About Harrogate

Harrogate, North Yorkshire is well known for its Spa Waters and Conference Facilities but there is far more to Harrogate than this.

Harrogate is one of the few towns in the UK to have a protected 200 acres of grass land right in the middle of the town. Residents protect this area with a Group set up to safeguard it. The Stray is often used by locals and tourists for picnics, kit flying, sunbathing and on Sundays you will see many a local Sunday League Football game playing.

The paved area around the shopping precinct makes it a joy and stress free area to meander around. Here you will find lots of independent shops especially if you're willing to explore the side streets and when you're ready for a well earned rest there is plenty of choice for coffee and tea rooms with none more famous than Betty's.

Service in Betty's is like a blast from the past, quality assured there can be no better place to impress friends and family with. But fear not if you're looking for a less formal coffee break and snack there are still many to choose.

In the heart of the shopping area is the Victoria Shopping Centre, a superbly designed shopping mall that architecturally compliments the Victorian Harrogate heritage. Here you will find several national High St brands along with many more to choose from.

The largest and best known department store is Hooper's. A visit here deserves plenty of your time and is ideal for fining that gift to take back home.

On an evening visitors and local residents are spoilt with choice with fine restaurants serving good food and wine, no one visit to Harrogate is enough to sample them all.

Because tourism is Harrogate's key income provider Hotels and Bed and Breakfast compete with each other creating some of the highest accommodation standards in the UK that is renowned for attracting the rich and famous.

A walk around the town can often be like spot the celebrity and because this is something residents are accustomed to celebs know they too will be left alone to enjoy their visit.

If it's pampering your after why not try the Royal Paths with its Turkish Baths and Health Spa facilities it's a must self indulgent experience and all you will need to take is toiletries and swimwear as towels and are supplied.

Not far from the Royal Baths you can find The Valley Gardens for a relaxing quiet stroll in the 17 acres of gardens that display alpine rarities in spring, a romantic rhododendron dell, seasonal bedding displays, and a magnificent dahlia display in late summer. You can also find a Tennis Court, a Children's Play Area, Crazy Golf Pitch & Putt, Band concerts and Boating Pool.  There is parking, lavatories, refreshments and pets are allowed so this makes for a an ideal picnic area for the whole family.

No matter how long a stay or reason for it rest assured there is plenty to experience in this famous old Victorian town of North Yorkshire.