Harrogate or York?

[Notsoskinnyminny]

DD wants to go to Betty's Tea Room for her birthday with a bit of retail therapy on the side. She's a tiny size 4 and likes Ted Baker, Vivienne Westwood because they fit, quirky boutiques and definitely no high street tat I've trained her well so where should we go?

How old is she? Harrogate has a nice little Whistles. York has VW iirc.

She'll be 19 but only looks 14 so Whistles is a bit too old for her if that makes sense. She buys most of her clothes in Japan because she likes the style feminine, lace, etc and they always fit. She'll be studying abroad next year and may not be back for her 21st so I want the day to be fun and indulgent.

I've never been to harrogate but I was a bit disappointed by the shops in York when I went a couple of years ago. Not as many boutique type ones as I thought there would be.

Mmmm not sure Harrogate will prove much use to her then - don't know about York.

Is Leeds too far? Amazing shopping and definitely on the Japanese tourist trail, so the shops stock all sizes. There's a VW boutique in the arcades.

Galaxy all I can remember about York is jewellers and shops selling touristy tat, I was hoping I'd missed something

Seriously We've been to Leeds a few times and I did suggest there but she's got it into her head she wants to go to Betty's. Can you recommend anywhere for afternoon tea?

Leeds have Harvey Nic's I think and they'd probably do afternoon tea.

Leeds HAS

If you missed something in York then I did as well and I was there for 3 days!

Browns in Leeds does a decent afternoon tea. Betty's was a disappointment as well as York in general. Gone downhill IMHO.

Thanks everyone, I've just convinced her we should back go to Leeds. The best is because she looks so young she can go on a kids fare

Definitely Harvey Nicks for afternoon tea, it's beautiful. You need to book

www.harveynichols.com/restaurant/leeds-dining/

Very interesting that you class Ted Baker as not being 'high street tat' - it's full of polyester and acrylic, just like New Look.

York seems to be pretty much high street stores now, much to it's detriment.

I really don't understand why it's sold as a shopping destination - I can think of only three clothes shops (very overpriced ones at that) which you wouldn't find in any other town.

It is a great city, just not for shopping.

Hi notso!! What a lovely idea for her birthday. For the type of shopping she wants I would have to say Leeds, though it pains me to say it. If you'd been coming through to bettys I'd have come to wave. Have a lovely time.

Just to agree you've made the best choice and also how disappointing York is as a shopping destination. Either high street stores you can find most places or tourist tat. I too thought even Bettys, which I've always loved, had gone down. Of course the wonderful historical buildings remain.

I recently spent a day in Leeds accompanying DD on a university open day and was blown away southern softie that I am!

Hello mrsrhod don't know why but I assumed you lived down south! Hope you're ok and we all have a better year. DD has booked the day off work but wants to spend it with me because I was there through all the trauma when her friends let her down.

Nice to hear some love for my hometown Seriously!

notso how dare you, I'm northern through and through although not native to Yorkshire. I've just finished the radiotherapy and we are going on holiday on Friday, never have I longed for a holiday more. I hope that's the end of I but only time will tell.

Your daughter obviously remembers and appreciates the support you gave her at the start of university. I hope she has a fabulous time in Japan. We're visiting york tomorrow and will no doubt end up in Bettys.

End of it, hopefully not the end of I !!!

Sounds like you've decided on Leeds, however just wanted to add that there is a fab vintage shop in the Fossgate in York and a great deli with teeny cafe a bit further down.
I love both York and Harrogate Betty's - but getting a window seat in the York Betty's does pip Harrogate.

Shops wise - York Outlet (MacArthur Glen) is where most of the Japanese tourists have gone. Armani outlet, The Kooples and Paul Smith? That's probably it though - you can get the park and ride bus from the centre of York (by the Dungeon) - the number 7 IIRC.

There is a Bettys in Ilkley. You could do Leeds first and then get a train up to Ilkley afterwards.

Thanks chocolateteabag she likes vintage shops but the outlet mall is a definite no no as we've got one on our doorstep which we call Chavy Oaks

bunbaker I'll check the train times and let her decide.

mrsrhod have a lovely holiday, we're in damp Florence although the weather is apparently better than what they had last week. I've packed all the wrong things so need to shop who am I kidding, I never need an excuse!