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10 best things to do in Harrogate

A charming town nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Harrogate is a great place to spend a weekend, with so many things to do and see.

From its historic spa roots, which are still clear to see, to its thriving café and restaurant scene, read on for our pick of the best things to do in Harrogate, which’ll leave you desperate to book a break there!

1. Relax at the Turkish Baths

What better way to kickstart a relaxing break than by unwinding at one of the best spas in Yorkshire? One of Harrogate’s most iconic attractions, steam and soak in ornate surroundings, with intricate mosaic walls, and terrazzo floors.

For an affordable afternoon out, you can book onto one of the group steam room sessions, but if it’s a more luxury experience you’re after, then treat yourself to a massage, facial, or other signature treatment the Turkish Baths offer.

Turkish Baths: Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2WH

2. See a show at Harrogate Theatre

Another great thing to do in Harrogate when you’re visiting, is to try and catch a show. In fact, Harrogate has several theatres, with Harrogate Theatre being the oldest.

Built in 1900, the theatre spans five floors, and still has a traditional Victorian feel, with its gold gilding and ornate ceilings. The perfect setting to watch a musical, play, or dance, if you’re visiting Harrogate over Christmas, you can even catch a pantomime here – ideal if you’re bringing the kids!

Harrogate Theatre: 6 Oxford Street, Harrogate, HG1 1QF

3. Hike to the top of Brimham Rocks

For nature lovers, there’s no better thing to see in Harrogate than the towering Brimham Rocks, which looms high at 30-feet tall. This National Trust site is just 10 miles out of the town centre, and is surrounded by rolling fields, which makes it a perfect place for walks out in the open air.

With some of the boulders being named the likes of ‘The Turtle’, ‘The Dancing Bear’, and ‘The Sphinx’, see if you can figure out which is which, while you’re there!

Brimham Rocks: Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, HG3 4DW

4. Shop ‘til you drop on Cold Bath Road

No trip is complete without a bit of retail therapy – you’re going to need a souvenir to take away with you, after all!

Enter Cold Bath Road: home to several independent shops, restaurants and cafes that are just waiting to be discovered. If you love searching for vintage finds, then head to Catherine Smith Vintage Fashion, before stopping off at Tilly Peppers for a cup of coffee and a slice of cake.

Cold Bath Road, Harrogate, HG2 0FL

5. Visit Mercer Art Gallery

Home to an impressive collection of fine art dating from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Mercer Art Gallery should be right at the top of your list when it comes to things to do in Harrogate.

With the exhibitions ever-changing, discover works from the likes of Martin Creed and John Atkinson, before stopping off at the gallery shop to purchase jewellery, prints, and other trinkets.

Mercer Art Gallery: 31 Swan Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SA

6. Picnic at the RHS Garden Harlow Carr

For some peace and quiet, there’s no better place to spend the day in Harrogate, than at the tranquil RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

Sprawling across 58-acres, discover several unique gardens, including the Alpine House, which is home to over 2,000 plants most commonly found in mountainous areas, the Sub-Tropicana Garden, home to some of the most colourful flowers in the park; and the Scented Garden, that’s filled with roses, lavender, and lilies.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr: Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw, Harrogate, HG3 1QB

7. Discover the Royal Pump Museum

One of the best museums in Harrogate – and one place that’s definitely worth a visit during your trip – here, you can discover more about the town’s history as a spa destination.

With many famous figures such as the Tsarina of Russia visiting Harrogate over the years, discover the spa experience of years gone by, as you see some of the weirder treatments that were offered, and even get a smell of the sulphuric water that people bathed in.

The Royal Pump Museum: Crown Place, Harrogate, HG1 2RY

8. Drive to Ripley Castle

Just a 15-minute drive out from the town centre, make sure you put Ripley Castle on your list of things to do in Harrogate.

Wander through the gardens and grounds, which includes a large lake and sprawling fields, take a guided tour of the castle, where you’ll get to see ornately decorated rooms fit for royalty; and then stop off for a bite to eat at the on-site coffee shop.

Ripley Castle: Ripley, Harrogate, HG3 3AY

9. Indulge in afternoon tea at Bettys

An iconic Yorkshire institution, Bettys is not to be missed when you’re in Harrogate. With multiple sites across the county, Bettys’ Harrogate café was opened up in 1919, and to this day, serves the most delicious cakes in the country.

Go all out with a traditional afternoon tea, where you’ll get to dine on finger sandwiches and miniature cakes, washed down with tea or champagne; or opt for one of their delicious brunch dishes, or a classic coffee and cake pairing.

If you want to truly get into the Yorkshire spirit, then try their Fat Rascals – a juicy and decadent fruit scone, served with butter.

Bettys Café Tea Rooms: 1 Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2QU

10. Wander through the Valley Gardens

Rounding off our list of the best things to do in Harrogate is the picturesque Valley Gardens, located in the heart of the town centre.

A Grade II listed park, in the summer you’ll get to see the colourful flowers in bloom, as you wander through the various themed gardens, including the Japanese Garden, and the New Zealand Garden.

There’s even a paddling pool for the little ones when the weather’s hot, as well as band concerts that are held on Sunday afternoons throughout the summer.

Valley Gardens: Valley Drive, Harrogate, HG1 2SZ

So, now you know everything there is to do in Harrogate, it’s time to book your trip! Our range of holiday lettings in Harrogate include upscale townhouses on the premium Devonshire Lane, located just 10 minutes away from the town centre.

Alternatively, for more inspiration on how to best spend your time in this charming town, head on over to our blog where you can discover the best brunch places in Harrogate, as well as the best restaurants of Harrogate.

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