Dragon Parade, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1

Shoppings

With a great selection of well-established independents, including the legendary upmarket fabric and home emporium – Woods, and even the Queen’s former lingerie supplier, Rigby and Peller has a shop in Harrogate. The Montpellier Quarter is a hub for stylish independents and there are lots of well-known high street brands including Primark, The White Company and Jack Wills in the town. James Street, West Park, Cold Bath Road, Commercial Street, Beulah Street and Parliament Street all provide plenty of opportunities for retail therapy and there’s also a great range of supermarkets. 

Eating and drinking

When it comes to eating and drinking in Harrogate - the famous Bettys tea rooms is a huge pull for tourists and locals alike. With a town centre tea room and another based on the outskirts of town at Harlow Carr, its popular cafes and shops sell a range of delicious treats and there is often a queue snaking around the corner of Parliament Street with eager customers patiently waiting for the unique Bettys experience. The Ivy is the place to be seen in Harrogate town centre with a glamorous décor and delightful menu. 

There are also lots of established national chains sitting comfortably alongside independently owned restaurants and cafes. Many locals make sure they support the stalwarts of the town including the likes of William & Vics, The Drum & Monkey and The Orchid. Once the food has settled, there is a tremendous choice of independently owned and managed pubs and bars in Harrogate. 

Leisure time

Golfers can choose from four established golf courses in and around Harrogate, which are of a championship standard. With popular and well-established rugby and football clubs there’s a match nearly every weekend! There’s also a thriving athletics club, a park run, a plethora of gyms, a modern leisure centre, a fabulous indoor climbing facility and a gymnastics centre at Hornbeam Park.. For a more relaxing time Harrogate boasts two cinemas - the swanky Everyman and great value Odeon. 

Harrogate's claim to fame

Harrogate is most famous for its cream teas and Turkish baths. The classic spa town is also well-known for its quaint streets, historic houses, landscaped gardens and charming welcome. Harrogate has been put on the international map at least twice – once when it hosted the Eurovision song contest in 1982 and again in 2014 when it served as the finish line of the first stage of the Tour de France.

Harrogate's best kept secret

Harrogate’s Royal Hall, which is over 100 years old, is well-known for its spectacular décor and breathtaking setting but many people don’t realise that Harrogate theatre runs a fabulous programme of entrainment throughout the year with a series of nationally renowned companies alongside live comedic performances and musicians.  Harrogate theatre also hosts an annual fun packed pantomime in its own charming building – oh yes it does!