Best things to do in Harrogate
Valley Gardens
Situated in regal Low Harrogate, the English Heritage Grade II listed gardens are combined with The Pinewoods covering 17 acres. The Gardens contain a more mineral springs than any other known place, visit the area known at Bogs Field (near the wishing well) where 36 mineral wells were discovered.
The gardens are open all year round, 24 hours a day. During the summer months bands play each Sunday afternoon in the band stand. Refreshments are also available at the Magnesia Well Cafe.
Crescent Gardens
Next to the former headquarters of Harrogate Borough Council the gardens have wonderful rose beds surrounding a glass enclosure surrounding Cupid & Psyche sculpted in 1861 by Italian artist Giovanni Mar. Many benches surround the area which makes for a nice picnic spot!
Royal House
Built in 1847 by Thomas Salt as the “South Park Boarding House”, it later became the Royal Hotel which flourished after a nearby railway was constructed. It was requisitioned in World War Two but closed in 1960 to be converted into office and residential use.
Albert Terrace Gardens
Tucked away just off a busy street are the gardens of Albert Terrace. Take a break, relax and watch the world go by. Here you can find a raised plant bed filled with various herbs, each labelled in braille.
The Pinewoods
Approximately 96 acres of semi-natural woodland just 1km from the Harrogate town centre, above valley gardens. There is a footpath allowing for pedestrians and wheelchair access through the entire woods so all can enjoy.
Looking for an afternoon walk? Start at the entrance of Valley gardens walking steadily up hill. Continue through the woods and cross the road leading to the second part of the woodland. Enjoy fantastic views into the countryside by your side, at the end find Betty's tearoom at Harlow Carr perfect for a drink and cake.
Cenotaph
The large stone obelisk decorated with wreaths is a war memorial unveiled in 1923. It commemorates 774 personnel who died in the First World War and also 321 who died in the Second World War.
There is a special memorial to the Victoria Cross holders who came from Harrogate, including 2nd Lieutenant Donald Bell from the Yorkshire Regiment (Alexandra Princess of Wales’s Own). In 1875 the regiment was presented new Colours and granted the title. You’ll find ‘The Alexandra’ pub nearby, named after the Princess of Wales, who later married King Edward VII and became Queen Alexandra.
Japanese Gardens
In January 2017 a project was launched to restore the Japanese gardens within the Valley Gardens park. It is now open and fully restored, although not a large installation it’s not one to miss if you’re looking to stroll through the gardens. Find the entrance slightly up hill from the duck/boating pond.
Tour de France Tree Carving & Stain-glass
The 2014 Tour de France was the 101st edition of the race. The Tour started in Yorkshire with two stages the first from Leeds to Harrogate (190.5 km) and the second from York to Sheffield (201 km). The first two stages were informally nicknamed Le Tour de Yorkshire and the success led to the formation of the Tour de Yorkshire cycling race.
Just up the hill from the chainsaw carving is a stain-glass window also paying tribute to the race.
Cold Bath Brewery
A relatively new bar/pub in Harrogate situated on Kings Road, not Cold Bath, you’ll find fantastic craft beers made on site and accompanied with tasty dumplings. A large selection of the beer is brewed on site with the brewery never ceasing to improve their range.
Definitely a spot to head to on a sunny day, but expect it to be busy!
Pump Room
One of the strongest sulphur wells in Europe where over 15,000 people used to visit each summer! You can still find the open water fountain on one side of the building and press the button to get a whiff, we don’t advise drinking it!
After the Second World War and with the creation of National Health Service the curing waters were not as popular and eventually the doors were closed. In 1953 the Royal Pump Room was reopened as a museum.
The Fat Badger
Centred in the Montpellier Quarter of Harrogate the Fat Badger offers a traditional English pub experience. Need a place to recharge? Find a cosy wooden booth and tuck in!
In 1919 the first Betty's opened for business. Not long after Betty's became well known in Yorkshire for the excellent service, elegant surroundings and continental cakes. In the 20’s Betty's expanded opening a bakery to support new cafes in Bradford and Leeds.
Betty’s Tearoom
In 1907 Fritz Butzer left his home of Switzerland and travelled to England with the dream of establishing his own business. The young Swiss baker spent his first night in the waiting room of Bradford station, unable to speak a word of English!
In 1919 the first Betty's opened for business. Not long after Betty's became well known in Yorkshire for the excellent service, elegant surroundings and continental cakes. In the 20’s Betty's expanded opening a bakery to support new cafes in Bradford and Leeds.
In 1937 York became the confectionary capital of Britain, home to Terry’s, Rowntree’s and Craven’s. Betty's followed suit and brazenly opened a store opposite the Terry’s cafe in St Helen’s Square.
Hales Bar
The oldest pub in Harrogate, the establishment has ties going back to the earliest days of the town’s emergence. It was originally an Inn for the first spa visitors after the sulphur wells were established. There are still sulphur spring flows beneath the cellar, occasionally the distinctive smells make their way to the bar area.
In 2016 the pub created a ‘secret’ garden in the rear of the premises for guests to enjoy some outdoor seating with beautiful flower displays.
Royal Hall Theatre
The grade II Edwardian performance hall is located just on the outskirts of the town centre. A 950 seat capacity with amazing decor and a spectacular setting. In 2008 it was re-opened by Prince Charles after an £8 million restoration. There is a programme of live events available on their website here.
Turkish Baths
Immerse yourself in Britain’s most fully restored Victorian Turkish Baths. Relax, rejuvenate and soak it all in. Only 7 baths remain which date back to the 19th century, their importance lies in their decoration, elaboration and rarity.
The baths feature Moorish design, Islamic arches and screens, vibrant glazed brick walls and arabesque painted ceilings and terrazzo floors.
“A Turkish Bats ritual is the journey of heating, cooling and cleansing the body, promoting a sense of relation and a clear mind.”
Harrogate Theatre
Choose from drama, music, comedy and dance shows for all audiences. The grade II listed building was built in 1900 and features a fantastic gilded auditorium. The Circle Bar is open on Friday & Saturdays from 10am-4pm serving local beverages and treats!
Harrogate Library
Opened in 1906 with a grant of £7,500. The library is a Carnegie Library, built with the money donated by Scottish-American businessman Andrew Carnegie. In total 2509 Carnegie libraries were built between 1883 and 1929!
Coach & Horses
Opening in 1827 ‘The Coach’ was one of eight public houses in the area. At the end of the 19th century the pub had expanded so much is had no fewer than seven external doors at the front.
In 1891 it was put up for sale for £9,000 but failed to find a buyer. Not long after, John Smiths Brewery mortgaged the property and took complete ownership in 1912. It once again became a free house in 1996 after the current landlord purchased the freehold from the brewery.
Mercer Art Gallery
Home to some 2000 works of art featuring from the 19th and 20th centuries. Up to 29/09/19 the major exhibition will be for William Powell Frirth – The People’s Painter.
The gallery’s name came from the the water-colourist Sidney Agnew Mercer who lived most of his life in Yorkshire. His sons gave £50,000 towards the new art gallery.