Harrogate’s enchanting landscapes, elegant architecture and glorious open spaces all make for beautiful views when sipping an ice cold drink in the sunshine. But where are the best places to take a seat, order your favourite beverage and soak in the scenic views?
Join us as we discover the best places in Harrogate to enjoy a tipple (and food if you wish) with the best views, rooftop bars and even glass floors! Why not add some of these venues into one of our Visit Harrogate Itineraries?
1. The Water Rat – Ripon
24 Bondgate Green, Ripon, HG4 1QW
This has to be my personal favourite and I would like to thank the great British weather for clouding over and spitting whilst I was taking these photos. A warm, inviting pub, situated by the river in the picturesque city of Ripon. Offering traditional homecooked meals coupled with a wide selection of the best quality real ales.
With the opportunity to be seated outside by the river, or cosy inside by the fire, there is the chance to enjoy your time here whatever the weather. Drawing inspiration from its idyllic surrounding the pub offers the perfect environment whether you are out for an afternoon drink or a Sunday carvery.
2. The Barking George at The Harrogate Inn
1 Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SY
Our newest addition on the list, The Barking George is the bar & restaurant attached to The Harrogate Inn, formerly The St George Hotel.
There’s a brand new drinks terrace looking over the Turkish Baths building and crescent gardens making this the perfect place to enjoy a drink whilst watching the world go by.
If the weather isn’t on your side there are still tables inside looking over the bustling streets and lush gardens.
3. The Café at How Stean Gorge
Lofthouse, Pateley Bridge, Harrogate, HG3 5SF
The only destination nearby with a glass floor! This licenced café is something else, and the perfect place to stop if you are out exploring the Dales.
The café itself sits right in the heart of Nidderdale with amazing views of How Stean Gorge through panoramic window and glass floor with glimpses of the dramatic, picturesque Yorkshire Dales.
When the sun is out, go alfresco. You can eat, drink and be merry in the outside seating area which offers a great little play area for the small people. Find out more about the cafe and all the activities they offer here.
4. The West Park Hotel
19 West Park, Harrogate, HG1 1BJ
Perched on the edge of Harrogate’s famous Stray, the West Park offers stunning views of the open fields and tree lined pathways.
Seating to the front of the hotel is limited but well worth trying to secure your spot in the sun. Failing that there is a love island vibes courtyard at the rear. Both inside and out, The West Park is a must visit place for those seeking a touch of sophistication.
5. MOJO
Parliament Street, Harrogate, HG1 2RE
For cocktails, bottomless brunches, live sports, shuffleboard tables and mega food, MOJO is the place to party in Harrogate. Opening 12pm to 4am daily.
For me the thing that makes MOJO so special is the roof terrace. Quite a few places in Harrogate boast about rooftop bars and terraces but there is nowhere else in this part of town offering views like these. Oh and can you tell I love their neon signs too!
6. The Watermill Café
Lido Leisure Park, Wetherby Rd, Knaresborough HG5 8LH
Possibly the best place on the list to visit if you have kids in tow. They can run free and even have a paddle in the river on warmer days.
Sit outside on the balcony and enjoy the views of the river Nidd and the weir or take a seat upstairs in the café and admire the views from the window.
You can grab a take out too and head down to the waters edge. Behind the cafe is a tiny pebbled ‘beach’ which is great for skimming stones but keep your shoes on here because there was glass mixed in with the pebbles.
7. Café Nero
6 Cambridge Cres, Harrogate HG1 1PE
It’s not often I mention chains on the blog but when they come with a view like this I didn’t want it to go unnoticed.
Perfect for those who want to look out over the cenotaph in the centre of Harrogate, without queueing for Bettys! (Btw if you do want to visit Bettys make sure you check out my ‘Insider tips and tricks’ blog to make the most of your visit).
Massive thanks to Marcy at Manifest.hq for letting me use her gorgeous photo!
8. Everyman Cinema
Westgate House, Station Parade, Harrogate HG1 1HQ
This is a massively overlooked place to eat and drink in Harrogate as you only really think about it when you visit the cinema.. and at their film prices I cant say we visit to watch films that frequently.. but we do love the bar/restaurant.
The outdoor seating looks out onto Harrogate’s library gardens which are especially stunning during spring and summer.
9. Old Magnesia Well Pump Room
Valley Dr, Harrogate HG2 0JH
The Valley Gardens has to be one of the most beautiful places to visit in Harrogate so it makes perfect sense that their café makes the list.
Sit on the terrace or grab a coffee to go and enjoy a walk around the gardens the choice is yours.
10. The Place
The Crown Hotel, Royal Parade, Harrogate HG1 2RZ
Access the The Place via the Crown Hotel or just behind the hotel opposite the Pump Rooms.
Ok so this venue doesn’t have sweeping views like some of the others but it does look out onto one of my favourite streets and buildings in Harrogate.
11. The Time Cafe @ Stump Cross Caverns
Greenhow Hill, Pateley Bridge, HG3 5JL
Heading up into the dales? The Time cafe at Stump Cross is a great place to stop and refuel. You don’t have to venture into the caves if you don’t want to, just stop by for a coffee and soak up the views.
There are so many amazing places to go for a drink in the area but these are definitely my favourites if you want a drink with a view in Harrogate. Is there anywhere else you’d add?
