Our Favourite Places to Visit in Harrogate

Tuesday 16th August, 2022 by hs-admin

If you want a rural retreat, situated just East of the glorious Yorkshire Dales, Harrogate is for you. The town is known for its top of the line spa’s and breathtaking Valley gardens, perfectly balancing tranquillity and luxury.

Come relax and unwind in some of our top places listed below.

Nidderdale Museum 

If you love diving into the past, then Nidderdale Museum is a must! Situated just a stone’s throw away from Harrogate in the picture perfect town of Pateley Bridge, you will stumble upon a community run museum. The old work-house is the perfect location to share the stories of the local people and the dark history of the Yorkshire Dales. 

Each room you enter will tell a different tale of how life used to be. Go back to basics in the school room of the past, where you can find out that maybe, school in the 21st century isn’t actually that bad! Explore the Cobbler’s shop and many more quirky rooms from our history. Beware! There are a few ‘interesting’ wax figures around, which we believe move at night! 

This is a great way to inject some colourful history into your kids and for £2, it makes it the perfect cheap family day out. 

Turkish Baths

You deserve to feel your best, why not pamper yourself in the traditional Turkish Baths? This is a must for all adults that want to feel refreshed. Take a dip in the communal turkshire baths or if you really want to feel special, treat yourself to a  treatment! Peel back the stress with a rejuvenating body scrub, release your tension in the back, neck and shoulder massage. 

Turkish Baths were popularised in the Victorian era, with hundreds popping up all around England. Sadly, only seven original bath houses remain which date back to the 19th century. Feel yourself being transported back in time, with Harrogate’s Turkish Baths being the most historically complete in the country. 

Visit here if you want to feel revitalised and find out more about treatments.

 

The Himalayan Garden & Sculpture park

Find your zen whilst strolling through the plush gardens in the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture park. This stunning landscape will make you forget that you are in the heart of the north east, instead you will be transported to the tranquil lands of Bali and Nepal. 

Winner of the Yorkshire in Bloom Tourist Attraction Award in 2018 and 2019, these breathtaking gardens house contemporary sculptures and 45 acres of land, all inspired by the Himalayas. 

Amble around the 3 lakes, or take a break in the arboretum. All you adventure lovers, try and find all 80 sculptures! These are placed all around the garden, in this open air gallery. 

Your precious pup is welcome, with dogs being allowed if they are kept on the lead. If you need more information on accessibility and opening times,  you can find out more about the Himalayan Garden & Sculpture park here.

Mother Shipton’s Cave and the Petrifying Well

If you like mystic walks in forbidden forests, Mother Shipton’s Cave is the perfect place for you. Situated just a short 12 minute drive away from Harrogate, this picturesque mile long walk along the River Nidd in Knaresborough, hosts the cave of Mother Shipton. 

If you are scratching your head wondering who Mother Shipton is, have no fear, we are here to tell you a brief history of the famous prophet. Mother Shipton was born within the caves walls in 1488, growing up in the rural town of Knaresborough, her predictions became infamous all around England for their spooky accuracy. She foretold the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 and she forecast the great fire of London in 1666. Click here if you would like to learn more about Mother Shipton’s fascinating life.

Being one of England’s oldest tourist attractions, open to onlookers since 1630, come see what all the fuss is about! 

This gorgeous ground is great for families with children of all ages, boasting an adventure playground and interactive trails to keep the young ones entertained. There is also a strange natural phenomenon of a Petrified Well, which can turn everyday objects to stone. Is this a geological discovery or…magic?

If this leafy town sounds like the ideal getaway to get some well needed rest, head over to our website to find some holiday homes as peaceful as the surroundings!

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