Weekend in Harrogate

[GVmama]

I’m being treated to an unexpected child-free weekend in Harrogate. Does anyone have any suggestions of lovely things to see or do whilst we’re there? A friend mentioned tea and cake at Betty’s, which we’ll definitely seek out. Anything else?
Thanks

I was going to say bettys. Personally I would just get a table and sit there all day but that’s me.

Harrogate is hosting the UCI cycling world championships which start this Saturday and run for 9 days. There is a load of stuff going on this week, especially in the fanzone.

A walk in the Valley Gardens.

A trip to the old spa museum if it's still there.

There used to be lovely cocktail bars in Harrogate, spent many a happy hour there. I don't know their names though! Lovely large sunday lunch pub too.

I love the Turkish baths, you need to book in advance though.

Place will be mobbed because of the cycling. I’d second the Valley Gardens, also pump room museum and Mercer art gallery. If you’re in a car, it’s worth going the few miles to Ripley: pretty village and a castle. Or brave the two train stops to Knaresborough, though public transport will be affected by the cycling. We’ve got fabulous views, a river with rowing boats , good cafes and a ruined castle. Have a great weekend.

Hopefully not the next two weekends depending on whether you like cycle races.

Stray FM have got a really good guide to the UCI. here. There is also a Yorkshire 2019 app.

Personally I am only going to see races/events I can walk to. For the next nine days.

My favourite local places are outside - Fountains Abbey, Ripley Castle, Brimham Rocks rather than in Harrogate itself but there are road closures galore so if it is this weekend you won’t get anywhere.

Just outside Harrogate but RHS Harlow Carr is well worth a visit. There is an outpost of Betty's there too!

If you want to get into Betty's I'd look at booking a table - it's always super busy!

Also recommending Harlow Carr and the Turkish Baths. Betty's in town is obviously an institution, but I was very disappointed with the outpost in Harlow Carr.

Baltzersen's is a fantastic Norwegian cafe close to the centre that does amazing breakfasts (particularly the waffles!). Also good for lunches etc, I'd actually head there over Betty's for the food tbh. Starling Independent Bar Cafe Kitchen is also great (good for food in the day and cocktails in the eve).

Valley gardens are nice for a wander and I always like the shopping in Harrogate even though it's not huge.

Knaresborough for a quick look round is very pretty and close too

If you like proper spas, Rudding Park is amazing. Lots of nice walks in the area if you want to get out into the countryside. Pateley Bridge and Brimham Rocks also good.

Oh no.......dd is at guide camp this weekend to the north of Harrogate. Going to be a long journey there and back with all the extra traffic........

I live in Harrogate and all the roads are closed this weekend and next! Don't do it! You won't be able to get anywhere in the centre it's all closed off for the cycling. Betty's is closed Valley Gardens will be packed out. It's so bad that we're all preparing for being almost house bound on Saturday

Bettys is closed!
They can’t do that!!
FUCKING CYCLISTS

@ProhibitedRodent on Sunday is it just in Harrogate itself? I have to get to the Scout camp site (why the chuff did they chose there this weekend of all places???????)

There's a walking tour which lasts around an hour which I did in April and was great fun, but it may not be on with the cycling. The spa museum is still there and interesting and the Mercer Art Gallery is small but lovely. The gardens are great.

Click on the stray fm link in my previous post Foslady for road closures across UCI.

You have been given some good advice here. The restaurants are also excellent but for some you need to book well ahead. William and Vics is lovely. You can have a pre dinner drink next door at the Fat Badger. The Drum and Monkey is lovely for fish, but again need to book.

Do Bettys...and have a fat rascal! You may need to queue but you may be able to book

Oh...and I hope you are not visiting this weekend as the whole of Harrogate is basically gridlocked and roads closed all Saturday for the world championships cycling

Turkish bath!

Thanks for all the suggestions, we are visiting this weekend but have arrived and will explore on foot to avoid the traffic problems. Looking forward to exploring Harrogate, thanks again

Harlow Carr is lovely and Betty's have a branch there too. If you can get out before the roads on Sunday Fountains Abbey/Studley Royal is beautiful.

Betty's !
We went back last year , loved it , just like walking into a 1930's Agatha Christie film set
Make sure you try the Rosti it's to die for ( I had the salmon one DPhad the bacon? One ) both delicious
Harrogate is beautiful , enjoy !

Oh Jesus - god knows how I’m going to get to pick her up! They have from the Scottish boarders to South Lincolnshire and they choose Harrogate when all the roads are shut - doesn’t exactly fill me with confidence about them getting to Poland next year........

@GVmama You still might struggle on foot to be honest. All main roads in the town centre are barrier-ed off as part of the sodding race route It is also going to be next to impossible to get into the town as the race route covers all main roads into the town and all the surrounding towns & villages. Seriously! Not exaggerating.

They've put extra trains on though 🤷🏼‍♀️

@Foslady It's from tomorrow then solid for 9 days :( My daughter is having to take days off school (their suggestion!) and my friend is quite literally TRAPPED in her housing estate for two days straight as the race route runs across the only exit!

No exit whatsoever! God knows how ambulances/fire/police would get to anyone in need