Harrogate
The beautiful Victorian spa town of Harrogate is one of the best known destinations in the north of England, often ranking highly in polls of the best places to live and visit in the country.
The abundance of open green space is a real feature of the local landscape and is typified by The Stray, an area of public land extending to around 200 acres. The Valley Gardens and the adjacent Pinewoods comprise around 17 acres of park, woodland and floral displays. Furthermore, of Harrogate’s 88 mineral wells, 36 are found within the Valley Gardens, with no two being alike.
Add into the mix stunning buildings, an eclectic mix of shops, bars and restaurants and Harrogate’s reputation as the ‘Kensington of the North’ is fully justified. Of course no description of this fabulous town is complete without reference to the magnificent Betty’s Tea Rooms which has occupied the same site on Parliament Street for over 100 years and is a popular spot for residents and visitors.
For a journey back to the town’s Victorian past then a trip to the famous Turkish baths takes relaxation to another level. For a cultural experience head to the Mercer Gallery which stages national touring exhibitions of painting, photography, sculpture and crafts, along with displays by local artists.
There is a wide mix of sporting and recreational facilities, with the town boasting two exceptional golf courses (Harrogate and Oakdale) and any number of clubs and social groups.
It provides easy access to Leeds, York and other towns and cities in the region, while the Yorkshire Dales and East coast are also in close proximity.
Schools
With over 60 private and state schools around the town and immediate area to choose from, including Ashville College, Harrogate Grammar School and St Aidan’s Church of England School, parents have no shortage of options.
Transport
Harrogate railway station provides excellent transport connections to Leeds (35 minutes) and York (40 minutes) as well as direct services to London Kings Cross. A good bus service runs regularly to Leeds, taking just over an hour and Leeds Bradford Airport is 10 miles southwest.
The main roads through the town are the A61, connecting Harrogate to Leeds and Ripon, and the A59, connecting the town to York and Skipton. Harrogate is also connected to Wetherby and the A1(M) by the A661, while the A658 from Bradford forms a bypass around the south of the town.
