Welcome to Harrogate, a charming town nestled in the heart of Yorkshire, England. Steeped in history and brimming with natural beauty, Harrogate is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by intrepid guests. In this article, we will take you on a journey like no other as we unveil the top 5 must-see attractions this enchanting town has to offer.
First, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of RHS Garden Harlow Carr. Wander through exquisite gardens, admire vibrant flora, and relax in peaceful surroundings. Next, soak up the opulence of the Royal Pump Room Museum, where you can indulge in the town’s rich spa history and learn more about its fascinating past.
For art enthusiasts, the Mercer Art Gallery showcases a splendid collection of fine art, showcasing local talent and renowned artists alike. To experience the grandeur of the Edwardian era, a visit to the elegant and historic Harrogate Turkish Baths is a must.
Lastly, lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Harrogate Christmas Market, a festive extravaganza that will ignite your holiday spirit.
Join us on this captivating journey as we explore Harrogate’s hidden gems and unveil the wonders that make this town an unmissable destination.
1. RHS Harlow Carr
RHS Harlow Carr is a showcase of horticultural excellence all year round! Wander through the tranquil surroundings of this stunning 60 acre garden and gain ideas for your own borders, or simply relax with family and friends on a leisurely stroll.
Find inspiration along the dramatic Main Borders where the RHS experts have chosen contemporary planting to suit the challenging growing conditions. Pick up the latest tips and growing techniques in the beautiful Kitchen Garden, where raised beds, fruit trees and a forager’s garden have been laid out with thoughtful design and ornamental aspects to create a truly unique and inspirational growing space.
Saunter along the lush Streamside Garden, unearth hidden treasures in the Woodland and take glorious deep breaths in the magical Scented Garden, with its focus on roses. RHS Harlow Carr gardens are just waiting to be explored by little ones. Slide down the tongue of the Log Ness Monster, climb, swing and clamber on the Craggle Top Treehouse.
2. The Royal Pump Room
The Royal Pump Room was built by Isaac Shutt in 1842 to provide shelter for the town’s affluent visitors as they took the famous waters. At its peak, each summer the Pump Room attracted 15,000 people.
Among its most famous visitors was Tsarina Alexandra of Russia in 1911. The annexe was added in 1913 to cater for the expanding visitor numbers, and now houses the permanent exhibition and the museum shop.
The Pump Room attracted fewer visitors after the Second World War and with the emergence of the National Health Service the ‘curing’ waters were not taken as frequently and eventually the doors were closed.
On May 22nd 1953 the Royal Pump Room was reopened as a museum. The museum is operated by Destination Harrogate, North Yorkshire Council.
In 2024, a £20,000 restoration has restored this Georgian marvel to its former glory. Once a refuge for those seeking Harrogate’s healing waters, the Pump Room now features a relocated decorative fountain and a light-filled cream-toned interior designed to evoke the elegance of the Victorian era.
The museum has a changing temporary exhibition programme and permanent displays of Harrogate’s spa-history.
3. Mercer Art Gallery
Join us with Beati from the Harrogate Choral Society for an hour of Christmas Carolling and participate in a singalong too!
This is a free, drop-in event with no booking required. Please note it is standing-only, with seating available exclusively for those with access needs.
Please be aware that this is a public event, and a photographer will be present. For safety reasons, all participants will be required to sign in upon arrival at the Mercer. During this process, you and your party will have the option to opt out of giving consent for the use of any photographs.Step-free access is available through the side entrance, and wheelchair-accessible toilet facilities are provided for your convenience.
4. Harrogate Turkish Baths
Set in Harrogate – the UK’s most popular Spa Town, visit the Turkish Baths Harrogate to unwind your mind and invigorate your body. The Turkish Baths Harrogate are fully restored Victorian Turkish Baths providing a unique heritage site and relaxing sanctuary from the outside world.
Choose from a wide variety of spa treatments or just spend time unwinding in the beautiful heat and steam rooms and feel the stresses and strains of life just melt away. With friends, loved ones or on your own, a visit to The Turkish Baths Harrogate is a small slice of heaven!
5. Harrogate Christmas Market
Experience the joy of Christmas in the heart of Yorkshire this December. Harrogate’s famous Christmas Market returns to the town centre for 17 days of festive shopping opportunities from an eclectic mix of local traders and traditional European Christmas stalls.
Among the many stalls and entertainments will be arts and crafts from artisan creators, mouth-watering treats for customers to sample or purchase, festive decorations for your home and a range of unique gift ideas for you to choose from, or just treat yourself amid the busy Christmas preparations.
In addition to the chance to enjoy a truly Harrogate Christmas shopping experience, there will be music and entertainment to add to the perfect Christmas atmosphere whether you visit friends or family.
The popular Candy Cane Express road train will also return, and will take market-goers on a tour of the town on Fridays to Sundays during the Christmas fayre.
The Harrogate Christmas lights will be on and the festive season well underway, making this the perfect excuse to come and spend time with us this Christmas.
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