A Look at the Spa Town of Harrogate, UK
During my years of exploring and travelling up and down the UK (and overseas), I sometimes stumbled across a few unique locations that stick in your memory. These places are usually steeped in history and have a lasting architecture that seems to be timeless and charming.
Spa towns in the UK are famous for being great weekend getaways. This is because of their history, beauty and they are usually relaxing places to unwind.
So, Harrogate certainly managed to get my attention before I visited and I was not disappointed when I arrived. I’ve taken the time to go over all things wonderful about Harrogate and answered some frequently asked questions along the way.
Where’s Harrogate in the UK?
Harrogate is located in the United Kingdom, in the county of North Yorkshire, in the Northern region of England. It’s neighbouring cities are York, Leeds and Ripon (very small city, only classed as such due to there being a cathedral built there). It is very close to the famous Yorkshire Dales and has many other close towns such as Knaresborough, Boroughbridge, Otley, Masham and of course Pateley Bridge. Home to the oldest sweet shop in the world!
What is Harrogate Famous for?
Harrogate is famous for a few reasons…Most recently, for being a HUB for world cycling by hosting 2 of the worlds largest races in 2014 and 2019. The UCI championships and the Tour de France (AKA tour de Yorkshire). Historically the town was famous for its spa water.
During Victorian times, the wealthiest in UK society used to come and bathe in the sulphur waters thinking that the water had healing effects on most illnesses at the time. This was the start of Harrogate becoming a very popular tourist destination.
Harrogate is also famous for:
- Historic Houses
- Betty’s Tea Room
- The Great Yorkshire Show
- Brimham Rocks
- RHS Garden Harlow Carr
- The Turkish Baths
Harrogate where to stay?
Harrogate has a fantastic tourism industry it hosts many business events in the HIC and the town itself is a hot spot for weekend breaks. With the mass influx of visitors, there has been a huge increase in bars, hotels, restaurants that have popped up to meet the growing demand of its many visitors each year. Finding a place to stay in Harrogate isn’t hard, there are many options ranging from self-catering, hotels, AirBnb and the incredible range of B&B’s in the town centre.
My personal preferences are as follows
Self Catering option
NightSpace offer a wide range of beautiful and central self-catering accommodation properties. If you want to stay in a large group or with your pets, they can accommodate all types. They promise a pleasant stay at your home from home.
Hotel — Luxury
The Majestic hotel might be the one for you. Overlooking the town centre this hotel has excellent rooms, a pool, gym and of course exceptional cuisine. Or if you want a fantastic view of the famous stray, The West Park Hotel is perfect for a luxury stay.
Hotel — Budget
Travel lodge in the town centre. No frills but has everything you need for a weekend stay that won’t cost a fortune.
B&B
2 places spring to mind here that are both central, cosy and have excellent services. Shelbourne house & April house. The breakfast was excellent and everything in the rooms is immaculate. Just perfect for a quick stop off in Harrogate.
Harrogate where to eat?
I’ve been around the block more than once in this town and it never fails to impress. Here are my top 11 places to dine out in the Harrogate town centre.
Stuzzi
A great Italian place located on Kings Road. Expect some really nice things on the menu. It offers a range number of Italian classics and delicacies. It beats all the national chain restaurants by a long way. Happy to shout about this place.
Orchid
This place has been open in Harrogate for over 17 years now which speaks volumes. The menu choices come from all over South East Asia with combinations of Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Japanese, Philippine, Malay, Singaporean and Chinese. The food is full of flavour and the atmosphere is truly excellent.
Farm
Breakfast and lunch, yes, please. This local independent restaurant is smack bang in the middle of town. It has the finest local produce on the menu. With everything on offer sourced from local farms, this place simply is the best breakfasts in town.
A really nice spot for lunch and brekkie. This place is great value for money, not to mention super healthy — It’s owned by the Gym upstairs!
Gravely’s
If you want Fish and Chips, go here and only here. It’s the best chippy in town bar none.
Mojo’s
On the main strip in Harrogate, this place does a very nice bottomless brunch, fantastic wings and it’s a great little spot for a quick bite to get you through the day. If you like wings, you’ll definitely need to go here.
Rudding Park
The Clock tower. Located in the luxury estate of Rudding Park. This place is fine dining at its best. If you’re looking to treat someone special or just want a place that oozes class and 5* experiences, you’ll simply love it here.
Major Tom’s
Pizza, Pizza, Pizza. Stone fired handmade pizzas. This local bar/eatery is famous for their mouthwatering pizzas and fantastic gin and beer selection. What a place. 2nd to these pizzas are the ones located next door, I’ve already mentioned their sister company above, you’ll know who I’m talking about if you go there. A very close 2nd best. Their name translates to “red pig” in Italian.
The Foundry
Burgers, Pizzas, Tacos this is a great spot for lunch. No frills but the food is really good. There are salads too but I’ve not tried them ;)
The Drum & Monkey
Fish, not fish and chips but a really excellent place the serves a variety of fresh fish dishes. With an exceptional wine menu to match this place is the best fish restaurant in town.
Betty’s Tea Room
Tea, cake and all things nice. Most people have heard of this place and it’s a real treat when you visit there. Amazing food, lovely smiling service and just a great place to go for a chat and a catch-up.
Once again Harrogate is spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat. There are many different places and menu themes to choose from.
Where to park in Harrogate?
3 places in the town centre:
Victoria — in the town centre multistorey and you’ll find a space here.
The Oval — free but it’s a short walk into town the view is great though so well worth it.
Tower Street — Another spot in the town centre multistorey and with parking on the ground floor. Your car will be safe here.
Harrogate where to go or visit?
Where to go Shopping in Harrogate?
The best independents in the town are as follows:
- Boho Chic
- Antiques room
- G23
- Porters
- Julie Fitzmaurice
- Snooty Frox
Where to go for a drink in Harrogate?
- The Disappearing Chin
Central, great music, chilled and the drinks selection is a real treat.
- Roosters Brewery
Another place with a fantastic selection of beer!
- The Blues Bar
Live Music, great atmosphere.
- Mannahatta
This place is very popular on a Saturday night. Loud music, dancing, good times.
- Major Tom’s
Beers and pizza and good old fashioned fun.
- The Alex
Sports, atmosphere and decent pub grub. Great place to watch any sporting event.
- The Den
Pool and live music. A great spot in the town centre full of energy and a great place to go shoot some pool.
- Viper Rooms
Harrogate's famous night club. Open until the early hours.
Where to go with Kids in Harrogate?
- RHS Harlow Carr Gardens
- Stockled Park
- Valley Gardens
- Hornbeam Park Climbing wall
How did Harrogate vote in the EU referendum for Brexit?
A very commonly asked question about the town’s people. The people of Harrogate voted to leave the EU, just like many others in the UK.
That’s all for now about this fascinating town. If you have any comments, please leave them in the section below.
