Chester or Harrogate to live?

[havealargeoneforme]

We are looking to move and top of our list atm are Chester and Harrogate. We are a family of 2 adults, two dc aged 5 and 7. We love nice shops, restaurants, looking for plenty to do, good schools, nice location, good transport links. Plenty to do but either countryside or coast (don't mind which) quite easily accessible. Which one would you choose? Or do you have another suggestion? Looking for house price up to £300k for 3 bed.