The historic spa town of Harrogate sits in the heart of Yorkshire and was once a fashionable spa resort. Now, it is a bustling town with independent bars, restaurants and hotels for visitors and residents alike.
We take a look at the best places to eat, drink and stay, plus the must-do activities for your next weekend break.
Three’s a Crowd is a rustic-chic gastropub serving modern twists on British classics. Overlooking the Stray- the large parkland in the middle of Harrogate- Three’s a Crowd is in an ideal location for a lunchtime meal or to try Yorkshire’s best Sunday roast. Using locally sourced ingredients, the team at Three’s a Crowd frequently update the menu to pair with available seasonal produce.
La Feria serves up authentic Andalusian tapas in a stunning restaurant and outdoor terrace. Decorated with tiles, doors and shutters salvaged from Spain, the restaurant feels like a little Spanish home from home. Their speciality is free-range rotisserie chicken infused with Spanish flavours as well as a selection of authentic tapas using ingredients sourced from artisan producers.
Betty’s is a Harrogate staple and has been serving up delicious afternoon teas and sweet treats for over 100 years. Their famous Fat Rascal scones are a bestseller in their Tea Rooms across Yorkshire, as is their classic service with staff wearing traditional black and white suits. They also offer all-day dining menus alongside their Afternoon Teas and is definitely not one to be missed on a visit to Harrogate.
The Fat Badger sits in the heart of the Montpellier Quarter in Harrogate’s town centre. Boasting local cask ales, unique cocktails and award-winning food, The Fat Badger is a traditional English pub with a twist. Located within The White Hart hotel, guests can enjoy a relaxing night away in one of their 90 bedrooms and apartments.
The Black Sheep Brewery visitor centre is just a short drive away in Masham and offers taste tours alongside a fully-stocked bar and favoured Yorkshire dishes in the on-site restaurant. Ideal for beer lovers, tours include a history of Black Sheep, a visit to the brewhouse and a tasting of their award-winning beers.
The West Park Hotel boasts an AA Rosette restaurant with its own kitchen garden for fresh ingredients, as well as stunning rooms with balconies, monsoon shower, underfloor heating and king-size beds. Ideal for a romantic getaway or as a base from which to explore Harrogate and the surrounding areas, the West Park Hotel is a little slice of luxury- and you can even take your dog.
The Harrogate Inn is one of The Inn Collection Group’s most popular venues and sits at the very heart of the town, with easy access to local amenities and transport links. The pubs with rooms company, who have over 40 venues across the UK, offers a variety of room sizes for solo travellers, couples or families. The on-site pub, Barking George, serves up traditional pub classics with an elevated twist.
Fountains Abbey is a unique World Heritage Site just a short drive away from Harrogate town centre. Managed by the National Trust, the site is home to ancient abbey ruins and the Studley Royal Water Garden. The ruins are one of the largest and best preserved in England and was once the site of a Cistercian monastery whilst the water garden is one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden, offering visitors a chance to explore lakes, canals, temples and waterfalls. The parkland is also home to over 300 deer who roam the many acres of land. Ideal for a family day out or a picnic, this is not one to miss.
Rudding Park Spa is the ideal venue for the ultimate relaxation experience with a roof top spa, hydrotherapy pools, sunlight therapy room amongst the highlights. Spa days also include a treatment and lunch at Horto- Rudding Park’s small plates and sharing dishes restaurant with a south-facing terrace. Just a short drive from Harrogate, a trip to Rudding Park is the perfect addition to a Yorkshire staycation.
