Harrogate & Knaresborough

Harrogate & Knaresborough

Harrogate is the definitive boutique spa town in the heart of Yorkshire. Its thriving streets buzz with busy Harrogate shops and eateries. An eclectic cultural scene of events is interspersed among many popular consumer shows and the spa heritage that can be seen at every turn.

Possibly the most distinctive feature of Harrogate is its vast open space that surrounds the town centre, known locally as the Stray, at 200 acres this gives Harrogate town centre a green and spacious feel unique to the town.

Born through a boom in Spa tourism during the Victorian 1800s Harrogate quickly developed a reputation for luxurious getaways for body and soul. The high society of the Victorian Britain flocked to Harrogate to enjoy the air, the space and the therapeutic spa treatments as well as taking the famous Harrogate waters.

This reputation continues to be well deserved. Modern day Harrogate is the go-to destination for relaxation and indulgence, synonymous with quality shopping and afternoon tea.

The Spa history continues to shape the town with several superb spas, including the original Turkish Baths in the iconic Royal Baths building in the centre of town.

Knaresborough is full of surprises, a warren of medieval streets and stone staircases that weave their way up and down the hill. The town centre is perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd and the imposing railway viaduct across the Nidd Gorge offers an amazing view to visitors as they arrive by train.

There are plenty of things to do in Knaresborough all year round. The marketplace in the centre of the town offers a great place to enjoy a cup of tea or something delicious and home baked.

At the base of the cliffs on which the town sits, you will find a delightful promenade that traps the sun in summer, with a coastal feel despite being more than 60 miles from the sea making a great place to enjoy an ice-cream or indulge in the tradition English pastime of ‘simply mucking about in boats’.