For centuries, the historic spa town of Harrogate has attracted visitors from across the UK and further afield. Located in the beautiful countryside of North Yorkshire, Harrogate’s spa waters have been a destination since the Georgian era.
With a history of wealthy visitors coming to bathe in its waters, Harrogate is a prosperous town. As well as a popular destination for tourists and business conferences, Harrogate is also known for exports including Yorkshire Tea and Harrogate Spring Water.
Harrogate has been voted as the happiest place to live in Britain on numerous occasions. With its fantastic range of options for food and drink, shopping, gardens, and countryside walks, we can see why.
Here are 20 of our top picks for things to do in Harrogate.
1. Soak in the Turkish Baths
Do as generations have before you, and go for a relaxing dip in Harrogate’s spa waters. Since the spring was first discovered by William Slingsby in 1571, Harrogate’s waters have attracted visitors from far and wide. Its waters are known as chalybeate or ferruginous, which means they are high in salts of iron, as well as sulphur and common salt. Such waters have long been thought to possess properties conducive to healing and relaxation.
The beautiful Turkish Baths are the best place to experience Harrogate’s water, and can definitely be filed amongst 'not-to-be-missed' things to do in Harrogate. The Turkish Baths, which date back to the Victorian era, boast stunning Moorish style architecture, and are perfectly set up to offer you a luxurious morning or afternoon of relaxation and pampering. An essential part of any short break in Harrogate.
2. Bask in the beauty of RHS Garden Harlow Carr
Set in the Yorkshire countryside, the Royal Horticultural Society Garden Harlow Carr covers 68 acres. The garden offers a range of stunning landscapes from wildflower meadows to forests and more. Highlights of the gardens include a hedgehog-friendly garden, kitchen garden, winter walk, alpine house, and a streamside garden which is the longest of its kind in the UK.
Aside from the gardens, RHS Garden Harlow Carr offers a fantastic plant centre to pick up specimens for your own garden, a sizeable horticultural bookshop, and a library. Matching the splendour of the gardens, delicious food and drink is available from the famous Betty’s Café Tea Rooms who operate onsite.
3. Feast your eyes at Mercer Art Gallery
The Mercer Art Gallery is a small, but excellent quality gallery. Amongst the 2,000 piece collection is work from William Powell Frith, John Atkinson Grimshaw, Sir Edward Burne-Jones, Dame Laura Knight, and Alan Davie, as well as contemporary local artists. The artwork on display includes painting, photography, sculpture, and crafts. Entry is free.
The exhibits tend to have a strong connection with the local area. The landscape features prominently, including dales and moors, as well as urban and industrial Yorkshire scenes. The gallery is located in Harrogate’s impressive Promenade Rooms, not far from the Royal Pump Room Museum and Valley Gardens. A fantastic gallery to spend a couple of hours in the morning or afternoon, and an essential trip for lovers of arts and culture. Check their website for detailed information about what's on.
4. Creep around Mother Shipton’s Cave
The mysterious story of the medieval soothsayer Mother Shipton has attracted tourists for centuries to the cave, Petrifying Well, and unspoilt forest. Located in Knaresborough, the cave is the oldest tourist attraction in the UK, admitting its first paying visitor as far back as 1630.
Ursula Southeil, better known as Mother Shipton, is known as a soothsayer, and is said to have been born in the cave. While few legitimate remnants of her predictions remain, Mother Shipton’s legacy has been significant - references to the mysterious woman abound within folklore not just in the UK, but in Australia, and North America. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this beautiful place and learn more about the fascinating story of Mother Shipton.
5. Romp around Ripley Castle
Ripley Castle and its surrounding gardens is a brilliant day out in stunning surroundings. Located on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, 3 miles away from Harrogate, the castle is rich in history, and the grounds are extensive and beautiful. Guided tours of the castle are available all year round, although please note, you can only see the castle if you sign up for a tour - you can’t just wander in!
Tours of the gardens are also available, and we would recommend a stroll around the deer park, where you can see deer, rabbits, squirrels, herons, Canada and greylag geese, wigeons, pheasants, woodpeckers, and even kingfishers. There are also a range of activities on offer within the grounds including kayaking and canoeing on the lake, and even archery.
6. Have afternoon tea at Bettys Tea Rooms
Bettys Tea Rooms are known across the UK with good reason. After first opening in 1919 it has become a Yorkshire institution, now with six locations across the county. Besides the tearoom at Harlow Carr Gardens, Bettys operate two tea rooms in York, one in Northallerton, and one in Ilkley. But the first Bettys tea room, where the bakery is still based, is the one in Harrogate.
Pop in for a decadent afternoon tea and experience Bettys award-winning baking. A full, traditional afternoon tea is £19.95 per person and includes a selection of delicious sandwiches, scones, a selection of miniature cakes, and a pot of tea. It's definitely one of the most luxurious things to do in Harrogate. Book ahead to avoid the queue, and why not stay just down the road in The St George Hotel Harrogate.
7. Experience design and architecture at Harewood House
Harewood House was the stately home of Edwin Lascelles, and it boasts a connection with some of the greatest craftspeople and artisans of its time. York-born architect John Carr, interior designer Robert Adam, famed furniture maker Thomas Chippendale, and landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown all contributed to making this spectacular house a living work of art.
Located 7 miles from Harrogate, not far from Britannia Hotel, has a huge amount to offer. The house contains an impressive art collection, as well as many fine examples of Thomas Chippendale’s furniture. The grounds include the incredible landscaped gardens designed by Lancelot Brown including the Terrace, Lakeside, and Himalayan gardens. And the farm and bird garden are home to a delightful selection of wildlife. A rich experience that’s not to be missed.
8. Trek with the Nidderdale Llamas
Nip out to Nidderdale for a trek with one of the farm’s friendly and intelligent llamas. Choose from a short ‘experience’ or a longer ‘trek’ and enjoy the stunning views over the surrounding countryside with a lovely llama or alpaca. Children must be aged 7 or above to take part in the family experience, and 10 or above to do a trek. Due to demand, it’s essential that you book ahead.
9. Marvel at the mysterious Brimham Rocks
The mysterious rock formations at Brimham Rocks are the focal point of several beautiful walks. The surrounding moorland is home to several rare species of heather, and has been awarded status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is home to a wide variety of bird life, and grazing cattle have also been introduced to help manage the vegetation in this delicate ecosystem.
If you’re looking to add an extra dimension to your time at Brimham, the site is a popular spot for Geocaching and GeoSpotting. You can also stop by at the refreshment kiosk for delicious local pies from Voakes Pies of Whixley, and local crafts in the National Trust shop.
10. Learn about Harrogate’s heritage at the Royal Pump Room
Learn about Harrogate’s fascinating history as a spa town at the Royal Pump Room Museum. A Grade II listed building, at the beginning of the twentieth century the Royal Pump Room and Baths attracted over 15,000 visitors each summer from around the world to the ‘strongest sulphur wells in Europe.’ After the industry died down in the mid-twentieth century, these pump rooms were closed, and eventually turned into a museum.
If you have even a passing interest in history, the Royal Pump Room Museum is a must. Get a unique perspective on health, leisure, and tourism in the Victorian era in this fascinating and beautiful place.
11. Wander around Valley Gardens
Harrogate has no shortage of beautiful green spaces to explore, and the Valley Gardens are certainly amongst the best. Open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, the gardens are home to some 36 mineral wells. Along with the pine woodlands, the gardens cover 17 acres.
Aside from the beautiful gardens and woodland, here you will find a wide selection of outdoor activities including tennis courts, a pitch and putt golf course, crazy golf, a boating pool, and a children’s play area. You can enjoy light refreshments from the Magnesia Well Café. Fit a relaxing morning or afternoon out at these English Heritage Grade II listed gardens into your plans.
12. Explore the ruins of Knaresborough Castle
A ruined fortress overlooking the River Nidd, Knaresborough Castle is a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours. The castle dates back to the Norman era, around the year 1100. You can explore the castle by yourself or join a tour for a little more insight about its history. The castle also has ravens, one of which became the subject of a viral video in 2018.
There’s lots for kids to do at the castle’s museum. A computer game transports you back to life in the fourteenth, and the Courtroom Museum allows you to discover an original Tudor courtroom. Other activities include the ‘Life in a Castle’ gallery, and Civil War costumes to dress up in.
13. Get back to nature in Nidd Gorge
The dramatic, steep-sided valley at Nidd Gorge is a fantastic place to walk and soak in the wildlife and flora. The ravine that makes up 3 miles of the River Nidd is heavily wooded, and his home to a diverse range of butterflies and ladybirds, as well as bird life including treecreepers, nuthatches, and the lesser spotted woodpecker.
The woodland, which dates back to 1600, is made up of Coalpits Wood, Bilton Banks, Spring Wood, Scotton Banks, and Gates Wood, and is a popular destination for walkers.
14. Gorge yourself at The Fat Badger
If you’ve been on one of our many recommended woodland or garden walks in the area, treat yourself to lunch or dinner at The Fat Badger. Located in the Montpellier Quarter, this quirky pub, complete with a taxidermy badger, offers fantastic traditional food and drink.
The pub is set within a grand Georgian manor house, and is a top 2 AA rosette restaurant. Excellent quality in a fantastic setting make it a popular choice for a delicious and hearty meal.
15. See the enchanted forest at Stockeld Park
Stockeld Park opens at select times of the year for some fantastic family events. It’s a Grade I listed country house and estate, but the main attraction is its ‘enchanted’ forest and wide range of activities for children, including adventure playgrounds, mazes, buccaneer boats, and much more.
Dotted throughout the grounds, you’ll find a range of places to refuel, including the Woodland Café, Lake View Café and Ice Cream Parlour, and on busy days, Gretel’s Cabin and ‘Hansel’s Chocolate Box!’ Stockeld Park provides endless entertainment for the kids, while you can enjoy the woodland and beautiful woodland and cafés.
16. Learn about historic Harrogate life at Nidderdale Museum
Set up by a group of enthusiasts in 1975, Nidderdale Museum is a fantastic place to learn about traditional ways of life in the region. Entirely run by volunteers, the museum was presented with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2017.
The museum includes several absorbing exhibits on World War I and II, local industries such as mining and cobbling, a Victorian parlour, general store, school room, courthouse, and transport. It offers a brilliant insight into daily life in the past, and a fantastic day out for all the family. Highly recommended.
17. Go for a stroll on The Stray
Arguably Harrogate’s most famous landmark, The Stray is a stretch of 200 acres of open land linking the town’s wells and springs. Located just a short walk from the town, it contributes to the town’s spacious feel and is the perfect spot for picnics, games, and walks.
The Stray hosts occasional funfairs and events, and has also hosted the Great Yorkshire Show and Harrogate Flower Shows. Protected by an act of parliament, strict rules protect the land from building and other encroachments. It’s home to a wide stretch of grassland, as well as wildflowers, and cherry blossom trees.
18. Take a moment out at the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag
Situated near the River Nidd, half a mile from Knaresborough, the Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag is a fascinating spot with a history that date back to medieval times. The tiny shrine was carved by John the Mason in 1408 with permission of King Henry IV, and is thought to have been intended as a wayward shrine for pilgrims travelling between the town and priory.
Access to the chapel is restricted to make sure you check their website if you intend to go inside. A fascinating and beautiful place to explore and experience a moment of peace and tranquility.
19. Explore the independent shops on Cold Bath Road
Home to around 50 independent shops, Cold Bath Road is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon. Whether you’re looking for cafés, restaurants, fashion, or homeware, there’s a fantastic range of indie places to get stuck into in the ‘Notting Hill of Harrogate’.
In case you were wondering, the street’s unusual name stems from the town’s spa heritage. The nearby St Magnus’ Well was also known as the ‘Cold Well,’ and its water was used to treat eye problems. These days the well isn’t used in quite the same way, but the kooky name seems to suit the bohemian vibe quite nicely!
20. Catch a show at Harrogate Theatre
The stunning Harrogate Theatre is respected throughout the UK, and hosts a diverse programme of drama, comedy, dance, pantomime, and music. With both local and nationally touring acts on display, you’ll find something worth checking every night in one of the theatre’s two performance spaces.
Built in 1900, the theatre boasts beautiful design and architecture of its time which adds a whole extra dimension to the experience. A great place to head for a night of family entertainment. Check their website for up-to-date listings of what's on.