What Are The Best Things To Do in Harrogate?

Harrogate is a beautiful spa town in the picturesque county of North Yorkshire, England. Due to its wonderful location, history, stunning natural scenery and vibrant culture, there are so many incredible things to do when visiting the area. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll along the River Nidd, a spot of shopping in the town centre or a cultural outing at one of Harrogate’s many galleries and museums, there is something for everyone. We’ve rounded up the very best tourist attractions, activities and events in Harrogate, so you can make the most of your stay and explore everything this wonderful destination has to offer.

1. Spend a Day at the Great Yorkshire Showgrounds

One of the most popular attractions in the area is the Great Yorkshire Showgrounds, which can be found just outside Harrogate town centre. The showgrounds mainly host agricultural and horticultural events throughout the year, including cattle shows and sales, sheep competitions and holiday markets. Visitors can explore the grounds, experience the entertainment and sample some of the delicious locally sourced food and drink on offer. Though many of the events take place in the summer months, the main attraction is the Great Yorkshire Show – a three-day celebration that features livestock judging, equestrian competitions and special exhibitions, continues to draw people from across the globe each July.

2. Take a Tour of Harlow Carr Gardens

Situated just two miles from central Harrogate, the Harlow Carr Gardens are a must-see destination for visitors to the area. Set within 64 acres of beautiful woodland, the gardens feature a stunning collection of plants and flowers that have been expertly laid out by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). Throughout the year, visitors can explore over 170 different species of plants and flowers, and take part in organised events and activities such as pottery classes and guided tours. For a truly unforgettable British experience, why not take tea at Betty’s café – a classic British tea room chain that dates back to 1919.

3. Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at Snibston Discovery Museum

Those looking to get their adrenaline pumping should head over to Snibston Discovery Museum – the perfect place for families to come and enjoy an action-packed day out. The museum features an array of interactive displays, activities and experiments that explore science, technology and mining. Visitors of all ages can take part in interactive workshops, as well as enjoy thrilling rides such as the Gravity Shuttle, Human Cannonball and Watercoaster. There are also plenty of educational activities available that are perfect for young children.

4. Take a Stroll Along Ripley High Street

Ripley is a charming village located just a few miles from Harrogate and it’s well worth a visit when you’re in town. The ancient High Street is home to some of Ripley’s oldest buildings – including pubs, churches and homes that date back centuries. Strolling along the street will allow you to really appreciate the heritage of this beautiful village and there are several independent shops to explore along the way. Many of which boast antiques and second-hand goods peppered with modern favourites such as art galleries and bookstores.

5. Explore Harrogate Showcase Trail

Discover everything that Harrogate has to offer with walking trails that take you to some of its most iconic landmarks. The Architecture Trail will guide visitors around the historic streets of Harrogate, pointing out various landmarks from different eras including Georgian homes, Victorian civic buildings and modern museums. The Showcase Trail also guides visitors around some of the town’s popular attractions such as The Spa, Valley Gardens and Betty’s Café Tea Rooms – perfect for getting an insight into the local culture and attractions.

6. Relax & Unwind at Valley Gardens

Situated just outside central Harrogate, Valley Gardens is a beautiful green space home to acres of fragrant shrubs and open fields that are ideal for lazy days out in the sun with friends or family members. The gardens feature several ponds offering scenic views of Ripley Castle Estate nearby and there are plenty of picnic spots for those looking for some light refreshments. Valley Gardens also boasts period statues, ornate archways and modern art installations – providing an unforgettable experience for those interested in exploring Harrogate’s rich culture and heritage.

7. Experience History at Ripley Castle & Gardens

Home to some of Yorkshire’s finest historical attractions, Ripley Castle & Gardens is an absolute must-visit for those spending time in Harrogate. The castle was built almost 900 years ago by Sir Thomas Ingilby and stands on the spectacular private estate comprising of landscaped gardens, woods, parkland and lakes as well as dozens of unique historical buildings including churches and gatehouses. You can take self-guided tours around the castle and estate which offers visitors an insight into its long-standing history – with highlights such as terraced walks around the gardens, beautiful rose arches, historical models of Ripley Castle and tea rooms serving delicious cakes and afternoon tea treats.

8. Visit Harrogate Theatre

Harrogate Theatre is a large performing arts complex located in central Harrogate that has been entertaining visitors since 1878. This vibrant venue is home to a diverse programme of theatre shows from household names such as Shakespeare, John Godber and Kneehigh Theatre Company as well as popular musicals such as Cats and West Side Story – making it perfect for dancers, theatre enthusiasts and music fans alike. The theatre also welcomes several touring acts throughout the year – from hits such as Michael McIntyre’s Big Show to pop sensations like 1970s disco legends ABBA featuring live onstage performances from tribute bands. Plus there are regular plays from local drama groups running throughout each season – so there really is something for everyone at Harrogate Theatre.

9. Sample Delicious Treats Along Betty’s Tearoom Trail

Thanks to its beautiful location between two rivers, Harrogate has long been associated with classic tearooms – so what better way to spend an afternoon than sampling some classic North Yorkshire treats? Betty’s Tearoom Trail is an organised tour between four different stalwarts – starting with Betty’s Tea Room on Parliament Street before visiting Coronation Hall on West Park, Tewits Tearoom on Westmoreland Street before ending at St Wilfrid’s Tea Room on Cornmarket. All four locations offer delicious food delights from artfully crafted cakes to sandwiches served on silver platters – making this one tasty tour you won’t want to miss!

10. Sample Local Ales on a Neighbourhood Pub Crawl

Harrogate not only has plenty of exciting activities for its visitors but also a vibrant selection of pubs that are well renowned throughout North Yorkshire. A good place to start your pub crawl would be Arcadia Ale & Cider House on Oxford Street – offering an impressive selection of ales brewed in-house alongside traditional UK ciders made from locally sourced apples harvested seasonally – before moving onto Malt Brewery & Taproom on Woodfield Road serving their own pale ales alongside specially crafted guest ales from around Yorkshire. For a truly unforgettable experience why not book yourself onto a guided tour with ‘Harrogate Local Pub & Beer Tours’ which takes visitors around some of the best pubs in town – with pick-ups available from Parliament Street – explaining more about the history of each venue before sampling various real ales presented by expert beer sommeliers along the way.

Conclusion

Harrogate offers plenty for all types of travellers; from leisurely strolls along peaceful waterways to adrenaline-fuelled days spent at nearby theme parks – there are plenty of things to do in North Yorkshire whenever you visit the area. From iconic historical attractions such as Ripley Castle & Gardens to delightful tearooms dotted throughout the town centre – you won’t be short of options when exploring this idyllic corner of England. Why not book yourself onto ‘Harrogate: Local Pub & Beer Tour with Tastings’ available through GetYourGuide, for a tour sample ales from some of England’s most renowned breweries presented by expert beer sommeliers? Whatever you decide to do during your stay – you won’t regret visiting such an historic corner of England!