Harrogate factfile

How to get to Harrogate
Harrogate is a town in North Yorkshire. By road, the town can be reached via the A1 artery, or from the neighbouring city of Leeds on the A61. The nearest airport to Harrogate is the Leeds-Bradford international airport.

Harrogate through the ages
Archaeological finds in the area show that the area around Harrogate and Knaresborough has been settled since prehistoric times. It was later settled by the Vikings, as evidenced by the discovery in 2007 of the Harrogate Hoard, a 10th-century Viking treasure trove of coins and other items that is now on display in the British Museum in London.

Following the discovery of the town's first mineral spring in 1571 Harrogate developed as a spa. The town became renowned as a favourite holiday destination for both the British well-to-do and foreign dignitaries from the 1800s until after World War II.

Shopping in Harrogate
When it comes to shopping, Harrogate has it all. In the busy town centre—from West Park, James Street and the historic Montpellier Quarter to the Westminster Arcade and Victoria Shopping Centre—you can find everything from top high-street chains and designer shops to arts-and-crafts stores and speciality food suppliers.

Eating and drinking in Harrogate
In keeping with its cosmopolitan history, Harrogate offers a fantastic range of restaurants and cuisines.

A must for any visitor are the legendary Betty's tearooms, owned by the famous tea-making Taylors of Harrogate. The tearooms first opened their doors in 1919 and have been offering a superlative selection of teas, breads, cakes and biscuits ever since.

Things to see and do around Harrogate
You can discover Harrogate's interesting spa history for yourself at the Royal Pump Room Museum, which houses the strongest sulphur wells in Europe. The museum also has displays on Victorian life and many resources and activities for young visitors.

The town's Turkish Baths are still in use and offer the chance to relax and rejuvenate in the steam room, plunge pool and frigidarium.

Harrogate is an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of the Yorkshire Dales, which are within easy reach of the town by car.

Famous landmarks in Harrogate
Among Harrogate's many examples of fine architecture is the Royal Hall theatre, a Grade II listed building designed by Frank Matcham. It's the only surviving example of a Kursaal (German for "[spa] cure hall") in Britain.