Intro
Whether you're a shopaholic or a historian, a spa-addict or a rambler, a foodie or an ale-lover, Harrogate has it all.
Best picnic spot
The beautiful Valley Gardens (+44 (0)1423 500600) are just a short walk away from the apartments, so wander down, hamper in hand and admire the lush flora and fauna and historic buildings. There's seventeen acres to explore, including a woodland area known as the Pinewoods and mineral springs aplenty. On summer Sundays, the botanic gardens play host to live music concerts. Once you've demolished your picnic, be sure to visit the cafe for some famous Ripley ice cream (www.ripleyicecream.com).
Best beaches
Do the one-hour drive to Scarborough and admire the two beach bays, the town's Victorian seaside architecture and the bounty of bars and eateries.
Best walks
Wander down to the Pinewoods and on to Harrow Hill for a robust exploration of the area by foot (the walk will take around an hour and a half). Alternatively, visit the beautiful Harlow Carr Gardens, built on an ancient royal hunting ground at Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw (+44 (0)1423 565418). Look out for the woven willow sculptures and the expert gardeners, who are happy to answer from questions from green-fingered visitors.
Shopping
To get your fix of Louboutin, Gucci and Gina heels, head to Cruise at 44–46 James Street (+44 (0)1423 568170). There’s also a credit-crunch-defying collection of designer handbags to swoon over. For wedding-worthy dresses and pretty separates, visit Lily & Beau at 23 Parliament Street (+44 (0)1423 502444). Along with the Sara Berman tea-frocks and high-fashion sunglasses, there’s a comprehensive selection of Dermalogica beauty products. If you prefer vintage to Vivienne W, visit Space at 1 The Ginnel (+44 (0)1423 709941). This emporium is fit to burst with beautifully preserved retro fashion, at very reasonable prices. There’s also a dazzling array of antiques, furnishings and records – dedicate an hour or so to browsing here.
Activities
You can’t visit Harrogate without experiencing a slice of the town’s spa history for yourself. Visit the Royal Pump Room museum at Crown Place (+44 (0)1423 556188), the site of Europe’s strongest sulphur wells. There’s an odd little array of exhibits to examine, including a collection of articles from Victorian every day life, along with a section of the original sulphur well to admire. If you're brave enough to taste the sulphur water, reward your fortitude with a trip to the restored Turkish Baths at Parliament Street (+44 (0)1423 556746). The steam room will relax you, the cold plunge pool will invigorate you, the hot rooms will soothe you and the relaxation room may even put you to sleep. To truly indulge, finish off with a massage or beauty treatment.
Smith Tip
If you're keen to sample some spa water at the Royal Pump Museum, limit yourself to a sip – the taste is reminiscent of rotten eggs, pickled in a stagnant sea-salt brine. That said, it apparently works wonders for the digestion – the Victorians were wont to drink it by the pint.
