8 things to do in Harrogate

Hello from the first post of 2023!

Um yes, hi, hello, long time no chat. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season just as I did! I was able to go back to the states for over two weeks and spend time with family and friends which made it harder to come back to a gray & miserable flat by myself in London 😅 Believe me, I still love London more than anything, but it was tougher to leave this time. For my expats, does it get easier or harder with each visit home?

Enough of my sappy comments though, and let’s get into it! Back before the holidays I went on my last work trip of 2022 to Harrogate, just north of Leeds. I have been drinking out of Harrogate Springs water bottles for over a year now so I had to go see what all the fuss was about! Even though I only got to experience Harrogate for a day, here are some of my ideas on 8 ways to spend your time in this hidden gem of a city.

1. Stay at the Majestic Hotel

As I was here for a work event, this is where it was held but I would highly recommend this hotel. They were kind enough to upgrade me to a King suite which was large even by my American standards. The Christmas decorations were just going up when we checked in and it has that grand glamour of old hollywood marble and chandeliers inside.

2. Try a Fat Rascal at Betty’s

A Yorkshire treat, this delicacy looks more like our American version of a scone than what we know an English scone to look like at afternoon tea. While traditionally it’s a candied fruit scone, I’m personally not a fan of a candied fruit scone, so I didn’t try it. But their Gooey Rascal has chocolate chips instead & a caramel centre that could satisfy any sweet tooth. It tasted like a cakey chocolate chip cookie, yum!

Be prepared to wait in the queue if you didn’t book ahead, although I arrived Friday at 3:50 & only had to wait 15 minutes for a table. I opted for a Christmas blend coffee and Christmas Club Sandwich. Both were delicious, however the wait for the sandwich was well over 30 minutes which wasn’t ideal, so be sure to give yourself time to relax & enjoy, especially if you come for afternoon tea.

3. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Turkish baths

While I didn’t have time to enjoy, you can see the bath house architectural influence that reminded me of the city of Bath.

4. Shop along cold bath road

There are over 50 independent shops along this street, dubbing it’s name “the Notting Hill of Harrogate”. I went strolling along at 10am Saturday which I think was a bit too early as a lot of stores weren’t open yet.

5. Savor a Sunday roast at the Fat Badger

Self proclaimed “Harrogate’s favorite pub”, I can see why! The building has historical character, mixed with modern British flair. Plus who doesn’t love a good Sunday roast?

Their Sunday set menu is reasonably priced at £19.45 for two courses or £23.95 to add dessert.

6. Try local independent coffee

I went with the closest coffee shop to the hotel at No 35. The space only had about three tables, so definitely get yours to go and keep your hands warm while you stroll around town. Some other great options for local coffee are Slingsby’s or Bean & Bud.

7. Discover the oldest pub in Harrogate

Hales bar is considered the oldest pub in Harrogate, going back to 1766. It apparently has a distinctive smell (not bad! Haha) as the sulphur springs are located below.

8. Visit the gardens

During the warmer months, a visit must be made to both Valley gardens and the RHS garden Harlow Carr.

Valley Gardens may be smaller at 17 Acres, but it is award winning, including their 2019 Britain in Bloom Gold Medal. These gardens also host 36 of Harrogate’s approximately one hundred mineral wells, with no two being alike.

The RHS is the 4th youngest garden ran by the RHS, and was designed around a 19th Century Spa with 58 acres of botanical woodlands to explore.

RHS Harlow Carr

Hope this inspired some Yorkshire travel, until next time!

Sincerely,

Sarah

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