There’s nowhere quite like Harrogate here in Yorkshire. It’s quite possibly the poshest town we have – which is exactly why it’s worth a visit. From peaceful nature spots to lavish bars and restaurants – ‘Arigut has it all. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Harrogate next time you visit.
Things to do in Harrogate: by day
Potter around the Montpellier Quarter
Probably one of the most photographed areas of Harrogate, the Montpellier Quarter is incredibly quaint – with dozens of lovely independent shops to potter around.
Think pavement cafes, antique shops, clothing shops and more, with tons of unique items to browse and purchase.
Enjoy a cuppa and cake at Betty’s
There’s no denying it: Betty’s is a Yorkshire institution. It’s the kind of place that attracts queues around the block thanks to its delicious brews and Fat Rascals – which Yorkshire, in particular, is known for.
If you fancy really making a day of it, treat yourself to an afternoon tea, which is served with some of Betty’s most loved cakes, bakes and treats. Betty’s, 1 Parliament St, Harrogate, HG1 2QU.
Wind down at the Turkish Baths
If you’re already acquainted with Harrogate, you’ll be familiar with its Victorian history as a spa town.
The town was loved back in the day for its high sulphur waters, which visitors can still get a little taste of today at the lavish Turkish Baths. Book here.
Spend the day at the stunning Rudding Park Spa
One of Yorkshire’s most luxurious spas can be found in Harrogate – just a short drive away from the lovely town centre. There, guests can truly escape civilisation, with infinity pools, steam rooms, saunas, oxygen pods and so much more on offer to help unwind.
Additionally, guests can also enjoy a huge array of lovely treatments – including mud therapy, massages and more – before dining in the AA rosette Horto restaurant. Find out more.
Sunbathe on The Stray
It wouldn’t be a day trip to Harrogate without a detour through The Stray. Coming into full bloom during the springtime, the lovely town centre park is peppered with colour flowers and cherry blossom, adding to the opulence of the quaint spa town
Walk through Valley Gardens
Need a break with nature? Head to Valley Gardens. As colourful as it is beautiful, the lovely gardens is home to endless seasonal blooms, alongside a picture perfect art deco pavilion and vintage style cafe.
Things to do in Harrogate: by night
Dine in a dome at Fat Badger
Looking for a more unique dining experience? The Fat Badger has just that. One of the most loved pubs in the area, The Fat Badger is home to an array of lovely outdoor dining domes, which are illuminated by night for a wonderful al fresco experience. The Fat Badger, Cold Bath Rd, Harrogate, HG2 0NF.
Enjoy a bit of jazz and blues at the Blues Café Bar
The Blues Café Bar is perfect for those who prefer a more laid back spot to wind down in. Serving delicious Yorkshire tapas (which, yes, includes Yorkshire puddings!) in their New Orleans-style bar, guests can kick back to a bit of live music – with plenty of live blues and jazz bands making up the weekly live music roster. Blues Café Bar, 4 Montpellier Parade, Harrogate, HG1 2TJ.
See a show at the stunning Royal Hall
Most definitely the grandest theatre in Harrogate, Royal Hall is showing an array of entertaining shows this year, including tons of tribute acts, orchestras, and comedians such as Sarah Millican, Jon Richardson and more. Find out what’s on here.
Chill out with cocktails and pizza at Hidden Bar
A place where guests can enjoy the two finest things in live: cocktails and pizza, Hidden is the perfect spot to while the night away.
Enjoy a selection of charcuterie and classics pizzas if you’re feeling a bit peckish, or simply dive right into their refreshing menu of classic cocktails, wines and fizz. The vibe is particularly great in an evening, amplified by twinkling lights and moody decor. Hidden Bar, 1a The Ginnel, Harrogate, HG1 2RB.
Try out a huge array of wines at Bacchus
If wines more up your alley, no where knows how its done more than Bacchus. The atmospheric bar is home to a huge selection of wines that can be enjoyed by the glass or bottle, with plenty of nibbles such as camembert and charcuterie to enjoy while you get busy tasting fine wines. Bacchus, 90 Station Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1HQ.
Treat yourself to oysters and champagne at Catch Seafood
It might be a chippy, but its certainly the fanciest chippy we’ve ever seen. While guests can enjoy the typical dishes such as fish and chips, sausage and scampi, Catch also specialises in the more *luxurious* seafood dishes, including lobster, king scallops and oysters. Pair it with a glass of champers and you’re onto a winner. Catch Seafood, 8-12 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate, HG1 1DB.
Our top bar recommendations:
- MOJO
- Hales
- Bacchus
- The Disappearing Chin
- The Little Ale House
- Harrogate Tap
- Major Tom’s Social
- Trotter’s
- The Blue’s Bar
- Roland’s
- Ivory Bar
- Bijou & Wylde
Our top restaurant recommendations:
- Carters champagne bar and grill
- The Fat Badger
- The Ivy
- The Orchid
- Estabulo
- The Tannin Level
- Papas Authentic Mediterranian Cuisine
- Taverna
- Farm Bistro
- Three’s A Crowd
- Saranda
- The Giggling Squid
- Gianni’s
- District
- Sukhothai
- William & Victoria
- La Feria
- Lucia’s
- The Drum & Monkey
- Domo
- Catch Seafood
- Jinnah
- The Pickled Sprout
- The Wild Plum
[Featured image: Photo © Derek Harper (cc-by-sa/2.0)]
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