Harrogate
With its handsome historic buildings and verdant gardens, Harrogate is one of Yorkshire's most elegant destinations. Set aside a weekend and indulge in an antiques hunt in the morning, lunch at the famous Betty's tearoom and then a visit to the luxurious Turkish baths. With an evening champagne picnic in the floral Valley Gardens, it's the perfect place for a relaxing break in Yorkshire.
Betty's Tea Room Discover the celebrated Betty's tearoom, established in Harrogate in 1919
The Royal Hall Theatre A stunning Edwardian concert hall located in the heart of the town.
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Local Secrets...
'Bottled sun'
Inventor Samson Fox, made Parliament Street the world's first route to be lit by water-gas.
Winston at the Wintergarden
In December 1900, Winston Churchill spoke in the Wintergarden of his experience as a prisoner during the Boer War.
Arx celebris fontibus
The town's motto means 'citadel famous for its springs'.
Parisian pavement culture
Harrogate is renowned for its smart little tearooms and classy cafés spilling out onto the pavements. The celebrated Betty's tearoom was established in Harrogate in 1919, with queues still forming for their glorious afternoon teas. Jenny's tearoom on Montpellier Street is also utterly charming. Lovers of local delicacies and fresh international produce shouldn't miss the Harrogate Speciality Food Show or the Great Yorkshire Show which happens every July, featuring food stalls, livestock and agriculture from around the region.
From relaxation to retail therapy
This characterful little town isn't short of interesting attractions. Make some time for pure relaxation at The Turkish Baths and Health Spa, complete with steam rooms, pool and a freezing plunge pool for braver visitors! Or perhaps you'd prefer a day out perusing Harrogate's many fascinating shops in the Montpellier Quarter for antique treasures, high-end fashion, charming arts & crafts shops and bustling markets.
A walk on the wild side
Harrogate's delightful Valley Gardens cover some 17 acres, boasting rare alpine plants, bright flower displays and 36 of Harrogate's 88 mineral wells. Just a short distance away, RHS Garden Harlow Carr is a garden dominated by water, stone and woodlands, with some truly breathtaking plant displays. Spring is a great time to visit, as flowers come into bloom and the Harrogate Flower Show brightens up the town.
Theatres and festivals
The Royal Hall Theatre, a stunning Edwardian concert hall, and the Harrogate International Centre are two world-class venues hosting internationally acclaimed events from classical music and comedy to popular music. Harrogate Theatre also offers a varied programme, including the annual Comedy Festival held every autumn.
Royal Pump Room Museum
Housed in Harrogate's premier spa building, this fascinating museum brings Harrogate's spa history to life. Expect a guide to the bizarre spa treatments used by the Victorians, Europe's strongest sulphur well and a tasting session of the town's famous mineral water. Refreshing!
Turkish Baths and Health Spa
Harrogate's luxurious Turkish Baths are the perfect place to relax. Enjoy hot saunas, a spa pool and even a rejuvenating, toning plunge pool surrounded by truly breathtaking Victorian architecture, helping you to detoxify and re-energise. If you're feeling inspired then why not walk the Heritage Spa Trail after your treatments, providing you with a fascinating insight into Harrogate's spa history.
Global gastronomy
It's been said that Yorkshire has the largest number of excellent restaurants in the UK outside of London, and Harrogate certainly has its fair share.
We're not just talking traditional Yorkshire fare, but temptingly authentic dishes from around the world too. And don't forget to pop into one of the trendy ale bars and sample the local breweries' produce, all in the name of experiencing Yorkshire, of course!
Harrogate is also renowned for its gorgeous little tearooms and cafés. The famous Betty's tearoom was established in Harrogate in 1919, and queues still form for their glorious afternoon teas. Jenny's tearoom on Montpellier Street is also utterly charming.
Finally, Fodder is perhaps one of Harrogate's finest food shops, offering a deli counter laden with fresh pies, pasties and amazing cheese, fruit and veg straight from the farms and lots of lovely jams and chutneys alongside freshly baked local bread and delicious cakes all year round. Certainly not to be missed!
The ultimate outdoor adventure!
Visit Log Heights at Ripley Castle for an adventure day with a difference. From jumping into the sky to catch a trapeze to problem solving closer to the ground, both your mental and physical strength will be challenged to the max! Suitable for both adults and children, an instructor will join you as you scramble to ensure that you're perfectly safe.
Countryside Live
Countyside Live brings the countryside inside, with a sausage sizzle competition, dog agility contests, cookery demonstrations and hands-on crafts for the whole family to enjoy. With the whole event held at the Great Yorkshire Showground, you can experience all of this without leaving the building. Fantastic!
Pavilions of Harrogate
Pavilions of Harrogate is one of the most popular events venues in the North of Yorkshire, offering book fairs, workshops, flower shows, antiques fairs and exhibitions throughout the year, as well as Fodder shop and cafe. Please visit their website to find out what's happening when you plan to visit!
Treat yourself!
Harrogate offers an elegant mix of boutiques and galleries, set within stunning architecture and handsome tree lined avenues. The town centre is home to more than twenty antiques dealers and many exclusive shops, pavement cafés and award-winning restaurants, many based around the Montpellier Quarter.
Montpellier's specialist dealers trade in a variety of antiques, including furniture, porcelain, clocks and paintings. Look out for the Harrogate's antiques fairs in the springtime too - the perfect place to pick up a unique bargain. Alternatively, if it's independent shops you're after then London fashion designer Caroline Charles, Farrah's famous toffee and food emporium and hair and beauty specialists can all be found in the Montpellier quarter.
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Pampering
Relax and unwind in beautiful surroundings at Harrogate’s Turkish Baths and Spa. From hot saunas to freezing plunge pools, you’ll leave feeling fantastic.
Gardens and flowers
From the stunning Valley Gardens to the beautifully manicured and sometimes surprising RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate is alive with natural beauty.
Golf
Established in 1892, Harrogate Golf Club is well respected throughout the country. The colonial-style clubhouse and mature parkland course makes for a memorable day out.
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