Worth getting out of bed for
Highlights the best Harrogate has to offer, from art and culture to fun-packed activities; we've even found the most inspiring place to enjoy the views from.
- Viewpoint
- Hotel du Vin Harrogate offers great views across the Stray common from some rooms and suites, but if you're not checked into one of those, head for high ground in the Pinewoods: about half-way along the walk from Valley Gardens to RHS Harlow Carr, there are gorgeous vistas of sheep-dotted pastures and the Nidderdale region, stretching all the way from the Pennines in the west to the North York Moors in the east.
- Arts and culture
- The Mercer Art Gallery (01423 556188), set in an 1806 spa building – the town’s oldest – on Swan Road, contains a collection of fine art and occasional exhibitions; see www.harrogate.gov.uk/museums. The nearby Pump House Museum on Crown Place (01423 556188) is a bite-sized insight into Harrogate’s boom era as a genteel spa destination, with a scary array of Victorian ‘spa’ equipment. You can also take the waters, although we suggest you don’t attempt this if you’re in any way hungover: Europe’s most sulphurous mineral water smells of past-their-best boiled eggs and is super-salty to boot.
- Something for nothing
- Hit Harrogate at the right time of year and there'll be beautiful blooms wherever you cast your eyes: this town takes its gardening seriously. The Valley Gardens – a 17-acre Grade II-listed park with woodlands – are soil saint Alan Titchmarsh's favourite public gardens, and they're free to visit (unlike RHS Garden Harlow Carr, which is splendid, but charges a £6 entry fee).
- Shopping
- The Montpellier Quarter has interiors shops to delight antiques collectors and modernists alike: Rasmus at 12–13 Royal Parade (01423 560050) has a buy-me-now assortment of glamorous lighting and contemporary furniture; Montpellier Parade is a good kicking off point for a treasure hunt in the fine art and period furnishings shops. James Street has boutiques such as Cruise, Space NK, LK Bennet et al, but we prefer independent shops like Lynx at 12 and 20 West Park for clothes; Cimmermann at 10 Regent Parade for vintage furniture and contemporary design (01423 524777); and old-school gentlemen's cobbler JN Walker on Russell Street (01423 879738).
- Daytripper
- A short train ride will take you to Knaresborough, a charming market town overlooking the River Nidd. Explore the mediaeval castle, maybe take a boat downriver, and enjoy the pretty views. If you've a car and fancy exploring further afield, a jaunt round Nidderdale – an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – and finding Yorkshire villages such as Pateley Bridge on the way – makes a lovely day out. Pateley Bridge is also home to the Oldest Sweet Shop in England; at 39 High Street, you'll find a gobstopping array of old-school favourites and traditional sweets in giant jars (www.oldestsweetshop.co.uk). Aniseed balls, pear drops and humbugs… yum.
- Perfect Picnic
- Pick up supplies from Weeton's (we love the pies and cold meats), then strike out across the Stray to find your perfect picnic patch.
- Walks
- The Dales Way stretches for 84 miles from Ilkley down to the shores of Windermere in the Lake District, passing through some beautiful countryside. A 20-mile link trail from Harrogate joins the Way at Bolton Abbey, across the Barden Moors – visit www.dalesway.org.uk for more details. For an easier stroll, the Pinewoods offer a pleasant afternoon's pottering with green and pleasant views.
- Children
- The Pump Room Museum has child-friendly exhibits, as well as colouring tables and dressing-up boxes with Victorian hats and flouncy skirts for the younger ones (although Mr & Mrs Smith couldn't resist the frilly bonnets). Aspiring chefs aged 8–16 can learn the tricks of the trade at Bettys Cookery School during school holidays (www.bettyscookeryschool.co.uk). More active kids can burn energy in Valley Gardens, where there are bookable tennis courts, crazy golf and ping-pong tables.
- Activities
- Get glowing at the Turkish Baths & Health Spa – this restored 19th-century hammam's the perfect retreat on a gruesome grey day; go through the Tepidarium, Calidarium and Laconium hot rooms and then have a dip in the plunge pool to refresh and reinvigorate. There are single-sex and couples’ sessions (01423 556746; www.harrogate.gov.uk). Perfect your pastry or sharpen up your knife techniques: there are demonstrations and courses at the cookery school attached to Bettys tea rooms (www.bettyscookeryschool.co.uk). Run riot on the Stray – just bring a kite/frisbee/energetic pooch with you. Harrogate Theatre hosts arts and drama throughout the year on its Victorian stage (www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk). There’s a varied programme of concerts and events at Harrogate International Centre (0845 130 8840); recent visiting artists have included Jools Holland and the Moscow City Ballet.
Diary
Late April The Harrogate Spring Flower Show at the Great Yorkshire Showground sees the whole town blossom into life (www.flowershow.org.uk). May The prestigious Harrogate Antique & Fine Art Fair brings the country's best wheeler dealers to town (www.harrogateantiquefair.com). July Prize bulls, sheep racing, showjumping, flowers, food and more at the Great Yorkshire Show (www.greatyorkshireshow.com). September Mid-month sees summer's last gasp with floral displays and autumn foliage at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show (www.flowersho.org.uk). The dealers roll out their wares again towards the end of the month for the second Harrogate Antique Fair of the year (www.harrogateantiquefair.com).
