Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, the Victorian spa town retains much of the elegance of its past, with historic buildings, manicured gardens, and an apparently endless list of activities and experiences to take part in. Although tourists first started to flock to Harrogate back in the Victorian era, however, it's no less popular today, with visitors as keen to enjoy the many shopping and culinary delights of this part of Yorkshire, as they are to explore the town's long and varied history. Read on for some of the best things to do in Harrogate and the areas that surround it.
Find out how it all started at the Royal Pump Room Museum
Harrogate's spa waters (containing iron and sulphur) were first discovered in the 16th century, and their supposed health benefits led to a steady influx of visitors thereafter, with over 15,000 people visiting the town at its peak, during the Georgian era. As the name suggests, the Royal Pump Room was once at the very heart of the spa industry in Harrogate: it's been a museum since the 1950s, however, and, although small, it's still an excellent place to start your Harrogate journey by steeping yourself in the history of the place and finding it how it all began.
Get back to nature at Valley Gardens
Harrogate is almost as famous for its gardens and flowers as it is for its spa, and Valley Gardens - an English Heritage Grade II listed park, is one of the best places to experience this aspect of the town in all its colourful glory. The 17 acre site has won multiple awards, and, in addition to the gardens themselves, also contains an adventure playground and paddling pool, plus sporting activities such as tennis, golf, and a skate park. It was here that many of Harrogate's springs were discovered, with visitors to the spa also encouraged to take advantage of the health benefits of a stroll through the park: a simple pleasure that can still be enjoyed today.
Take tea at Betty's Cafe
Tea is an important part of Yorkshire culture, and few places do it better that Betty's Cafe Tea Rooms. Established in 1919, the cafe is a Harrogate institution: the afternoon tea here is the stuff of legends and offers the chance to experience a traditional Yorkshire tea in the beautiful setting of the elegant cafe on Parliament Street.
Take a Turkish bath
It would be a shame to visit a famous spa town without sampling that sought-after spa experience, and Harrogate's Turkish Baths is the best place to do it. Offering up spa treatments since 1897, they've had plenty of time to get it right, after all, and although many of today's visitors are just as interested in the traditional-style building as they are in the treatments themselves, the experience is hard to beat, and includes everything from beauty treatments and massages to alternative therapies.
Go shopping in the Montpellier Quarter
The centre of Harrogate is a shopaholics dream, with everything from big-name brands to smaller stores, but it's on the cobbled streets of the Montpellier Quarter that you'll find the best independent boutiques, antiques shops and designer names. This is one of the older parts of Harrogate, and is just a short walk from the more modern Victoria Shopping Centre, just in case the narrow streets of the Montpellier Quarter weren't quite enough for you!
Explore the RHS Gardens at Harlow Carr
The Royal Horticultural Society's 68-acre showpiece, Harlow Carr, is a haven for garden lovers. With various different areas designed to showcase a selection of floral environments, you can picnic by Queen Mother's Lake, stroll down the Winter Walk, or give your senses a treat in the Scented Garden. There's also a teaching garden and learning centre for those who'd like to know more about the art of horticulture, or the gardens themselves.
See a show at one of the town's many theatres
As the cultural capital of Yorkshire, it will come as no surprise to find that Harrogate boasts a wide selection of entertainment venues, from the oldest -The Harrogate Theatre - to the famous Royal Hall, in its beautiful Grade II listed building. If neither of those suit, check out the bill at The Royal Hall, Studio Theatre or HIVE, and you're certain to find something to suit your tastes.
Take a stroll on The Stray
At 200 acres, The Stray is one of Harrogate's largest and best known landmarks: this green space around the town centre isn't quite Central Park, but it's still a welcome break from the hustle and hustle of the town itself, offering a change to run, walk, or cycle through the peace and quiet of this beautiful parkland, which dates back to the late 18th century.
Explore Ripley Castle
Although it's actually a few miles outside town, Ripley Castle appears on almost every guide to Harrogate you'll find, and it's popular for good reason. This 14th century, Grade I listed house is surrounded by beautiful, manicured gardens which include a deer park, walled garden and tea rooms. The picturesque village of Ripley itself is also worth a visit, allowing you to feel a bit like you've stepped back in time as you wander its ancient streets.
Quirky things to do in Harrogate
Everyone who comes to Harrogate knows about the spas and the gardens, but if you're looking for something a little more unusual to pass the time, why not try one of these quirkier things to do in or near Harrogate?
Go rock climbing at Brimham Rocks
Out on the Yorkshire moors near Harrogate you'll find Brimham Rocks: a selection of fascinating rock formations which you can easily spend an entire day exploring, climbing and photographing. There are guided tours of the area available, or you can choose to simply pack a picnic and strike out on your own: you never know what you might find!
Explore the Yorkshire Dales in the company of a llama
Anyone can walk the Yorkshire Dales, close to Harrogate. Not just anyone, however, does it in the company of a llama or alpaca, which is what makes the experience offered by Nidderdale Llamas so unique. After a quick "speed dating" session in which you're matched with your perfect, woolly companion, you'll head out on a walk with a different, side-by-side with your new friend. Discover both the local area and what it's like to take a llama for a walk, all at the same time!
See England’s oldest visitor attraction
Mother Shipton’s Cave and the nearby Petrifying Well sound like something from a folk tale, and the truth is no less surprising. The cave was once home to Mother Shipton herself: a medieval prophetess who’s said to have predicted the Great Fire of London, amongst other thing. The Petrifying Well, meanwhile, gives objects left in its waters the appearance of stone: both attractions are located a short drive from Harrogate, and are well worth a visit if you have an interest in the unusual.
Take a drive to the Kilburn White Horse
One of England’s famous hill figures, the Kilburn White Horse is cut into a chalky hillside near Harrogate, and was created in 1857.
Places to eat in Harrogate
It might be best known for its teas, but Harrogate is also a haven for foodies, with something to suit pretty much every palate. From fine dining to more laid-back cafes and bars, take a look at some of the options below for a taste of that famous Yorkshire hospitality.
Have afternoon tea at one of Harrogate's most famous hotels
One day in 1926, England's best known crime writer, Agatha Christie, mysteriously disappeared. 11 days later - and after a nationwide search - she was discovered at Harrogate's luxurious Old Swan Hotel, where she'd been enjoying a spa break, completely oblivious to the furore that had surrounded her disappearance. With an afternoon tea for two experience, you too can relax in the elegant ambiance of the hotel, before walking off your lunch in the beautiful five acre gardens. Just a short walk from Harrogate city centre, the hotel is also ideally situated for an afternoon's shopping or sightseeing.
Get a sugar rush at Suzetta
A selection of both sweet and savoury crepes fill the menu at Suzetta, which also sells ice creams, milkshakes, and other drinks: a sugar-addict's dream!
Enjoy fish and chips with a twist
Their fish and chips is often described as the best in Harrogate, but if you're looking for something a little more special, Catch also serves champagne and oysters from its stylish, modern restaurant.
Eat in the oldest building in town
Located in Harrogate's oldest building, Jakes looks almost as good as the food it serves tastes, with a selection of colourful armchairs to relax in as you take in the views of the town. Good for coffee, lunch, or a larger evening meal, it offers casual dining, in the most splendid of surroundings.
Take a food tour
Finally, if all of that choice is just a little too overwhelming for you a Harrogate food tour for two will allow you to sample five of the town's finest independent food and drink brands, all in the company of a knowledgeable local guide. Vegan? That's not a problem in Harrogate: a vegan version of the tour is also available, and is an easy and fun way to enjoy some of the town's best vegan offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Harrogate popular for?
The Georgians and Victorians came to Harrogate to sample the spa waters and be cured of all ills, and these days Harrogate is still a popular spot for a spa day or other wellness-based retreat. Yorkshire in general is also well known for its tea, and you'll find some of the best tea rooms and cafes in Harrogate, along with a vast selection of other eating and drinking establishments. Its proximity to the Yorkshire Dales, and array of beautiful gardens also makes Harrogate a popular choice for those who love the great outdoors.
How should you spend a day in Harrogate?
Start off with a wander around the Montpellier District, before swinging by the Royal Pump Room Museum for a look at Harrogate's history. Walk off afternoon tea at Betty's famous tea rooms with a stroll around The Stray, before making your way to the Pump Room for a relaxing massage. Have dinner at The Old Swan Hotel, made famous by Agatha Christie, and, if you still have room for dessert, stop off at Suzetta.
Is Harrogate worth visiting?
With its wonderful mix of old and new, combined with beautiful gardens, serious shopping and historic streets filled with fascinating buildings, theatres and galleries, Harrogate is a town that truly offers something for everyone. A popular tourist destination for hundreds of years, it's easy to see why the town continues to attract visitors today, with its vibrant, friendly feel, and apparently endless range of attractions.