Harrogate guide and sightseeing         

Summary
The picturesque Victorian spa town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire draws in tourists and passers-by for a number of reasons, chief amongst them being its scenery, antique shops, tea shops and flower shows. The town is close to urbanised areas such as Leeds and York, and areas of outstanding natural beauty such as the Lake District, the Yorkshire Dales and Yorkshire Moors.

The town is also famous for having allegedly been the retreat of author Agatha Christie during a difficult time in her life in the 1930s. It’s also said that Harrogate has more restaurants per capita than any other town in the UK, which is at least in part due to the town’s standing as a major centre for business conferences. An ideal place to get away from it all in a www.latebreakhotels.com hotel or guest house at budget prices.

Getting there/getting around Harrogate
Harrogate is close to both the A1 and the M62, so it’s easily accessible by road from all directions. Journeys from London should take about four hours. Trains and coaches also regularly pass through the town, while Leeds/Bradford Airport is about a 20-minute ride away.

Once you’re there, there are plenty of buses to take you around and into other picturesque towns and villages close by. If you’re in town for a few days, it’s definitely worth spending one of them touring the town and its pretty outskirts by bicycle.

Sightseeing in Harrogate
Harrogate’s position as a spa town surrounded by some gorgeous countryside means you’re never too far from beautiful scenery. The RHS Garden Harlow Carr has some lovely plants and flowers and includes a “Gardens through time” section charting the changing trends in the upkeep of gardens from Regency times to now.

Or take a trip to Knaresborough and check out Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Well, where cascading water turns objects into stone.

Harrogate family attractions, day trips and shopping experiences         

Family attractions in Harrogate
The town is home to places of historical interest, such as the Royal Pump Room Museum, which looks at Harrogate’s history as a spa town, or the Mercer Art Gallery, which houses works by local artists such as William Powell Frith and John Atkinson Grimshaw.

If you’re feeling more energetic, the Valley Gardens has some stunning walks and views, and the children will love the play area and the pitch ‘n’ putt golf course. Young ones will also be kept happily occupied at the Children’s Time Machine, Harrogate’s largest indoor play and party area.

Day trips in Harrogate
Ripley Castle and Gardens, a few miles north of Harrogate, offer some stunning views and often host events such as plays and classic car rallies. North-west of the town, Brimham Rocks and Moor is home to some spectacular rock formations, plus a wide range of birds and animals.

If you fancy venturing further afield, the ancient city of York is worth visiting. Or if you fancy seeing some beautiful countryside, the Yorkshire Dales and the Lake District are a pleasant car journey away.

Shopping in Harrogate
With a diverse range of outlets, from busy malls to designer shops and plush boutiques, Harrogate is a haven for shoppers. The Montpellier Quarter, set among quaint cobbled streets, contains all manner of trendy outlets, such as hair and beauty salons, antique shops and pavement cafes. The Victoria Shopping Centre and the Westminster Arcade are also worth a visit.

If you’re after something a little different, Harrogate is home to more unusual shops, such as The Earth Collection, which sells environmentally friendly clothing and accessories, or the Glass Forest, where you can pick up decorative art glass. Elsewhere, the Japanese Shop sells some delightful gifts, while London House Oriental Rugs and Carpets has got more than 3,000 exotic rugs in stock.

Harrogate nightlife, bars, restaurants and clubs         

Eating out in Harrogate
You’ll be spoilt for choice in Harrogate – there are dozens of places to dine. Most famous of all is probably Betty’s Tea Rooms, which has been attracting crowds since it opened in 1919. The Drum and Monkey serves up some delicious seafood, while the Old Bell Tavern’s traditional English fare is recommended.

For those with a more cosmopolitan palate, the town has plenty of foreign restaurants, such as Joe Rigatoni, Katana Oriental or the imaginatively named Chez La Vie. For something different, visit Yaks, a Mongolian restaurant where you choose your food and then take it to the chef to be cooked.

Nightlife in Harrogate
Harrogate has plenty of charming pubs, such as Hales Bar, Harrogate’s only traditional gas-lit bar, or the Blues Bar, where you can often catch some live music. For something a little less traditional, head for Lounge 88 or Albert’s.

Those who are still in the mood to party can sample a local club, such as Flares, where 70s music is still very much en vogue, or Miniclub, which plays house music. Those who want to channel their remaining energy in other directions can catch a show at Harrogate Theatre or Harrogate International Centre.