Our Top Tips
Harrogate things to…………
Come in and make yourselves at home in Harrogate.
The town is a shopper’s dream, the surrounding views are spectacular and the history is stunning. There is plenty to discover in our part of North Yorkshire and here is just a little list of what we like to get up to on our days off.
To shop
Emma Somerset, Morgan Claire, Russell & Bromley, Austin Reed are just a few of the designer shops in Harrogate based around Westminster arcade.
The Montpellier Quarter is alive with antiques, galleries, food places and bars just a step from the main shopping centre
For a bargain further afield visit McArthur Glen – York just 20 minutes from junction 45 on the A1 South – indoor shopping at all year round sale prices.
Mixing history and shopping visit the cosmopolitan cities of York and Leeds only 17 miles away from Harrogate – easy to get to by train, bus or car.
If the shopping wears you out Harrogate has the ideal food stops for everyone.
To drink/eat/snack
Betty’s Café – A must for all those who enjoy a good cup of tea and a fresh cream scone, guaranteed to queue but worth the wait and you can also take a bit of Betty’s home with you from their tempting deli.
Tan Hill – Highest Pub in the Yorkshire Dales a bit of a trek from Harrogate (45 minutes from Richmond and 30 minutes from Hawes) but the views, picture opportunities and the reception are a must.
Wensleydale Cheese- Hawes – Wallace and Gromit country, picturesque village and you can actually see the cheese being made at the dairy and then take some home with you. The ice cream is especially nice.
Masham Breweries – Theakston and Black Sheep Bitter is made here – you can have a look round the brewery or just go for a snack. Masham is also a lovely little village.
Weetons Of Harrogate – posh deli on the town fringe – won lots of awards and do free samples. Farrahs Toffee – Still made in Harrogate but the shop has all the home made items you can eat as well as a tea shop on the first floor.
Drum & Monkey – Well established seafood restaurant on the Montpellier gardens, recommended by locals.
Sasso – up-market Italian restaurant on Princes Square, far removed your local pizza place.
The Orchid – Swan Road, classed as one of the best restaurants in Harrogate serving Asian and Pacific Rim food in an informal environment – plenty of celebrities can be seen here.
Brymor Ice Cream – made in the heart of Wensleydale, with over thirty flavours it’s found at lots of locations in the area – including Knaresborough.
To visit
Ripon Cathedral – 1300 years of history packed in to this amazing cathedral high up in Ripon.
Knaresborough Castle – Set on a cliff in the heart of Knaresborough are the ruins of this important castle overlooking the forest and picturesque river Nidd and working viaduct.
Harrogate Pump Room Museum – Learn about the history of this fascinating Spa town.
Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal - Near Ripon this is the first World Heritage site with contrasting ruins of the abbey, the imposing house and Georgian water gardens.
Newby Hall and Gardens – Also in Ripon this family home is set in 25 acres of beautiful gardens with enough for the whole family to be kept entertained.
Harlow Carr – Royal Horticultrial Society gardens with its own Betty’s tea room a must for an afternoon visit set on the outskirts of Harrogate.
Richmond – classed as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales, with its own castle, cobbled market place and unfortgetable views.
Harewood House – based in the village of Harewood this house is the home of outstanding art collections, state rooms and landscape grounds and plays host to outside concerts.
Mother Shipton’s Cave - The Petrifying Well is England’s Oldest Visitor Attraction, first opening its gates in 1630! lies at the heart of the Mother Shipton Estate – a relic of the Ancient Forest of Knaresborough.
And many more besides – please ask for more information.
To Walk
Coast To Coast - The Coast to Coast walk is one of the most popular walks in the country, passes through three National Parks: The Lake District, Yorkshire Dales, The North Yorkshire Moors, and links the Irish Sea to the North Sea, via the hills, moors, and valleys of northern England. The route is traditionally walked from west to east (St. Bees to Robin Hoods Bay),
How Stean Gorge - A spectacular Limestone gorge hidden amid Nidderdale's lush green pastures, just a stone’s throw from Patley Bridge – wear comfortable shoes.
Places To See
Valley Gardens (pictured above) – in the heart of Harrogate, secluded gardens recommended by the locals.
Bolton Abbey Steam Railway – travel back in time and take this unforgettable ride in the Yorkshire dales.
Malham Cove – with upright lakes, fascinating limestone creations and beautiful scenary, and nature reserves . Not to be missed…
Aysgarth Falls – National park in lower Wensleydale with triple flight water falls, rock gardens and a church with the largest churchyard in England.
Light Water Valley – Theme park, Birds of Prey, Shopping outlet, gardens – something for all the family and only the other side of Ripon.
Turkish Baths – They are a place for total relaxation in historic surroundings with a variety of health and beauty services available. The baths have several different water treatments to relax even the most stressed of you in one of their 1.5 hour sessions.
