So you have 24 hours to spend in Harrogate. What should you do to make the best of your time here? What do the locals suggest? Where should we eat and drink?
This article will help you make the most of your 24 hours in Harrogate, as will most of this website if I’m honest! While you’re here why not check out these posts too:
- The Most Romantic Date Ideas in Harrogate
- The Ultimate Harrogate Bucket List
- 30+ Totally Free Activities in Harrogate
A morning in Harrogate:
1. You have to start your day with a visit to the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms. Enjoy a traditional English breakfast or indulge in their delicious pastries and cakes, sipping on a cup of Yorkshire Tea and watching the world go by. Bettys can get busy so make sure you check out my handy guide Make the Most of Your Visit to Bettys Harrogate.
2. After breakfast, walk down Montpellier Hill and take a stroll through the Valley Gardens. This beautiful park offers stunning floral displays, a boating lake, and a children’s play area. Take your time to relax and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
3. Once you’ve walked off your breakfast in the Valley Gardens, head to the Royal Pump Room Museum, located in the heart of Harrogate. Learn about the town’s history as a spa destination and explore the fascinating exhibits on display.
An Afternoon in Harrogate:
1. Grab a quick lunch at one of the many charming cafes or restaurants in the town centre. There are so many I could recommend to you but a few places close to the Pump Room museum that I’m sure you will love are:
- Crema Coffee Harrogate – Contemporary coffee bar offering brunch style meals
- The Fat Badger – Award winning Harrogate pub
- William & Victoria – One of the longest established restaurants in Harrogate
- Heal – Head here if you just fancy good coffee and cake because you’re still full from breakfast!
2. If you’re a fan of shopping, explore the independent boutiques and shops along the Montpellier Quarter. You’ll find unique gifts, fashion, and homeware items.
3. Visit the RHS Garden Harlow Carr, a stunning garden with beautiful landscapes, flower displays, and a variety of themed gardens. Take a leisurely walk through the gardens, enjoy the fresh air, and take in the natural beauty.
How to spend the evening in Harrogate:
1. Treat yourself to a relaxing spa experience at the Turkish Baths and Health Spa. Enjoy the steam rooms, saunas, and plunge pools for a rejuvenating experience. Read more about it here.
2. For dinner, choose from the many excellent restaurants in Harrogate. Whether you’re in the mood for traditional British cuisine or international flavours, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit your taste. With over 300 eateries to chose from you’ll be spoilt for choice! Here’s my top 5 restaurants in the town centre:
- Illam – An absolute little gem. Southern Indian cuisine at it’s best.
- The Ivy – All-day British fare presented in a stylish, sophisticated space with a bar area and terrace garden.
- The Orchid – Pioneer pan-Asian eatery serving innovative modern cuisine amid stylish mango and dark wood décor.
- Cattlemen’s – Lively, Western-style steakhouse offering Tex-Mex classics and chargrilled steaks, plus burgers.
- La Feria – Chic restaurant/bar with a terrace offering traditional Spanish cuisine, tapas & rotisserie chicken.
3. End your evening with a show at the Harrogate Theatre or catch a movie at the Everyman Cinema. Both venues offer a variety of entertainment options to enjoy. Keep an eye out for the Hyena Comedy Club shows that are on at the Harrogate theatre once a month.
There is so much more to do in Harrogate so I’m definitely going to make a series of 24hrs, weekend and week itineraries, what do you think?
In the mean time if you need any other ideas for places to visit, eat or stay, I’m only an email away!
