10 Things to Do in Harrogate in 2025

‍Discover North Yorkshire’s boutique spa town – with walks, wellness, tearooms and a touch of grandeur

Nestled between the Dales and the Vale of York, Harrogate isn’t just somewhere your gran goes for tea. It’s a town that’s managed to keep its Victorian charm without turning into a museum piece – where you can sip sulphur water one minute and Spanish tapas the next. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend break or passing through on a Great North road trip, here’s how to make the most of it.

🌸 1. Wander through Valley Gardens and The Stray

Harrogate does green space very well. Valley Gardens is the jewel in the town’s floral crown, a 17-acre park packed with colour, history, and quiet corners to read a book or stretch your legs. Look out for the Art Deco Sun Pavilion, mineral springs, and seasonal displays.

A short stroll away, The Stray offers 200 acres of open grassland that wraps around the town centre like a greenbelt hug. Spring cherry blossoms here are something else.

🌿 2. Visit RHS Garden Harlow Carr

If you like your greenery a little more curated, RHS Harlow Carr is just outside town and well worth the detour. Think wildflower meadows, alpine rockeries, water features, and family-friendly woodland trails – all laid out across 58 acres of landscaped hillside.

There’s also a Betty’s Tea House on site, so you can enjoy a fat rascal among the foxgloves.

💧 3. Step into history at the Royal Pump Room Museum

Back when ‘taking the waters’ was the done thing, Harrogate was the place to be. The Royal Pump Room Museum brings that era to life – complete with original spring wells and a whiff of sulphur that’ll stay with you longer than the exhibits. Entry’s cheap and it doesn’t take long, but it’s worth it for the Victorian strangeness alone.

🔥 4. Steam, soak, and unwind at the Turkish Baths

Still in operation since 1897, Harrogate’s Turkish Baths are one of the few remaining in the country. The Moorish tiles, arched ceilings and eucalyptus-infused heat rooms feel like stepping into another world – and that’s before you’ve booked a massage.

If you’ve been camping nearby or done a hike out in Nidderdale, this is the spot to put yourself back together.

🏛️ 5. Explore Harrogate’s independent side in the Montpellier Quarter

Wander through the Montpellier Quarter – a small tangle of cobbled streets home to galleries, antique shops, cafes, and indie boutiques. It’s the bit of Harrogate that feels least polished and most alive, often with buskers or festival events spilling into the square.

Grab a coffee at Bean & Bud or try the wine flights at The Fat Badger.

🍰 6. Do the full tea thing at Bettys

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it. Bettys Café Tea Rooms have been serving afternoon tea since 1919, and they’ve nailed it. Expect dainty sandwiches, fine china, piano music, and a pudding trolley that should come with a warning.

Don’t skip the Fat Rascal scone – it’s halfway between a teacake and a life event.

🪨 7. Climb around Brimham Rocks

A short drive out into the Nidderdale AONB brings you to Brimham Rocks, a bizarre natural playground of giant sandstone formations. It’s like a Dales version of a sci-fi set. Great for kids, photographers, or anyone who fancies scrambling up something without needing full hiking gear.

🛁 8. Go full luxury at Rudding Park

Just a few minutes south of town sits Rudding Park, a stately hotel and spa with all the bells and whistles. Rooftop hydrotherapy, forest bathing, a private cinema and a tasting menu restaurant. Not cheap, but a proper treat if you’re making Harrogate a base for a romantic weekend.

📍 9. Day trips: castles, caves and riverside charm

If you’re in town for more than a day or two, there’s plenty just beyond Harrogate to explore.

• Knaresborough: Riverside walks, a dramatic viaduct, and Mother Shipton’s Cave.
• Ripley Castle: Family seat of the Ingilbys for over 700 years, with lakeside walks and tea rooms.
• Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal: World Heritage Site with monastic ruins and deer parks.
• Otley and Nidderdale: For walks, pub lunches, and proper countryside.

🕰️ 10. When to visit, where to stay

• Best time: Spring and summer for gardens, Christmas for cosy cafes and lights.
• Parking: Plenty of car parks, but beware fines – Harrogate’s not shy with wardens.
• EV charging: Available at Victoria MSCP and Asda, plus at Rudding Park if staying.
• Campervan-friendly: Try Harrogate Caravan Park or Rudding Holiday Park – both clean, well-reviewed, and close to town.