A Day Out in Harrogate
Experience a Perfect Day in Harrogate
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Harrogate, nestled in the heart of England, is a treasure trove of delights for all those who visit. With its charming tea rooms, rejuvenating thermal spas, and stunning Victorian and Georgian architecture, Harrogate continues to uphold its reputation as one of the finest classic spa towns in the country. The amalgamation of manicured gardens, a vibrant dining scene, and picturesque surroundings make Harrogate a sought-after haven for visitors.
While Harrogate’s heyday as an international tourism destination may have passed, it still frequently earns recognition as one of the best places to live in England. Beyond the town’s boundaries, a world of amazing experiences awaits, including the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales. Harrogate is undeniably one of the prime destinations for a memorable day out in North Yorkshire.
Beningbrough Hall, Gallery & Garden
Address: Beningbrough Hall York N Yorkshire YO30 1DD
Phone: 01904 472027
How Stean Gorge
Location: Lofthouse, Harrogate HG3 5SF
Phone: 01423 755666
[Visit the Site](insert URL)Jack Laugher Leisure and Wellness Centre, Ripon
Location: Dallamires Lane Ripon North Yorkshire HG4 1TT
Phone: 01765 601353
Lightwater Valley
Location: Water Ln, North Stainley, Ripon HG4 3HT
Phone: 01765 635321
Nidderdale Llamas
Location: Kiln Farm Wilsill Pateley Bridge HG3 5EE
Phone: 01423 711052
[Visit the Site](insert URL)Rudding Park
Location: Follifoot Harrogate HG3 1JH
Phone: 01423 871350
Swinton Park Country Club and Spa
Location: Masham, Ripon, HG4 4JH
Phone: 01765 680950
Stay within the Swinton Estate
Immerse yourself in 20,000 acres of breathtaking countryside, perched on the edge of the enchanting Yorkshire Dales. The Swinton Estate offers a range of accommodations, from the opulent Swinton Park Hotel to self-catering Country Houses and Cottages, and the unique Swinton Bivouac, an off-grid glamping experience set against the expansive moorland.
Dining in the Swinton Estate
Indulge your palate with a range of culinary experiences, from the grandeur of an Epicurean menu in Samuel’s Restaurant by Executive Head Chef Ruth Hansom to a relaxed lunch or dinner in the contemporary Terrace Restaurant and Bar. Don’t miss the quintessential Afternoon Tea in the Drawing Room or the opportunity to participate in a Chef’s Table event in the Cookery School. For more casual options, enjoy a hearty lunch or a delightful slice of cake at Swinton Bivouac Café.
Wellness at the Country Club
Swinton Country Club, a space that exudes light, airiness, and modernity, is designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. It’s a sanctuary to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit, offering a sense of grounding and calm.
Harrogate is your gateway to a fantastic day out, brimming with culture, nature, and relaxation. Explore the best of this charming town and its surroundings for an unforgettable experience.
Eating out in Harrogate
- Foundry Project
- Location: 1–1a The Ginnel, Harrogate HG1 2RB
- Contact: 01423 740701
- Website: foundryproject.com
Indulge in a diverse menu at the Foundry Project, offering burgers, pizza, fried chicken, and loaded fries. With a modern setting, they recommend the bottomless brunch, featuring must-try items like the bacon and egg bun and hash brown nachos.
- Cardamom Black
- Location: 2–6 Cheltenham Parade, Harrogate HG1 1DD
- Contact: 01423 313136
- Website: cardamomblack.com
Experience a unique Asian dining at Cardamom Black with a striking interior. Head Chef Dilu and the team, with over 100 years of combined experience, offer a diverse menu of cocktails and exquisite dishes.
- Harefield Hall
- Location: Pateley Bridge, Harrogate HG3 5QE
- Contact: 01423 711429
- Website: harefieldhall.com
A family-run guest house with a restaurant offering stunning views. Emphasizing local and seasonal produce, their menu includes dishes like pork lion, steak, merlot, and red pepper pie. Don’t miss the fish specials menu.
- The Malt Shovel
- Location: Main Street, Brearton, Harrogate HG3 3BX
- Contact: 01423 862929
- Website: themaltshovelbrearton.co.uk
Located in the heart of Brearton, The Malt Shovel offers excellent food and drinks, including pub classics and unique items like pan-seared tuna steak and carrot and honey tart tatin.
- La Feria
- Location: Wellington House, Cold Bath Road, Harrogate HG2 0NA
- Contact: 01423 538181
- Website: laferiarestaurants.co.uk
Bringing contemporary Spain to Harrogate, La Feria specializes in free-range rotisserie chicken and authentic tapas. The head chef selects daily specials, and sharing boards showcase the finest cheeses and charcuterie from Spain.
Featured Chinese Restaurants in Harrogate
Harrogate’s Imperial Palace, located at 1 Cheltenham Crescent, Harrogate HG1 1DH, UK, stands as a cherished Chinese dining destination in the heart of the town. Renowned for its delectable dishes at reasonable prices, the restaurant offers a diverse menu showcasing the chef’s signature creations. Among the must-try dishes are the Wok Fried Beef Fillet Steak with Garlic, Coriander, and Fresh Chilli, as well as the Stir-Fried Ginger Spring Onion with King Prawn and Scallops.
UNIQUE FACTS:
- Dine-in
- Takeaway
- Home Delivery
- Free Parking Facility
SPECIALTIES: Indulge in Chef’s Specialities like Crispy Shredded Beef, Salt and Pepper Chicken, Salt and Pepper Ribs, and more. Prices for these delightful dishes range from £8 to £19.
CONTACT: Call 014 2352 8711. The restaurant operates from 5 pm to 10:30 pm every day.
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Moving on to another culinary gem, the Royal Baths Chinese Restaurant, situated in Central Hall, Crescent Road, Harrogate HG1 2WJ, UK, is a distinguished establishment offering an extensive menu of delectable Chinese dishes. With a tradition of excellence, the restaurant provides an intimate dining experience and even features a private dining room for up to 20 guests.
UNIQUE FACTS:
- Dine-in
- Takeaway
- Home Delivery
- Free Parking Facility
SPECIALTIES: Explore Meat Dishes such as Sweet and Sour Pork Cantonese Style, Beef with Green Peppers and Black Bean Sauce, and more. Prices range from £6.50 for appetizers to £15.80 for seafood dishes.
CONTACT: Call 014 2353 6888. Operating hours vary, with the restaurant closed on Mondays.
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Lastly, Cheung Won, located at 7 Cheltenham Parade, Unit 7, Harrogate HG1 1DD, UK, since 2008, embodies authentic Chinese cuisine with a commitment to providing delectable dishes at affordable prices. The restaurant is known for its skilled staff and an extensive menu, including vegetarian options.
UNIQUE FACTS:
- Dine-in
- Takeaway
- Home Delivery
- Reservation
- Free Parking Facility
A Day Out in Harrogate
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Things to do on your day out
- Indulge in the Victorian Opulence of Turkish Baths: Immerse yourself in the opulence of Britain’s best fully-restored Victorian Turkish Baths. With only 7 baths remaining from the 19th century, the intricate Moorish design, Islamic arches, and vibrant glazed brick walls create a unique atmosphere. The Turkish Baths ritual offers a journey of heating, cooling, and cleansing, promoting relaxation and a clear mind.
- Stroll Through the Parliament-Protected Stray: Discover the 200-acre grassland known as the Stray, a Parliament-protected area wrapping around the southern half of the town center. Perfect for picnics, ball games, or admiring cherry blossom trees, the Stray invites you to spend a leisurely or active afternoon in a public space that belongs to the people’s imagination.
- Step Back in Time at the Pump Room Museum: Uncover Harrogate’s history at the Pump Room Museum, once the go-to destination for ‘taking the waters.’ Opened in 1953, the museum showcases the town’s healing traditions, and outside the Pump Room, an old water fountain still expels sulphuric water, known for its unique, eggy smell.
- Romantic Retreat at Crescent Gardens: Experience romance at Crescent Gardens, located beside the former headquarters of Harrogate Borough Council. With beautifully-kept rosebeds surrounding the 1861 sculpture of Cupid & Psyche by Italian artist Giovanni Mar, this spot is perfect for a romantic date, complete with plentiful benches for a cozy picnic.
- Literary Escape at Carnegie Library: Explore Harrogate Library, part of Andrew Carnegie’s ‘municipal palace’ project. Opened in 1906, it stands as one of the 2509 Carnegie libraries built between 1883 and 1929, offering a glimpse into the town’s commitment to education and culture.
- Nature Walk in Pinewoods: Just 1 km from the town center lies Pinewoods, a 96-acre semi-natural woodland accessible to walkers, wheelchair users, and pram pushers. Follow the delightful footpath winding through the woods for a refreshing nature experience.
- Scenic Circular Walk at Swinsty and Fewston Reservoir: Embark on a moderately challenging 11-kilometer circular trail west of Harrogate, offering incredible views and a chance to connect with nature. Popular with cyclists, horse riders, and birdwatchers, this route is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Enchanting Valley Gardens: Immerse yourself in the history and activities of Valley Gardens, an English Heritage Grade II listed space covering 17 acres. With mineral springs and a variety of outdoor games, it’s a green oasis open year-round, offering a perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment.
- Theatrical Splendor at Royal Hall Theatre: Experience the grandeur of the grade II Edwardian performance hall, the Royal Hall Theatre. With a 950-seat capacity and stunning décor, it stands as one of the best venues to witness theatrical splendor in Harrogate.
- Historic Charm at Hales Bar: Visit Hales Bar, the oldest and most historic pub in Harrogate, featuring original Victorian-era features. The pub’s main lounge bar retains its vintage charm, including gas lighting and cigar lighters, with sulphur springs flowing underneath the cellar.
- Japanese Serenity at Japanese Gardens: Find serenity in the Japanese Gardens, restored to their original splendor by local volunteers. Officially opened by the Japanese ambassador in 2018, the garden offers a peaceful retreat with its late nod to the ‘Japanisme’ craze of the 1920s.
- Shop and Dine at Montpellier Mews: Explore the Montpellier Quarter, filled with galleries, antique shops, cafés, bars, and award-winning restaurants. A hub for independent shops, it’s a perfect place for both window shoppers and shopaholics.
- Discover Beulah Street’s Charm: Wander through Beulah Street, a blend of independent and chain shops and cafés. With a pedestrianized setup, take your time exploring and enjoy snapping up bargains at charity shops.
- Relax at Rudding Park Spa: Unwind at Rudding Park Spa located just outside Harrogate, offering a variety of leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, Juniper log sauna, rooftop spa, and garden. The spa utilizes natural spring water from the grounds for a truly rejuvenating experience.
- Culinary Delights at Major Tom’s Social: Enjoy craft beer and stone-baked pizzas at indie café-bar Major Tom’s Social. For a quick bite, visit Addyman, the local butcher’s shop known for hearty banter and Harrogate’s best pork pies.
- Cap Off the Day at RHS Garden Harlow Carr: Conclude your exploration by walking through the Pinewoods to reach RHS Garden Harlow Carr, another leafy sanctuary offering a peaceful escape and beautiful surroundings.
A Day Out in Harrogate