free and low-cost activities offered locally including storytime, music classes, and art clubs. For adults, there are many low-cost fitness classes, mindfulness sessions, game clubs, craft clubs, community gardening projects, and social groups focused on improving wellbeing and social connection. Many clubs are funded by local councils or supported by volunteers, helping to ensure they remain accessible to everyone.
Whether you’re looking to reduce isolation, keep the kids busy, or find a new hobby, North Yorkshire’s free and budget-friendly clubs offer something for all ages. Explore your local area club directory above to discover inclusive, welcoming spaces that won’t cost the earth.
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If you know of any other free activities and clubs around the area of Boroughbridge, Ripon, Thirsk, Easingwold, Masham, Knaresborough, and Bedale, please get in touch with details. Likewise, if you notice something out-of-date, please do let us know and we will update the activity listing.