Around the Harrogate District

Set in the heart of the White Rose County of Yorkshire, the Harrogate District is one of the most beautiful and spectacular areas of England. Surrounding the administrative centre of Harrogate, the Harrogate District comprises more than 500 square miles of attractive towns, villages, imposing historic houses, castles, cathedrals, abbeys and a host of other natural and man-made attractions.

The countryside itself is rich in beauty. Delightful rivers and streams meander through lush rolling countryside, much of it included within the famous Yorkshire Dales.

Full of hidden surprises is Knaresborough, just a few minutes from Harrogate, where Georgian houses dominate a charming market town perched high on the cliffs above the River Nidd. Narrow streets and ginnels enhance its quaintness. Attractions abound, including Mother Shipton’s Cave and Petrifying Well, castle ruins, Court House Museum, boating, riverside walks and a colourful market.

Eleven miles north of Harrogate, the medieval city of Ripon possesses a magnificent cathedral. The Ripon Hornblower maintains a 1,100 year old tradition by sounding his horn at the Market Place obelisk at 9pm every evening, 'Setting the Watch'.

The Dales towns of Pateley Bridge, in Nidderdale, and Masham, home of Theakstons and the Black Sheep Breweries beside the River Ure to the north, are well worth a visit, as are Aldborough, with its extensive Roman remains, and the neighbouring town of Boroughbridge, once an important coaching post on the Great North Road from London to Edinburgh.

Natural wonders include Brimham Rocks, consisting of ancient outcrops of weather-shaped millstone grit and the subterranean splendours of Stump Cross Caverns. Great houses, parks and gardens of worldwide renown include Ripley Castle, Rudding House and Newby Hall.

Other attractions within the Harrogate District include the magnificent Fountains Abbey and Lightwater Valley Theme Park and just beyond its borders, yet well within reach of visitors, are such delights as Harewood House, Castle Howard, the City of York, Brontë Country... the list is limited only by the time available.