Harrogate Travel Guide
Our Harrogate Guide provides you with a glimpse into this beautiful European spa town with its glamorous heritage, café culture, fabulous shopping and glorious gardens. Relax in the renowned Victorian Turkish Baths, visit the inspirational Mercer Art Gallery, catch a show at the Theatre, admire the exquisite Valley Gardens, shop in the elegant boutiques or venture further afield to Stump Cross Caverns and How Stean Gorge or the attractions of nearby York and Ripon. Plus sample the water of the strongest sulphur spring in England on a visit to the Royal Pump Room Museum.<br /><br />Whether travelling with family or on a romantic break our Harrogate guide provides a perfect insight into all the town has to offer. If you&rsquore a lover of grand stately homes and gardens then <a href="http://www.superbreak.com/harrogate-hotels-YO4.htm">Harrogate has a lot to offer you</a>. Discover the dramatic history of the magnificent 14th Century Ripley Castle and the world heritage site of Fountains Abbey, both close by. Also make time to see the beautiful RHS Harlow Carr Gardens and Valley Gardens. Plus take a stroll around Harrogate&rsquos famous park, The Stray, which encircles the town and is the perfect place for a picnic. You&rsquoll also find many places to eat and drink, from the famous Betty&rsquos Tea Rooms to the stylish café bars that have introduced a &lsquopavement&rsquo café culture to the town. Plus on an evening there&rsquos a great selection of award winning restaurants to choose from too. Browse through our Harrogate Guide and take a peak into all that this historic town has to offer. Due to its location in the heart of England, Harrogate is easily accessible from all directions and from all major surrounding cities. Leeds, York and Knaresborough are all under an 30 minutes away by train, and major roads like the A1(M) link Harrogate in all directions. Leeds Bradford Airport is the nearest to Harrogate and sits approximately 12 miles away, with frequent transport links to and from the airport which flies to multiple destinations around the world.A beautiful Victorian spa town, Harrogate has a whole host of things to see and places to visit, so knowing how to navigate the place before you arrive can be a big bonus. Reasonably compact but full of intriguing sights, Harrogate can in fact be mostly explored on foot or by bicycle. This way you don&rsquot miss out on the exciting little things that make it so special. If you&rsquore staying a little further out of town and need a hand getting into Harrogate, frequent bus services run to neighbouring towns and villages for reasonable prices. Taxi services are also available if you need transport later on in the evening or if you don&rsquot fancy taking the bus. Private taxi hire is available for pick-up directly outside of the airport. Call Arrow Private Hire for the best deals on 0113 258 5888Harrogate 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. 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 charming.As a historical, Victorian spa town you could be mistaken for thinking that not a lot happens in Harrogate once the sun goes down, but surprisingly the range of culture and activity continues into the evenings. From comedy clubs to stunning theatres, popular cinemas to a relaxing spa night in, Harrogate&rsquos nightlife has something to offer everyone.Surprisingly for a small town like Harrogate, it&rsquos bar scene is reasonably big and offers a lot of choice. Chain bars like Revolution are popular as ever, but smaller, local bars also hold their own here. Being a rural North Yorkshire town, Harrogate also boasts a great deal of Real Ale pubs for a cosy atmosphere and &lsquoproper&rsquo drinking and live music is available in a whole host of venues. From contemporary cocktail hangouts to traditional, charming pubs, Harrogate bars offer something for everyone.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. The Harrogate Pump Room is also one to visit.  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! Harrogate has a great communications network whether you plan to travel by rail or road.There are frequent express rail services available to Leeds and York from all parts of the UK, where direct trains and bus services will link you to Harrogate.Harrogate is easily accessible by road with the A1/M motorway linking the area to Britain&rsquos extensive motorway network. National Express coaches also offer services to Harrogate.Fly into Leeds/Bradford Airport, situated 12 miles from Harrogate.Transdev runs regular bus services around Harrogate and to Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Ripon and Wetherby.Once you&rsquore in Harrogate there are plenty of options for getting around, whether you prefer your own pedal power, sitting back on a bus or exploring the scenic back roads by car.Thanks to its compact nature, walking or cycling around Harrogate is a great way to see everythingTaxis are usually waiting outside the train station in the town centre, plus there are also several local private hire taxi companies available for you to book in advance.Enjoy Michelin starred cuisine at the Yorke ArmsRelax and rejuvenate in the historic Roman BathsTake an evening picnic to the beautiful Valley GardensTreat yourself to afternoon tea in Betty&rsquos Tea RoomsTake in a performance at the Royal Hall or Harrogate International CentreVisit the inspirational RHS Gardens Harlow CarrHarrogate is linked to all major UK cities thanks to frequent connections to York and Leeds train stations, as well as one direct train to London every day. Trains from London/Edinburgh via Leeds/York run around every hour and with the connection to Harrogate only taking around 30 minutes, you can enjoy full day there. All major train providers run to York/Leeds and there are numerous taxi services available for the remainder of your journey once you arrive in Harrogate.As a reasonably compact town, Harrogate is easily explored by bicycle or on foot. Also, due to its close proximity to two major roads in the A59 and A61, congestion ca sometimes be a problem, therefore leaving
the car at your hotel is probably the best option. On foot you can appreciate the beauty of this Victorian town, with quaint shops and the delectable Betty&rsquos Tea RoomTaxis are usually waiting outside the train station in the town centre, plus there are also several local private hire taxi companies available for you to book in advance. Blue Line are the most popular taxi firm to use in Harrogate, with fares starting around £2.20. The number for Blue Line is 01423 530830There are frequent bus services around Harrogate and Knaresborough and to neighbouring towns and villages, most of them operated by Harrogate & District and run every 8 minutes. The 36 and the 770 buses frequently connect Harrogate to Leeds. Transdev also runs regular bus services around Harrogate and to Knaresborough, Pateley Bridge, Ripon and WetherbyLeeds Bradford Airport sits approximately 12 miles away from Harrogate and is easily accessible via the A61/A658 roads. Frequent public transport is available for visitors arriving at the airport/heading to the airport with buses taking around 40 minutes and trains 30 minutes. Private taxi hire is available for pick-up directly outside of the airport. Call Arrow Private Hire for the best deals on 0113 258 5888With the A1(M) on its doorstep, Harrogate by road is definitely an easy option if you&rsquore not in a rush. If travelling up from London, the M1 will take you as far North as you need before hopping on the A1(M) the rest of the way. From the east take the M621 and from the west take the M56, both again end up on the A1(M). Once in Harrogate, the main routes are easily accessible for the journey into townTop 5 Shops in HarrogateTop 5 Restaurants in Harrogate Monthly comedy club in a comfortable venue, giving the real comedy club experience close to Harrogate town centre. Fantastic stand up featuring some of the big names in comedy currently on the circuitCaffe Rosso is a contemporary licensed Italian coffee shop, serving hot and cold food, Paninis, soup, fresh coffee and patisseriesLure is a stylish, funky, late night bar offering great music, great drinks and a great atmosphere! Its a fantastic nightFor the ultimate outdoor adventure, Log Heights is the perfect place. With tree-top trapezes and problem solving activities it&rsquos a real test of your body and mindWorking closely with a number of local artists and craftsman, the gallery offers a unique shopping experience with unique and distinctive pieces perfect to brighten up your homeFrom pantomimes to serious dramas, the stage at The Royal Hall Theatre has the pleasure of it allThis fabulous restaurant uses a unique tapas style of serving, allowing you to try everything you think you might love, with no wishing that you&rsquod picked something elseAn amazing collection of weird and wonderful rock formations for you to explore in the heart of beautiful moorlandThe Blues Cafe Bar now offers free entertainment 7 days a week with residential slots for local musicians, regular jam sessions and appearances from bands as far afield as California, Africa and CanadaWhether it is fashion and footwear, toys and stationery, homeware and technology or toiletries and beauty, Victoria Shopping Centre has it all in the heart of HarrogateThe Harrogate Antiques Centre is the largest antique emporium in the area, showcasing vintage furniture to rare collectables from around the worldHomemade from local produce, each of the French dishes created here are fine dining personifiedSee the latest hit films and enjoy the whole night as a family at The Odeon CinemaBuilt in 1903, this stunning Edwardian is a venue for events, arts and all kinds of entertainmentLocated at Harrogate's train station, the superb Harrogate Tap is a World Beer Freehouse, serving up modern and traditional alesFor some more specialist, the Brown Trout & Co. offer some of the best sporting equipment and clothing in the areaThe Scotts Arms has bags of character and olde worlde charm. Dating from 1685, the pub has retained many of its 17th century features, with open log fires and exposed beamworkBecket's is a contemporary restaurant situated in the heart of the historic market town of Knaresborough, just ten minutes from HarrogateGoing on a short break is all about treating yourself, so go the full mile and book a spa night in for you and your guests at Rudding ParkOne of England's oldest tourist attractions, Mother Shipton's Cave is a site of intrigue and the origin of old wives tales. A very interesting visitA hidden gem situated off the beaten track, The Workhouse Gallery offers unique and affordable art and vintage signature furnitureThis delightful French restaurant and bistro prides itself on a great personal service and welcoming interiorFor a chilled out evening of great blues music and a friendly atmosphere, hit the Blues Café Bar just down the road from Betty&rsquos TearoomWith the strongest sulphur wells in Europe the Pump Rooms are said to be one of Britain&rsquos oldest spasTraditionally brewed local ales and an invasion of Highland and Islay Malts ensure that whatever your tipple your memories of the Boar's Head will always be good if somewhat blurredDating back to 1671 the Best Western Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate overlooks the famous 200 acre Stray parkland. Many of the original features of this Grade II listed building still remain and blend perfectly with the modern restoration of this hotel. The Best Western Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate elegantly mixes traditional charms and modern comforts to create an exceptional hotel in a fantastic locationOn exclusive James Street you&rsquoll find Hooper&rsquos Department Store. There&rsquos also high street favourites, craft and antique shops, luxury boutiques, and the famous food store Fodder and Weeton&rsquos deli.A superb time of year to see Harrogate, the first of two such presitigous festivalsFrom Michelin starred cuisine to traditional tea rooms, Harrogate offers something for all tastes. Visit the Montpellier Quarter for an array of pavement cafes, bars and award-winning restaurants.Held since 1966, this quirky team race follows a gruelling 2.4 mile courseThe town is dotted with an array of pubs, wine bars and lively nightclubs. There&rsquos also the theatre, Royal Hall and Harrogate International Centre offering brilliant performances.Harrogate's biggest annual event, the country show attracts over 130,000 visitors a yearFrom friendly traditional British pubs serving locally brewed beer to cosmopolitan wine bars serving Champagne and cocktails, Harrogate has it all.Harrogate is a great location for these free days at heritage sites every SeptemberBe delighted by the Autumn bloom, or overwhelmed by the giant vegetable growing contestHarrogate Guide – A City Guide to Harrogate – SuperbreakBrowse our York Guide and make the most out of your break. You'll find tips and inspiration on the best attractions, events, restaurants and hotels in York.
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