For those who know Harrogate...

[GalaxyGirl24]

Lovely MNetters, some help needed...

I am trying to sort something out for my DMs 50th birthday. Originally we would have done a big party or a short break abroad, however due to current covid circumstances this is a no go. So, I am thinking a posh Air BnB close to Harrogate for just the very immediate family (group of 6, one baby) to stay in. However, for those who know Harrogate I am asking:

A.) are local things actually open such as posh bars, Turkish baths, tea rooms etc.

B.) As I will have 9m DD with me, are there nice family things to do such as cafes, walks etc.

I have had a look a look online, but wanted to ask the wise advice of those in the know.

For those who may jump on and say no long travel due to covid, we don't live far at all from Harrogate so we aren't trekking cross country.

I really want to make my DMs birthday lovely, she does so much for us all and is fantastic.

I don't know what is open at the moment, but there are lovely walks through the Valley Gardens and at RHS Harlow Carr Gardens. Both have fabulous cafes too, especially Harlow Carr, which has an off-shoot of Betty's Tea Rooms. A v short drive away, Ripley is also very pretty to wander around- small village around a castle. The pub there is v good for food too.

Thank you so much @Artesia ⭐️

There'll be plenty of things for you to do locally round Harrogate I would have thought - Knaresborough isn't far away and you can go to Tearooms there as well as river boats, walk round the castle area, Mother Shiptons Cave.

Bit further afield you've got places like Thorpe Perrow.

Betty's should reopen for indoor dining next week, not sure the Turkish baths are open yet though there is an outdoor heated pool at Rudding Park?

At the moment lots are not open as most pubs and restaurants dont have outdoor space but from Monday most places seem to be fully open

Threes a Crowd is lovely, the Starling should be reopening, Bettys is due to reopen for food on Monday. Stuzzi is fab. You probably need to book if it is anything like last summer.

Not sure what a posh bar is ?

The Turkish baths are closed but they are doing spa treatments.

The shops are open but it is pretty quiet- that might change when the hotels open on Monday.

Rudding Park has lodges that you could stay in as opposed to an AirBnB as well as restaurant, spa, etc.

I think most things will be open from May 17th. Not sure about Turkish Baths. I don't see why not.

@PleaseReferToMeAsBritneySpears

Rudding Park has lodges that you could stay in as opposed to an AirBnB as well as restaurant, spa, etc.

I think most things will be open from May 17th. Not sure about Turkish Baths. I don't see why not.

There is some ongoing fracas about the Turkish baths and its future.

thestrayferret.co.uk/decision-delayed-on-turkish-baths-nude-bathing-ban/

thestrayferret.co.uk/harrogate-council-publishes-heavily-redacted-turkish-baths-responses/

The Ivy has an outdoor seating area but from Monday will be open inside anyway.
As long as it’s not raining there’s lots of nice places like the valley gardens and a walk around Knaresborough

@PleaseReferToMeAsBritneySpears

Rudding Park has lodges that you could stay in as opposed to an AirBnB as well as restaurant, spa, etc.

I think most things will be open from May 17th. Not sure about Turkish Baths. I don't see why not.

The spa and restaurants are pretty pricey. You can take a baby to the spa (there are a couple of swimming sessions)

CANT take a baby to the spa

Harrogate has the most impressive Wetherspoons in the UK

I would go to Grantley Hall for afternoon tea (much better than Bettys). You could also go for a walk around Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal which is a 5 min drive from Grantley and a mooch round Ripon (cathedral and 3 museums!) which is an 8 min drive from Grantley. Personally I think Harrogate is a bit meh, as is Bettys and Rudding Park.

The Wetherspoons is tired and dated! But the building itself is impressive.

Sorry I just saw the word posh! Missed the word baby!

We went to Harrogate a few weekends ago for a special family event. We stayed at the Cheltenham apartments,we booked through booking.com, we had a 2 bedroom apartment which was wonderful and in a very central location it had a living area and kitchen so great for a family. There were 2 apartments available next to each other for more guests. We ate at la Feria which had a lovely outdoor terrace. There’s lots of great things to do locally as well.

I know there is a petanque club. Don't know if you can have a game if not a member. May he worth checking out if your Mum happens to be a francophile!

@lostlife

Harrogate has the most impressive Wetherspoons in the UK

@tellmetologoffIamaMNaddict

I know there is a petanque club. Don't know if you can have a game if not a member. May he worth checking out if your Mum happens to be a francophile!

The strip club isn't open. My dog is very upset as prior to lockdown he loved a night time fuss from the bouncers.

@tellmetologoffIamaMNaddict

I know there is a petanque club. Don't know if you can have a game if not a member. May he worth checking out if your Mum happens to be a francophile!

There is a pétanque pitch (?) . You can just rock up and use it- next to Bettys.

Depending on when you are coming Stockeld Park nearby may be open and is just lovely. A genuinely enchanting place. Bolton Abbey is a short drive away and is a stunning place for a day trip. It is open by pre book. The scandavian cafe in Harrogate is just amazeballs for coffee and buns. Lots of semi-outdoor attractions will be open. Harlow Carr as someone has mentioned upthread is beautiful. Hope your DMs 50th is great!

Thank you so much everyone!!! This is really helpful. I can't believe I've never been to Harrogate, it just goes to show what's on your doorstep!

Just hope the weather picks up
Rain rain and more rain
I love the valley gardens, for free I think they are loads better than Harlow carr
Great tk maxx there..harrogate centre
Skipton is a nice day out down by the canal and brimham rocks...don’t miss
Pately bridge..be sure to go to John earnshaws old fashioned herbalists and then carry on to grassington
Fab scenery
Where about S do you live
I’m not teaching grandma to suck eggs am I?

@shewalkslikerihanna Thanks for this! The TK maxx is perfect info to know about, my mum loves it!
And no not teaching me to suck eggs at all, I had no idea!