If you are considering a break in Harrogate, England, there is plenty to do to keep you occupied. Consider visiting these well-known attractions in the quaint spa town.
Betty's Cafe Tea Room
This is one of the best places to go if you are in the Yorkshire area, and you simply cannot visit Harrogate without stepping foot in a Betty's. These tea rooms have been around since as early as 1919 which is when a Swiss baker decided to start his own business. While he had a lot of experience with baking, he didn't know the language. Since the inception of the first Betty's Café, many people have experienced the wonderful chocolates, cakes, and teas it offers. Not only do they serve amazing food and beverages, but they also have one of the friendliest staffs in the business. The atmosphere is calm and comfortable no matter if you are meeting someone or spending some time by yourself. However, things can get busy, especially on the weekends; therefore, you'll want to plan or count on spending some time in a long queue.
Montpellier Quarter
Another must-see is this spot located nearby Betty's Tea Room. This Quarter is home to more than 50 different independently run shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants. It's no wonder it's a must-see for anyone in the area. There is so much to do and see in the area. It's one of the best places to go if you're mission is to wander around and do some window shopping. It also makes for a good spot to base yourself to do some people watching and enjoy a nice cup of tea. The quarter is very calm and the ambience is inviting. It makes you feel as if you're in a very traditional town in Britain with its cobbled pavement, hanging flower baskets, and traditional shops scattered around.
Royal Pump Room Museum
This spot is located on the opposite side of the Harrogate Valley Gardens. It's here that you will find one of the coolest museums in the area. The museum features the strongest sulphur well on the continent. When you visit this museum, you will be able to learn about different things including the connection between Russian royalty and Harrogate and how the area in times past has received people from all walks of life across the globe. In modern times, the museum has a lot of temporary exhibits and even some permanent exhibits of the spa history in the town.
Valley Gardens
The Valley Gardens Harrogate is another interesting place to check out. You will find it located a couple of minutes from the center of town and consisting of many things to do from taking advantage of the tennis courts to relaxing in the beautiful green spaces. Regardless of when you visit, you will find it offers a wide variety of scenery. From different colorful flowers to green trees and spaces, it's a great place to take some snapshots if you enjoy nature photography. The place also has a café which is open from April to September. It's a good option to grab a cup of tea or coffee and some pastries while you enjoy the relaxing area. The park is not just for a single type of person; rather, it offers a little something for everyone. It's free of charge and also open 24/7, so you will be able to check it out day or night.
Mercer Art Gallery
This art gallery is home to one of the largest collections of 19th- and 20th-century fine art. You'll find many different pieces from nearby artists along with temporary exhibits featuring sculptures, crafts, painting, and more.
Crescent Gardens
This is another good option to consider if you are seeking a relaxing place since it is a good spot to contemplate and enjoy the scenery. You will be surrounded by beautiful views of the Harrogate Turkish baths and the area around them. These gardens truly come to life during the spring when all of the flowers blossom.
Turkish Baths
If you are looking for an incredibly relaxing experience, you can no doubt find it here. At the Turkish baths, you can experience luxury with exquisite detail in the country's most restored Victorian Turkish Baths as you notice the Moorish influence in the architecture. These baths do tend to get busy; therefore, you'll want to try to book a reservation in advance through the website before arriving. Otherwise, you may find that you could be disappointed to learn they are fully booked. If you are looking to save, you can score some savings by going on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
For a relaxing vacation, consider My Hotel Break to help find Harrogate hotel breaks as a perfect base for your trip.