[Closed] Tell me about Harrogate

Otley Chevin, Ilkely Moor, or even Gisburn trail centre if you want to travel a bit further back up to Settle. Grassingtons great too.

Well, apparently it's the only postcode in the entire of Great Britain that doesn't have a Tesco

Luckily it has a Waitrose though.

Stainburn if you fancy something technical but not very long at all.

what about the town and other stuff to do with the oldies?

Bettys tea shop, Harrogate spa.

Betty's - great for old ladies.

Town in nice - quite a few nice independent shops and good pubs/cafes just off the main streets of the town centre.

Organic may be an old lady??

If its a weekend forget Bettys there will be a queue down the street.
There is nice park in the middle of town which is nice for a stroll.
For riding Stainburn is close and the dales.

There is a big wedding fair there next weekend...

Amazing Turkish baths, well worth a visit if you're into saunas, plunge pools, pretending you're loaded etc.

Waves hello....

Plenty of riding - Stainburn, Pateley Bridge, Appletreewick, lots in the Dales and Moors, Dalby and also some quite okay local hacks. Guisburn sounds a good call - the road out to it is fast (and it is about 30 miles away) so probably quicker to get to than the Dales, Moors stuff.

Have a look at Rudding Park to stay - not as central (taxi drive into town) but by far and away the best hotel in the area (and I believe their spa has just opened). It regularly gets top [b]worldwide[/b] best independent hotel award in some big awards). The Swan hotel was also recently renovated and it is quite nice. (And central). Hotel Du Vin is the most central though.

Regarding food - what sort of food are you looking for? If you want something VERY special, book (well in advance) at William & Victoria's on Cold Bath Road - in the restaurant upstairs for fine dining). The Tannin Level is also very good.

Any more questions, happy to try to help 🙂

Well, apparently it's the only postcode in the entire of Great Britain that doesn't have a Tesco

As for sightseeing - Harrogate is more of a shopping town than a sightseeing town. Other than The Stray (the 'park' mentioned above) and the Valley Gardens there isn't much else to see so why not get a train to York for the day - it is about 40 minutes away and direct trains run every half hour till about 10pm.

Nidderdale is nearby and has some great riding.
http://www.mtbbritain.co.uk/nidderdale_route.html

Rudding Park ++

I used to stay there on business every few years. It's got the knack of making everyone feel genuinely welcome every time. Almost as good at that as Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons for making you feel at home.

Can't add much more to M-F, maybe Shopping round Harrogate in the morning, then Knaresborough for a wander around the centre and river. York is def the place to go if you want to see castles, viking ships and narrow cobbled streets.

Also the food is pretty good at the Clocktower Restaurant at Rudding if you don't want to venture out. If you do stay at Rudding, look out for the owner - he is identical (in mannerisms and dress) too...
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then Knaresborough for a wander around the centre and river.

Well, apparently it's the only postcode in the entire of Great Britain that doesn't have a Tesco

Planning just been re-submitted to develop on the old gas works on Ripon Road and there IS a Tesco Express

Planning approved yesterday - now it just has to go to some Government agency (a formality) and Harrogate will get a Tesco and the last stand against Tesco Domination has been defeated.

Fountains abbey, Studley deer park and Brimham rocks all worth a visit to.

Where do your parents live, you make it sound like they are not actually in Harrogate themselves?

I have to disagree about Rudding Park unfortunately I think its very Corporate and the Clock Tower restaurant as aspirations and the prices of a michelin restaurant but nothing like the quality of the food.

Masham is further north, but has a couple of good brewery tours ie Blacksheep and Theakstons. Nice accomodation and a cracking little restaurant that puts the Clock Tower to shame.

Other consideration would be The Devonshire Arms at Bolton Abbey. They do some fantastic deals ie £99 a night and you can upgrade to the michelin restaurant too.

Wooohoo..

Me, me and MrsBouy are going there next week.. Her parents live near Bettys Garden Ctr "up t' hill"

Where are these Turkish Baths?? I like the thought of that.. mucho..

There is a Specialized concept shop there near the Park and a lovely Organic foodie shop there too..

Though all our time will be spent on the Farm, knee deep in cow plop and Series 3 Landies..

I have to disagree about Rudding Park unfortunately I think its very Corporate

And no, the Clocktower food isn't Michelin quality but I don't think they try to come across as such - they go more for contemporary Yorkshire food with local ingredients and decent portions. But (as my post says), William & Victoria's on Cold Bath Road is the best food in Harrogate. I haven't eaten at The Devonshire but I hear they do good food. Further afield, The Yorke Arms at Ramsgill is meant to be one of the best places in the area to eat although tables are difficult to book.

http://www.yorke-arms.co.uk/

Where are these Turkish Baths?? I like the thought of that.. mucho..

If you go for a single sex session watch out for some pushy men 🙁 Had it once or twice and it put me off going again. Mixed sessions are fine though (when swimwear has to be worn)

Woohoo

Mucho "ta very muchly"

I used to live in Masham. Gorgeous place.

Harrogate is nice.

there are already 2 tescos open in harrogate.. dont believe everything you read in the papers.. and ilkley moor for riding?/ your aving it large.

there are already 2 tescos open in harrogate..

EDIT: you mean the Express in St. Arbeck?