Escape the city this weekend to a gorgeous British spa town drenched in history.
Harrogate is your classic British spa town, with quaint cobbled streets, victorian buildings, lovely landscaped gardens and lots of great things to see and do.
Just 40 minutes from Leeds, it is the perfect place to relax in the great outdoors and revel in the beauty of the Yorkshire countryside. There is also a lively food and drink scene where you can get everything from fresh seafood platters to indulgent fondant fancies from the famous Betty's Tea Rooms.
With so much to see and do, here are our top picks to ensure you enjoy the best of what Harrogate has to offer.
Betty's Tea Rooms
Image: Betty's
After celebrating their 100 year anniversary, the famous Betty’s Tea Rooms are a Yorkshire institution and well worth a visit when in Harrogate. There are two locations to choose from, one in the centre on Parliament Street and the other nestled in the gorgeous Harlow Carr gardens.
Expect impeccable service, carefully curated seasonal menus and cakes that look just too good to eat. Their offerings celebrate their Yorkshire roots whilst paying homage to their Swiss heritage, a winning combination if you ask me. Grab a table by the window and treat yourself to the traditional afternoon tea whilst watching the world go by. Or order my favourite, a fat rascal scone lathered in warm butter served alongside a piping hot cup of Yorkshire tea, yum!
RHS Gardens Harlow Carr
Image: RHS
These beautiful gardens are filled with horticultural inspiration and are a must see when in Harrogate. Take a long, leisurely stroll around the gardens and basque in the incredible views. There are numerous different displays showcasing flowers from around the world including a light show at Christmas time.
There's also a Betty's Tea Room located inside the gardens for you to stop by. Enjoy an afternoon tea overlooking the garden or grab a takeaway hot chocolate to fuel your stroll around. Make sure to bring your camera as there are some stellar photo opportunities which you don't want to miss.
Turkish Baths
Image: Turkish Baths
After some much needed relaxation? Take the plunge at Harrogate's Turkish Baths followed by a steam and massage in one of Europe's leading spas. Relax to the max in gorgeously designed rooms lined with intricate mosaics and terrazzo flooring.
Book a group session which is the most cost efficient way to enjoy the baths, or treat yourself to a luxe facial and manicure, because we all deserve a bit of 'me' time. Having opened in the 1800s, these are now Britain's most fully restored, victorian Turkish baths and are not to be missed.
This Scandinavian inspired cafe is the place to go for fantastic service, a relaxed atmosphere and delicious food made with the best quality ingredients. Their breakfast menu consists of Scandinavian classics such as Pyttipane, a potato hash with onions, garlic and beetroot topped off with a crispy fried egg. If you fancy something sweet you can opt for the traditional Scandinavian waffles with Nutella and candied pecans.
The cafe is always buzzing with a friendly and warm atmosphere. If you're still after some more Baltzersens goodness after your visit, stop by the bakery and take home some croissants and cakes. You certainly won't be disappointed.
Built two hundred years ago as the Promenade Rooms, this lovely historical building was once a place for spa visitors to come and socialise. Later it became a theatre, then a town hall and was recently renewed into the marvellous Mercer Art Gallery in 1991.
Here you will find a range of ever-changing exhibitions including sculptures, photography, paintings and a mix of fine art as well as contemporary pieces from regional artists. There really is something for everyone to enjoy. The gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday, from 10-4pm and entry is free.
This pub has it all. Whether you're after a cosy nook to nestle into for a cracking Sunday roast or a table in the sunshine for a beer on a summer's day. Located smack bang in the centre of Harrogate, it couldn't be a more perfect pit stop to your busy day exploring the town.
Local cask ales, fantastic cocktails, fine wines and award winning, modern British food. What more could you want? The outdoor beer garden especially comes alive when the sun comes out, so I would recommend booking your trip to Harrogate when we enter into the summer months.
Feel like royalty and spend a night at this gorgeous, luxury hotel set over 300 acres of landscaped garden and woodland. If you can't stay over then you can book a spa day and enjoy the rooftop pool alongside a range of thermal and hydrotherapy treatments.
After you have been pampered, visit one of their numerous restaurants for a top class meal with expert service. I would recommend their famous, champagne afternoon tea which is served in their light and airy conservatory next to a 400 year old olive tree. You can even book a private cinema where you'll be escorted to after your dinner to watch a film of your choice.
The Drum and Monkey
Image: The Drum and Monkey
Located in the heart of the boutique Montpelier quarter, this independent, critically acclaimed restaurant have been serving fresh, seasonal and locally sourced seafood for over 50 years.
Share a cold seafood platter consisting of oysters, crab claws, langoustines, mussels and more alongside a crisps glass of white wine. Fancy something hot? Opt for their grilled dover sole with herb butter or their legendary Drum fish pie. One things for certain, you can expect impeccable service in a beautifully classic atmosphere.
Feature image: The Fat Badger
News
Rick Astley at First Direct Arena, Leeds – tickets, times, setlist and more for UK tour
Pop hitmaker Rick Astley is playing a few UK shows and is treating Leeds to a night of live music as part of The Reflection Tour.
Newton-le-Willows-born singer Rick Astley has achieved worldwide success, most notably with his work in the 80s alongside songwriting and production duo Stock-Aitken and Waterman.
Astley's album Whenever You Need Somebody has amassed 15 million sales across the globe and is a pivotal record that many would use to define 80s music.
On this LP is his huge hit 'Never Gonna Give You Up' which dropped back in 1987, with the track gaining more attention courtesy of social media trickery.
The worldwide recognition of this hit is all down to people online who deliberately link to the music video for this song, with the term being coined 'The Rickroll'.
Now, Rick Astley is returning to Leeds and ready to play out to over 13,500 people at one of Leeds' biggest indoor arenas First Direct Arena this April.
Gig guide | Rick Astley at First Direct Arena, Leeds - all you need to know
Rick Astley is bringing The Reflection Tour to Leeds this April / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
Rick Astley UK tour dates
Fri 10 April - Glasgow, UK - OVO Hydro
Sat 11 April - Newcastle, UK - Utilita Arena
Mon 13 April - Belfast, UK - SSE Arena
Tue 14 April - Dublin, IE - 3Arena
Thu 16 April - Liverpool, UK - M&S Bank Arena
Fri 17 April - Manchester, UK - Co-op Live
Sat 18 April - Leeds, UK - First Direct Bank Arena
Mon 20 April - Bournemouth, UK - Bournemouth International Centre
Tue 21 April - Cardiff, UK - Utilita Arena
Wed 22 April - Nottingham, UK - Motorpoint Arena
Fri 24 April - Birmingham, UK - BP Pulse Live
Sat 25 April - London, UK - The O2
Fri 5 June - Scarborough, UK - Scarborough Open Air Theatre
Fri 19 June - Newport, UK - Isle of Wight Festival
Wed 24 June - Llangollen, UK - Llangollen Pavilion
Thu 25 June - Lincoln, UK - Lincoln Castle
Sat 27 June - Gloucester, UK - Westonbirt Arboretum
Fri 24 July - Ludlow, UK - Ludlow Castle
Sat 25 July - Sheffield, UK - Tramlines
Sat 30 August - Silverstone, UK - Carfest
Are there any tickets left for Rick Astley in Leeds?
No need to 'Cry For Help', there's plenty of tickets for Rick Astley's Leeds show at First Direct Arena and you can grab yours HERE.
It's been 'Driving Me Crazy' waiting for the right opportunity to do a little Rickrolling of my own - the actual tickets can be found HERE.
Rick Astley setlist for 2026 tour
The Reflection Tour sees Rick Astley play various shows and festivals across the UK / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
This year will mark Rick Astley's first official headline tour since 2024 meaning a full setlist is yet to be confirmed.
Here is a setlist from 2024 when the 80s performer played a series of festival sets:
Never Gonna Stop
Together Forever
Beautiful Life
It Would Take a Strong Strong Man
Dippin My Feet
Start Me Up (The Rolling Stones cover)
She Wants to Dance With Me
Juice (Lizzo cover)
Forever and More
Hold Me in Your Arms
Seventeen Going Under (Sam Fender cover)
Cry For Help
Dance
Angels On My Side
Whenever You Need Somebody (O 'Chi Brown cover)
Good Times (Chic cover)
Highway to Hell (AC/DC cover)
Maria Love
Never Gonna Give You Up
Stage times for Rick Astley and support act for First Direct Arena, Leeds
Doors for Rick Astley's The Reflection Tour are set to open from 6.30pm with an official starting time of 7.30pm.
Support for this show comes in the form of another celebrated UK performer who achieved prominence the decade after Astley - Gabrielle.
This R&B-pop singer is recognised for her 1993 hit 'Dreams' and is known for soundtracking the 90s and noughties with multiple chart entries throughout the decades.
Located on Dyer Street next to Leeds City Bus Station and approx. 15min walk from first direct arena and is wheelchair friendly.
Support and help for any persons with a disability is available as the station is a registered ‘Safe place’ to come into and ask for assistance.
Nearest Bus Stops
Clay Pit Lane
Wade Lane/Lovell Park Road
Woodhouse Lane
Nearest Train Station
Leeds City Station on New Station Street is around a 15min walk from first direct arena and a major hub on the national, regional and local rail network providing connections to a wide variety of destinations.
Parking
There are over 7,500 car parking spaces within a 15-minute walk of the arena. The arena doesn’t have it’s own car park however there are lots of options nearby. To receive 5% off Q Park when attending a show at first direct arena click here
The nearest Car Park with EV charging is located on Albion Street click here.
None of the above car parks are operated by the arena so for questions, queries or comments we ask that you contact the companies directly.
Hiring Bikes in Leeds
If you’re looking to hire a bike in Leeds, here are some of the best options you can try:
Beryl bikes – you’ll find the ‘Leeds City Bikes’ from Beryl stationed throughout the city. These are all e-bikes, and they’re available to hire on a pay-as-you-go basis. It costs £1 to unlock the bikes, and then 16p per minute to use them. We’d say these are great for zipping around the city and getting from A to B.
Talio – for a wider selection of electric bikes to choose from, Talio based at Buslinthorpe Green is a great option. From this company, you can hire cruiser bikes, mountain bikes, and cargo bikes. Prices start from £20 per day for rental, but if you’re hiring for a month or longer you’ll get a good discount.
And about the rickrolling earlier... sorry not sorry.
Featured Images - Press shots via Peter Neill / Wikimedia Commons via Raph_PH
News
Audio North’s Artist of the Month: Sharan | April 2026
Thomas Melia
Why have one northern city when you can have two? Sharan, our latest Artist of the Month, was born in Leeds and is now based in Liverpool.
Giving herself the titles of DJ, workshop facilitator and community advocate while also balancing life as a cardiac physiologist – is there anything Sharan can’t do?
This multi-talented music maker has played sets for Crop Radio, supported Sammy Virji, Barry Can’t Swim, SBTRKT and even soundtracked Liverpool FC’s official store ahead of a new kit launch.
Her sets cover all different music genres, meaning she can fit and curate any vibe, including UK funk, Amapiano, house and more.
Images: Press shots
An interview with Sharan – Audio North’s Artist of the Month
Now, the Leeds-born DJ takes a break from the decks, community programmes and medical assistance to chat about being Audio North‘s latest Artist of the Month.
What music did you grow up listening to?
I’ve always been around music. My Dad brought me up on Queen and then when I got to school my best friend listened to Bassline, UK Funky and I downloaded all these songs onto my Blackberry.
Annie Mac and Hannah Wants were real inspirations for me growing up and seeing female DJs in the media is great.
Tell us about the work you do in the DJ community?
I’m originally from Leeds but moved to Liverpool for work four years ago and I’ve become quite heavily involved in the DJ community. I do workshops through ‘Decks in the City‘; I’m a DJ Programmer for Dishoom and I play gigs across the North too.
Why do you want to give back to the DJ scene?
I joined a charity called Getaway Girls, who I still am with today, and I joined a music group through them and I remember decks being in the corner of the room and being intrigued. Then, at 14 I started going to their music workshops.
They’re the reason I got into music and inspired me to want to make the music industry a fairer place for women as well as advocating for women in music.
I love teaching women how to get into music or giving them the opportunity they wouldn’t necessarily have.
What do you hope to achieve through your DJ workshops?
I believe everyone should have the chance to try out being a DJ, or more broadly just have a go at learning a new skill in relation to music.
I want to give everyone a fair and equal chance to learn how to DJ and that’s why the courses I do are accessible and affordable.
As a South Asian DJ who’s also a woman, I want to encourage women and anyone from underrepresented communities to get involved.
In the long run, I’d love to improve festival line-ups and make the distribution of live music opportunities fairer.
What have been some of your favourite experiences as a DJ so far?
Alongside my community work, I’ve played at Leeds Festival for JD Sports and supported some big acts including Barry Can’t Swim, Virji, SBTRKT and Girls Don’t Sync.
What’s one fun fact about you?
I’m not just a DJ, I’m also a cardiac physiologist. It’s a really big part of my life aside from being a DJ. I balance the two together, I’m passionate about both.
How does your heritage influence your work?
I’m South Asian and I remember the Bend It Like Beckham soundtrack so vividly growing up. It fused British pop with Bhangra and Bollywood, it was revolutionary.
Even the storyline of the film itself resonates with me, watching the girl pursuing football against her parents wishes, something I’m doing by going against ‘the norm’ through following my dream of being a DJ.
I love this film and soundtrack so much that I wrote an article about this which explores the soundtrack and its impact on British Asian Youth.
Featured Images – The Manc Group/Press Shots (supplied via Liam Heeley)
Clementine Hall -
25th March 2022 
