YorkshireNet Guide to Harrogate

Many visitors are attracted by the atmosphere of England’s Floral Town, with a rich spa heritage evident from the dignified architecture, and a cosmopolitan flavour emanating from a renowned range of first class hotels and cosy guest houses, a stylish shopping centre, theatre, cafés and a variety of places of leisure and entertainment.

Broad tree-lined streets and beautiful parks and gardens combine with the sweeping 200 acres of town-centre grassland known as ‘The Stray’ to bring a spacious feeling to the town. Although never far from the principal venues and accommodation, visitors can enjoy peace and serenity close to the town centre. No wonder so many people return to Harrogate for another visit.

A window seat in the famous Betty’s Tearooms, with compelling views of the magnificent Montpellier Gardens, is guaranteed to rest the mind and lift the spirits. One of the newest developments, the classically-styled Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre, typifies this sophisticated town of character.

Links with Harrogate’s intriguing past as a spa town of international repute are carefully maintained, a splendid example being the superb Turkish Baths. Open to the public seven days a week, they are found in the imposing Royal Baths Assembly Rooms. A short stroll away, the recently restored 150 year old Royal Pump Room Museum contains the Old Sulphur Well whose spa water is still available for sampling.

Just across the road from the Royal Pump Room Museum are the famous Valley Gardens, with a worldwide reputation for their formal and informal acres of displays and attractions. On the outskirts are the splendid RHS Harlow Carr gardens.

Adding to Harrogate’s cosmopolitan flavour are the many world-wide visitors to the Harrogate International Centre, with its range of busy conferences and exhibitions. The town of Harrogate is indeed a real Yorkshire Rose, an amalgamation of business, leisure and pleasure.