The beautiful Yorkshire town of Harrogate was recently named the happiest place to live in the UK for the third year in a row and with fabulous countryside, lovely places to eat and the famous Turkish baths, it isn’t hard to see why. Not everyone can be lucky enough to live in Harrogate but you can most definitely spend a gorgeous weekend soaking up some of the delights of this spa town.
Here are a few of our favourite things to help you get the most from your time there.
Food and Drink
Harrogate is a foodie’s delight – so much so that there is even a foodie festival from the 21st to 23rd August 2015. Don’t worry if you can’t make the festival you are sure to find treats to tantalise even the most discerning of taste buds.
If you’re looking for high quality fresh local produce you can’t get much better than Weetons, a seriously smart food hall and restaurant located in West Park. What started life as a farm shop has been transformed into a stylish butchers, delicatessen and eatery.
Want to spoil someone special with a romantic meal for two? Van Zellers in the Montpellier quarter is hard to beat. It offers an exquisite fine dining experience with tasting menus allowing you to sample a variety of culinary treats.
For the best quality seafood head to the Drum and Monkey restaurant, a Harrogate favourite for over 40 years, whose specialities include local Nidderdale Trout.
Top Attractions
Betty’s is one of the most beloved tea rooms around so make sure you leave time for a visit to their original (and best?) café in the Montpellier Quarter where you can indulge in a cake or two or even go for the full afternoon tea – make sure to try the Fat Rascals – they’re delicious.
Ripley Castle is just 3 miles from Harrogate and is a great choice for families, with tours especially for children and a great location in the extremely picturesque Ripley Village (containing the charming Boar’s Head Inn).
No visit to Harrogate is complete without a trip to the famous Turkish Baths. With a variety of treatments and experiences available you’ll come away feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Shopping
If you head into the cosmopolitan Montpellier Quarter make sure to leave some time for shopping (even if it is just the window shopping variety) as you’ll find a wide range of boutiques, antiques markets and art galleries there. Alternatively head to the Victoria Shopping Centre where you can shop till you drop with everything from big brands to smaller independent shops.
Green spaces
Of course you can’t visit Harrogate without taking advantage of its fabulous location in the Yorkshire Dales and famous green spaces. If you fancy a peaceful walk in the Yorkshire Dales try the Fewston Reservoir in Nidderdale or the Nidd Gorge – home to more than 80 species of birds and 30 mammals. For spectacular gardens it is hard to beat the impressive 58 acres at RHS Harlow Carr which showcases the best in UK horticulture and includes a Log Maze, Bird Hide and Craggle Top Treehouse to keep children happy..
What are your favourite parts of Harrogate – have we covered them here or have you discovered your own special place? Write a comment and let us know…
And if we’ve tempted you enough to come and stay, then take a look at our Gorgeous Cottages here: Harrogate Self-catering
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