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Harrogate Local Information: 10 top things to know... more

  • 1. History

    Harrogate is an attractive spa town located in North Yorkshire, England. During the Georgian era the town became known as ‘The English Spa’ after its waters, containing iron, sulphur and common salt, were first discovered during the 16th Century. During the 17th and 18th centuries the town’s spa waters were a very popular health treatment and wealthy visitors came to th...Read moree town in droves, contributing significantly to Harrogate’s wealth. Read less

  • 2. Now

    Harrogate offers a stylish destination for locals and visitors alike, with a fine offering of high street and independent outlets, beautiful gardens and attractions aplenty. Some of the well-known businesses here are Bettys Café Team Rooms and Farrah’s with its Original Harrogate Toffee: both to be highly recommended.

  • 3. Events

    The town is home to The Great Yorkshire Show: one of the UK’s leading agricultural events. Held over three days every July, this show dates back to 1838 when the first Yorkshire Show was held in Fulford, York. Over 120,000 people visit the show each year.

  • 4. Attractions

    Harrogate features some stunning gardens. These include the RHS Harlow Carr Gardens and the Valley Gardens. Visit at any time of year and you are sure to find something in the gardens in and around Harrogate to please the eye and satisfy your horticultural interest. If you want more, visit the Harrogate Flower Shows held in Spring and Autumn.

  • 5. Things To Do

    The Turkish Baths and Health Spa in central Harrogate are the perfect place to relax and switch off from the world. Turkish Baths were common during Victorian times, but now only seven remain that date back to the 19th Century. Harrogate is the most historically complete of these and is in full working order. A visit is a real must for locals and visitors alike. You’ll be...Read more amazed at the Baths’ Moorish design featuring wonderful arches and screens, striking glazed brickwork, painted ceilings and terrazzo floors. Read less

  • 6. Business

    Harrogate is a thriving business centre. The town is home to the Harrogate International Centre and approximately £150 million is generated in the town due to conference and exhibition business. The knock-on of this is that it helps to create 3,000 local jobs in supporting industries such as guesthouses, hotels, shops, restaurants, transport and event services.

  • 7. Transport

    Harrogate is served by a total of four railway stations: these are in Harrogate town centre, at Hornbeam Park, Pannal and Starbeck. There are good bus services and road transport. The closest airport is Leeds Bradford International Airport, to which there are regular bus services, and Manchester Airport can be reached by train via Leeds Railway Station.

  • 8. Entertainment

    Harrogate Theatre was built just before the turn of the century and opened on January 11th, 1900, with a charity gala for British soldiers fighting the Boer War in South Africa. Over recent years major refurbishment works have been undertaken at the theatre and many of its original features restored. Since its opening many well known names of screen and stage have appeared at...Read more Harrogate Theatre. These have included Charlie Chaplin, Trevor Howard, Kate O’Mara, Martin Shaw, John Noakes and Ben Kingsley. Read less

  • 9. Famous Landmarks

    Harrogate is filled with fine examples of building and architecture, including the Royal Hall Theatre and the Royal Pump Room. The Royal Hall Theatre, a Grade II listed building, was designed by Frank Matcham. The Royal Hall is a very important national heritage building and is widely recognised as being one of the leading entertainment venues outside London in times past. I...Read moret was restored between 2006 and 2008 and was formally reopened after the work by The Prince of Wales. The Royal Hall, which is owned and run by Harrogate International Centre, is the UK’s only surviving Kursaal. The Royal Pump Room houses Europe’s strongest sulphur well. It is now a museum showcasing Harrogate’s spa history. Read less

  • 10. Interesting Fact

    Hales Bar in Harrogate: the town’s only traditional gas-lit bar, was used by Sir John Barbirolli when the Halle Orchestra played in the town. It was also used for interior scenes in the famous Chariots of Fire film.

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