HARROGATE

Why Harrogate?

Harrogate exists as a wonderful example of what the Victorians imagined a resort town might look like. Much of the grand stone architecture was built to impress visitors and provided relaxing surrounds for enjoying the many spas contained here.

That focus on the health benefits also led Harrogate to become a surprisingly green and pleasant locale too, not only as it is carved out of the Forest of Knaresborough (once a royal hunting ground), but also because at its heart are many landscaped public spaces, including The Stray and the grade II-listed Valley Gardens.

The beautifully compact RHS Garden Harlow Carr meanwhile is worth a visit to explore sub-tropic, lakeside and kitchen gardens, centred on