A Weekend in Harrogate: Where to Visit

The pandemic has had a huge impact on travel since the beginning of last year, and one thing it has influenced many to do, is to take more staycations as opposed to travelling abroad. As a Yorkshire business, we recently shot our new transitional AW21 styles on the beautiful streets of Harrogate in North Yorkshire.

Harrogate has been somewhat of a tourist-spot for many, many years, but the pandemic has inspired even more to consider this beautiful spa town as their chosen Yorkshire staycation destination.

Are you considering a weekend in Yorkshire? Keep reading for some inspiration on what to do and where to visit in Harrogate.

1. Montpellier Quarter

@thesearchforsassiness along Montpellier Gardens wearing Loop Cashmere

It’s not a weekend in Harrogate without a visit to some of its wonderful independent shops and eateries, and Montpellier Quarter is home to 50 of them. The Montpellier Quarter in Harrogate consists of Montpellier Gardens, Mews, Street, Parade and Hill, located in the centre of town.

Saunter down Montpellier Gardens, maybe stopping for a coffee in Fi:k or lunch at the Drum and Monkey, before browsing shops such as Morgan Clare and Toast. Grab a brownie to go from Love Brownies - shopping is hungry work! Continue your walk up Montpellier Hill and do a bit of window shopping. Keep going along Montpellier Parade and pick up a bottle of Harrogate’s renowned Slingsby Gin at the Spirit of Harrogate, perhaps taking a pitstop in the Blues Bar for some refreshing drinks and tapas.

2. Mercer Art Gallery

Cultured travellers visiting Harrogate may enjoy the Mercer Art Gallery located on Swan Road in central Harrogate. The gallery features around 2000 pieces of art, largely from both the 19th and 20th centuries. Entry is free, which makes this destination a great place to pop into during a weekend in Harrogate!

3. The Stray

Harrogate’s 180-acres of greenland surrounding the city centre is one of the most integral and famous features of Harrogate! The Stray covers an expansive area of town, offering beautiful walks to enjoy all year round. The Cherry Blossom, as seen above, is a stunning bloom seen every April-May, but The Stray looks stunning throughout spring, summer, autumn and winter! Offering a great space for dog walkers, picnics and sports activities.

4. Cold Bath Road

@thesearchforsassiness outside the Fat Badger wearing Loop Cashmere

Cold Bath Road in Harrogate is a very special place, hosting its own sense of community with a constant buzz and vibe thanks to the wonderful independent businesses housed on it. Many refer to it as the Nottinghill of Harrogate. You'll find local hotspot pub and restaurant, the Fat Badger, located at the bottom of the hill. This eatery offers a great spot to sit and people watch with a hot or cold drink. They also do a delicious Sunday Roast!

Start your ascent up the hill, but pace yourself - you’re due to start a steady incline… the good news is that you can stop for tapas or drinks at the La Feria, a fantastic Spanish-inspired restaurant, or William and Victoria, a wonderful restaurant and wine bar. Alternatively, continue upwards for a cafe pit-stop at Tilly Peppers or Manna Bakery. You really are spoilt for choice! There are some shops to nosy in too, such as Catherine Smith Vintage.

5. Valley Gardens

Break away from the shops, cafes and restaurants for an exploration through Harrogate’s Valley Gardens. Valley Gardens covers 17 acres of English Heritage Grade II listed park-land, home to historic buildings, themed gardens - the Japanese garden is a must-see! - and stunning flower displays. There are plenty of benches dotted throughout to allow you to sit down and take it all in, as well as the likes of tennis courts and crazy golf if you have some energy to burn off! It’s a great all-rounder destination for the whole family during a visit to Harrogate.

And there you have it - some tips on where to visit in Harrogate. This spa town has plenty to offer its visitors and is a great Yorkshire staycation destination.