Harrogate area

[Datgal]

Hi all. I'm spending a few days in the Harrogate area in September. Never really been up here before! We're looking at going to Harrogate or Ripon for the day before we can check in to our accommodation. Is Ripon nice? We have a few walks planned whilst there. And we've been to York a few times. Just trying to find great places we haven't been to.
Also thinking on the way back go to Ilkley or Skipton? Is there somewhere else people would recommend? Thank you 😎

Thanks for the heads up! Quite mobile. We live in peak District so used to hills. Love getting out and about and thinking we will definitely do this including Janet's foss. It looks stunning 🙌

Ah, wow. Ilkley does sound lovely 😍. And sounds right up our street. Thanks for your input.

Wow.. didn't know about the Turkish baths. That might be better a goer. Thanks.

Walk the Nidderdalr Greenway from Harrogate to Ripley Castle. It will be a beautiful walk in the early Autumn and Ripley village is small but lovely. About 4 miles. Lovely pub , coffee shops and a couple of gift shops. Then hop on the 36 bus back into Harrogate.

Thank you for your viewpoint. Yes, Ilkley sounded good when I did a quick search. I posted to get other views so I can narrow down. We'll be doing a mixture of both. Only staying for 3 nights. Got a few walks planned for when we're there. The towns etc are more for the days when we're arriving/leaving. Just make the most of it all. Ilkley sounds nice. 😁

Also look up Harry’s Walking Tours.. free tours of Harrogate. And a couple of times a month there’s free tours of the Royal Hall which is an amazing Victorian Theatre.

Sounds amazing!! I'll have to have a good think now. Wish we were going for longer. Haha. It just means we'll have to come back. I've got a feeling I'm going to love it anyway.

And visit the Pump Rooms!

Basically, you don’t t need to spend all of your trip in areas other than Harrogate if you see what I mean .

Oh, I bloody love a good walking tour. Thanks for the tip. 😁

One last tip! If you like Chinese food please go to the Royal Baths Chinese… the interior is amazing and it’s just next door to the Turkish Baths.

Beg to differ!!

A few Harrogate recommendations:

• Harlow Carr
• bettys
• Pranzo Italian or Stuzzi next to Cold Bath Brewery
• Fodder for breakfast and farm shop
• a stroll through Valley Gardens and around the Stray
• there are some nice bars and things such as Roland's and Major Tom's (the latter if you like craft beer and pizza) and Cold Bath Brewery is also a great spot.

If you fancy a short drive and a walk you can drive to Swinsty/Fewston Reservoir about ten mins outside the centre and do a loop round the reservoirs there. Knaresborough is close to Harrogate so probably a nice one for an afternoon instead of Ilkley as Ilkley is more like a 40 minute drive. Then again Ilkley does have spectacular walks and views. You could have lunch at the Cow and Calf and then do a walk then head into the town for a wander and shop/lunch etc followed by a walk down the riverside.

Ah you’ve made me feel very nostalgic OP. We lived in Harrogate 30 years ago and our first marital home was a first floor flat overlooking Valley Gardens. Those were happy times! Whenever I go back (live in SE now) I feel like I’m ‘home’.

Enjoy your time there. Oh and I’d beg to differ about Ripon! DH and I did a day trip there last year and there’s lots to like. Lovely independent shops and cafes etc, a pretty market square, and riverside walks. As well as the cathedral. We had a great day!