Celebrated as one of England's happiest towns to live in, Harrogate is a quintessential Yorkshire treasure that exudes charm and elegance. Built on its reputation for freshwater springs, this Victorian gem flourished in the 19th century as a premier spa destination, attracting influential visitors from around the world. Renowned for its fancy cream teas, cobbled streets, lavish baths and manicured gardens, this spa town may be small, but it's brimming with tonnes of cultural flair. To help you explore the best, follow our guide to uncover the best Harrogate things to do and see.
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Turkish Baths
Harrogate's Turkish Baths are an ideal example of Victorian relaxation, having perfected the art of pampering since 1879. Though the mineral-rich waters are no longer considered a cure-all, they remain a top choice for those seeking tranquillity and rejuvenation. The grand establishment features a stunning steam room, spa, and plunge pool, all adorned with beautiful Terrazzo floors and Moorish mosaics. With over a century of expertise, the baths offer everything from classic massages to alternative therapies, making them a top spot for unwinding after a long day. Once you're through bathing, make your way to nearby Sukhothai for an authentic Thai feast in gorgeous surroundings.
Turkish Baths
put the town on the map in Victorian times, turning Harrogate into
one of Europe's leading spas by the 19th century.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr
RHS Garden Harlow Carr is the place to be for relaxtion and stunning photo ops for the 'Gram. Managed by the Royal Horticultural Society, this 58-acre garden and woodland is a feast for the senses, boasting vibrant plants and blossoms from around the globe. Nestled at the foot of the Yorkshire Dales, it offers a peaceful escape where the colourful flowers and fragrances create a natural paradise. With beautifully designed wildflower meadows and woodlands, these grounds showcase a true haven for nature lovers. To round things off? Grab a crisp pint of lager at The Alexandra to recharge after all the touristy fun.
RHS Garden Harlow Carr houses a teaching garden and learning centre for those eager to dive deeper into horticulture.
Royal Pump Room Museum
Harrogate's spa waters, rich in iron and sulphur, were discovered in the 16th century, marking the town as a wellness hotspot. By the Georgian era, over 15,000 visitors a year were flocking over, drawn by the promise of the healing properties of its famous waters — including the likes of Charles Dickens and Tsarina Alexandra of Russia. Though the Royal Pump Room Museum no longer operates as a spa, it remains a museum celebrating the golden days of its past. Inside, you'll find quirky treatments from a bygone era and a collection of fascinating Egyptian artefacts, including a chance to catch a whiff of the infamous eggy water people believed bathing in (and drinking) could cure ailments like gout or lumbago.
Royal Pump Room Museum offers a glimpse into the town's heyday, making it a must-see on your Harrogate journey.
Bettys Café Tea Rooms
Founded by a Swiss confectioner back in 1919, Bettys Café Tea Rooms is a true Yorkshire icon with its traditional charm and century-long history, making it one of the best things to do in Harrogate for adults. Known for its legendary afternoon tea, this pretty venue offers the perfect blend of elegance and tradition in its Parliament Street location, boasting stunning views of Montpelier Gardens. Picture everything from silver cake stands to staff in vintage attire, freshly made scones and endless pots of tea. We're drooling at the thought.
In a region
where tea is practically a way of life, few places capture its
essence better than Bettys Café Tea Rooms.
Mercer Art Gallery
Originally built 200 years ago as the Promenade Rooms, this stunning spot has had quite the glow-up. From a social hub for spa-goers to a theatre and then a Town Hall, it's now thriving as the Mercer Art Gallery. With over 2,000 artworks, mainly from the 19th and 20th centuries, you'll find masterpieces from the likes of William Powell Frith, Alan Davie, and Dame Laura Knight at this museum. Come down to find inspiration and intrigue at every corner, with a mix of modern fine art and ever-changing temporary exhibitions to explore. Craving something Italian after all that art? Piccolino on Parliament Street is the perfect lunch spot, offering a delicious selection of pasta and homemade pizza.
On the hunt
for things to do in Harrogate for couples? There are always new
things to discover at Mercer Art Gallery.
Montpellier Quarter
Harrogate offers a shopper's paradise, with its entire city centre feeling like one big shopping haven. For a leisurely experience, head to the cobbled streets of the Montpellier Quarter, perched above Prospect Gardens between Crescent Road and Montpellier Hill. This charming area, full of beautifully restored 19th-century buildings, is packed with art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, and cosy cafes. Just a short stroll from Bettys Café Tea Rooms, the Montpellier Quarter's cosmopolitan vibe makes it the perfect spot to take in Harrogate's blend of history and modern luxury.
Looking for
things to do in Harrogate town centre? Head to Montpellier Quarter
to shop 'til you drop.
Brimham Rocks
Brimham Rocks, a remarkable National Trust site, showcases a dramatic landscape of 30-foot-high rock formations sculpted over millennia by the forces of ice, wind, and rain. With quirky names like The Sphinx, The Watchdog, and The Dancing Bear, these towering boulders offer a whimsical landscape perfect for families, climbers, and walkers alike. Perched over heather-covered moorland, the stones provide stunning panoramic views of Nidderdale and the Vale of York. Fancy a stroll? There are plenty of walking routes nearby, including one from Pateley Bridge, where you can swing by the world's oldest sweetshop for a sweet treat on your adventure.
Free things
to do in Harrogate, you ask? Put your climbing skills to the test
at Brimham Rocks.
Mother Shipton's Cave
Open since way back in the 1630s, Mother Shipton's Cave has proudly held the title of England's oldest visitor attraction. This enchanting site was once the home of Mother Shipton herself, a medieval prophetess who allegedly predicted events like the Great Fire of London, among others. The real attraction here is the mystical Petrifying Well, with its uniquely high mineral content that turns anything dipped in it into stone. Nestled in the neighbouring town of Knaresborough amid lush woods, the site offers picnic areas, play zones, an adventure playground, and a wishing well where you can make a magical wish.
Mother
Shipton’s Cave is nestled right next to the Petrifying Well, a
one-of-a-kind geological wonder.
Rudding Park Spa
Don't fancy a Turkish bath? Don't fret, you've got options. Rudding Park Spa is a slice of paradise nestled in 300 acres of stunning scenery, blending luxury with Harrogate's spa heritage through its natural waters. Whether you're in the mood for a rejuvenating massage, a glowing facial, or a soothing pedicure, this water hub has you covered. And if you're just in it for the zen, there are saunas, a steam room, a hydrotherapy infinity pool with garden views, an indoor pool, and a sunlit therapy room waiting for you. Kick back with a cocktail on the sun deck or wander through the lush grounds; it's pure pampering bliss either way.
Treat
yourself at Rudding Park Spa, the ultimate self-care
sanctuary.
Valley Gardens
Harrogate is as well-known for its flora as it is for its luxurious spas, and no place captures this better than the Valley Gardens. These stunning English Heritage Grade II-listed parks offer 17 acres of lush greenery and vibrant flowerbeds, all with the charm and refinement of a countryside estate — despite being in the heart of town. The grounds spread out from the iconic Sun Pavilion, with winding pathways that lead you through tree-lined groves, boating lakes, play areas, tennis courts, and mini-golf courses. We'd recommend visiting in summer to catch a brass band serenading you from the ivy-clad bandstand, adding a traditional Victorian touch to your stroll.
Valley Gardens is the perfect spot to soak up Harrogate's Victorian charm in all its blooming glory.
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