Neighbourhood know-how, places and people
Location Location
Following the discovery of its therapeutic waters in the 16th Century, Harrogate's reputation as a go-to destination was sealed. Where once the high society of Victorian Britain flocked to enjoy the air, space and famous waters, Harrogate has now become the definitive modern boutique spa town, with quality shopping, a thriving cultural scene and the iconic Bettys Café and Tearooms. It also boasts its own incredible Turkish Baths built in 1897 and prestigious performance hall and theatre, The Royal Hall. One of the most distinctive features of Harrogate is the vast 200 acres of open space that surrounds the centre, known as the Stray, which along with the Valley Gardens and RHS Harlow Carr gives the town a unique green and spacious feel.
Just 30 minutes to Leeds by car and train, Harrogate is perfectly placed for commuters. The upgraded A1M is also only a half an hour drive away, which quickly opens up the eastern corridor to Hull and the North East. A further plus for holiday makers and commuters is that Leeds Bradford Airport is not only a 45 minute drive away but is served by an hourly direct bus service from Harrogate Bus Station.
Bag a Property
As part of Yorkshire's famous golden triangle, Harrogate is a property hotspot thanks to its beautiful homes, good schools and excellent transport links. Modest one to two bedroom flats and terraced houses start at £150K, with the most remarkable properties residing in the centrally located Duchy area which can command asking prices of up to £3m.
With several brand new housing developments currently in progress around the town, Harrogate continues to offer a wide range of very appealing properties.
Explore
The perfect place to start exploring Harrogate is from the charming and timeless Montpellier Quarter. Its lush gardens and year round floral displays are home to Bettys Café and Tearooms, Farrah's famous toffee shop and food emporium along with many other exclusive retail outlets and pavement cafes, bars and restaurants.
It is also Harrogate's cultural hub featuring the acclaimed Mercer Art Gallery and historic Royal Pump Room Museum, which in addition to its historic costume exhibitions is also custodian of the town's spa heritage, including one of its original sulphur wells - from which you can still take a sip!
Retail Therapy
At a time when one High Street can look like the next, Harrogate's stands out. The town has always attracted the discerning shopper and this is never more true than now; take pleasure in browsing a wide variety of exclusive and independent shops from luxury lingerie brand, Rigby and Peller to Scandinavian inspired fashion and homewares at Bias on Cold Bath Road and Covet at Montpellier Gardens.
One of the north's premier vintage stores, Space Vintage currently celebrates its tenth year in the town and is home to a vast array of quirky and eclectic fashion, accessories and homewares.
Café & Cocktails
Fans of artisan and locally sourced produce will love town centre Weetons food hall and all day restaurant - the perfect place for a relaxing brunch. For the ultimate gin cocktail seek out The Spirit of Harrogate, the High Street home of the town's Slingsby Gin (made with Harrogate water) which hosts a variety of 'gin experiences'. There are innumerable quality restaurants to choose from but for real old school charm try The Ivy (perfect for cocktails too!) or William and Victoria.
If you love real Italian then Stuzzi is the place to head. And, for afternoon tea, it really has to be the Harrogate institution of Bettys - booking recommended!
