Harrogate – A Taste of Yorkshire

Enjoy Lunch at The Royal Baths

A relaxing, upmarket spa town, situated in North Yorkshire between Leeds and York, Harrogate is the perfect destination for a weekend of pampering cafe couture.

Visitors have been coming to Harrogate since the mid 16th century, when its spring waters were first discovered. Today, this is still a popular reason for visitors due to the renowned Turkish baths located in the town centre. However, this not the only attraction for those seeking a refreshing escape. Harrogate is home to the world famous Bettys tea rooms. Established in 1919, Bettys provides the traditional English afternoon tea experience and is a must for anyone visiting the town. Based upon this heritage, Harrogate has become a haven of good food and drink. Fish lovers can visit the Drum and Monkey, one of only 50 restaurants outside of London in the Tatler Restaurant Guide, whilst those wanting to sample fresh, local food should visit Fodder, winners of the Best Independent Retailer at the Observer Food Monthly Awards.

The Valley Gardens

For scenic attractions, Harrogate is home to the Valleys Gardens, where you can visit the park, enjoy a round of pitch and putt or tennis, or simple explore the floral paths and the woods. The town is host to the North of England’s Horticulural Society flower show twice yearly, which in 2011 promise to be colourful events as the society will be celebrating its centenary year.

For a night of entertainment, the Harrogate International Centre, Royal Hall and Harrogate Theatre all host plays, concerts, exhibitions and comedy year-round, while there is no shortage of bars for an evening of socialising. There are also several clubs such as Viper Rooms and Moko Lounge for those wanting to let their hair down.

Great Knaresborough Bed Race

For a longer visit, Harrogate provides a convenient base for several other towns and attractions nearby. The market town of Knaresborough is a 10 minute drive or train journey away, where you can stroll through the cobbled streets, hire a rowing boat for the afternoon or join the hundreds witnessing the annual Great Knaresborough Bed Race, which will take place this year on the 11th of June. About a half an hour’s drive is Pateley Bridge, a small town on the river Nidd and therefore popular for walkers, where you can also find the Oldest Sweet Shop in England (closed on Mondays though!).

Fountains Abbey

Towards Ripon is Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, another great day out for visitors staying in Harrogate. Listed as a World Heritage Site, with 800 acres including the ruins of this 12th century abbey, ponds, statues and gardens, it is an excellent family day out for all ages. However, those wanting to wander the moors and valleys could instead try one of the hundreds of walking routes on the doorstep of Harrogate, such as the Nidderdale Way, Fewston Reservoir or the Harrogate Ringway. The beauty of the Yorkshire Dales is that it offers routes suitable for everyone – from small strolls to big treks – and the area isn’t short of quaint little villages with cafe’s to refuel in and rest your legs!

About The Author

This article was written for The Blighty Traveller by Kelly Gilmour-Grassam. A student at the University of Nottingham, she enjoys travelling both the UK and abroad out of term time, and when at home in Yorkshire likes to go walking with her dogs.

Photo Credits: purplemattfish, 77krc, _moonpie, Steve Fareham