Harrogate

[ZebraStripes10]

I'm spending a week in Harrogate for a conference next month. Obviously the bulk of my time will be taken up by the conference itself, but I will have some free evenings and some time at the beginning and end of the week.

Any recommendations for things to do? Nice places to eat?

I'll be staying in the town centre and travelling there by train, so anything needs to be accessible on foot or by public transport.

Thank you so much @LordEmsworth for answering my questions; it helps reassure me that maybe I could do it. It worries me being the size I am, being on my own, and not being able to see much without glasses so looking even more ridiculous than ever. And while I love the idea of a massage for my super stiff and sore neck and shoulders, I've only been to those walk-in places where you keep all your clothes on and sit on those funny chairs. I can't imagine taking a costume entirely off!! A top, maybe. At this point I haven't even got one, but I could. But at my size, it's all pretty grim and embarrassing to be the fat lady alone.

It does sound like a pretty town though, and even just wandering around for an afternoon might be worth me going there for the extra day.

@BaconWaffles oh sorry, I should be clearer - top bit of suit off, not usually completely naked... But to let them get properly at back & shoulders, you'd pull down the top half. Part of massage training is "towel management" so they learn how to use towels to cover you up. Usually they leave the room, you strip down & jump under the towel to start - I have never had a massage where I've had to strip off in front of them...

Try take a trip on the train to Knaresborough, it's less than 10 mins and is a lovely town with a beautiful view over the river with the viaduct.

There's lots of good charity shops in both towns if you like them. Would also recommend Baltzersens for lunch in Harrogate, and Number Thirteen in Knaresborough for a light bite / coffee stop.

Thanks, @LordEmsworth . I haven't even got a costume at this point, was going to get a one-piece but maybe a tankini would be the thing, if I decide to give it a try.

I was considering the train to Knaresborough as well, so glad to hear that it gets lots of good reviews. Is the Cave thing worth seeing, or just a wander in the town?

Roundhay Park & Tropical World, Royal armouries & City Centre, Temple Newsam and its lawn & Gardens, Kirkstall abbey and the nearby riverside walk, Harewood House & its gardens, White Rose shopping centre, Tharavadu(South Indian Restaurant), SukoThai(Thai food), Bobtooma(Syrian). I don't recommend any take-aways of Leeds (or entire west yorkshire for that matter).

Mother Shipton’s is definitely worth it if you’re interested in local history. She was a real woman in the 15th century who was born deformed and cast out of her community. She lived in the caves on the cliffs, which is where the exhibition is. She was famous for predicting notable events, including the Great fire of London. It’s super interesting?

And there’s an amazing cafe opposite the attraction called Ugly Duckling. It’s AMAZING. And very reasonably priced.

RE Betty’s - it’s a really nice experience because the tea and views are very good. But sadly over the years the food has become bland, over priced and mass produced.

I do go to the bakery though now and again.