Spas and Scones in Harrogate

In Brief.

Harrogate is a spa town, with extensive Georgian and Victorian developments around its many iron and sulphur springs. Though taking the waters is no longer associated with such significant health benefits, the architecture and open spaces of the spa resort remain, as does a Turkish Baths. As a result, Harrogate has significant tourist and conference visitors, with a flourishing town centre supporting many eateries and independent shops.

Betty's Tearooms

What's Here?

Harrogate has a compact town centre, adjacent to extensive parks and green spaces. The home of Yorkshire Tea, Harrogate hosts a substantial Bettys Tea Room, with an wide selection of teas, superior cakes and main meals. As a popular destination, there is a well managed queue at the front door, and an opportunity to take some bakery items home as well as to spend time in the traditional cafe.

Harrogate's green town centre.

Before or after making the most of the many eateries, the Valley Gardens is a pleasant park that includes formal gardens, colonnades, wooded areas and water features.  The Valley Gardens is close to two other visitor attractions.  The Royal Pump Room Museum is housed in a Victorian pump room where people used to come to sample the waters.  This is no longer possible as they are not classed as fit for human consumption; I was tricked into drinking some of the Sulphur water as a child, and the experience was memorable for a taste experience that was not to be repeated. The museum is compact, but provides an overview of the rather intensive Spa experience and the workers who supported it. The nearby Mercer Art Gallery occupies the neo-Classical former Town Hall, and features revolving exhibitions in spaces that include a grand central hall.

Royal Pump Rooms Museum

Practicalities.

Distance from Manchester Town Hall: 60 miles

Drive Time: 1hour 40 minutes

Price: Betty's: from $; Pump Room Museum: $; Mercer Art Gallery: Donation

Parking: I parked in the Jubilee Carpark in the town centre. City prices, but well located, not too busy on a week day, and reasonable space sizes.

Food and Drink: There are many eateries throughout the town.

Retail therapy: There is a good choice of independent shops.

Child Friendly: There is a play park in the Valley Gardens.

Toilets: Make the most of the cafes.

Do it justice in: Pump Room Museum: 30 minutes; Mercer Art Gallery: 30 minutes; Betty's: the longer the better.

Inside-Outside: 60:40



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