The best things to do in Harrogate at the weekend
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
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
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
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.
Find out more about the Turkish Baths here.
Baltzersens
Image: Baltzersens
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.
Find out more here.
Mercer Art Gallery
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.
Find out more here.
The Fat Badger
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.
Find out more here.
Rudding Park Spa
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
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