Harrogate Visitor Information Centre

Harrogate Visitor Information Centre is a unique attraction.

It is set within the West Park United Reformed Church, overlooking the Stray, that not only continues as a community hub with regular Sunday Worship but reaches out to welcome visitors to Harrogate, just as it did when it opened in 1862 to provide a welcome to visitors every Sunday during the season.

The Visitor Information Centre has four sections:

1. Town Maps and trails: 

Here you will find a large town plan highlighting the prominent buildings and attractions in the town with free trails to follow. There is a dedicated leaflet showing the location of brown plaques, a trail around the main town churches, a floral trail and a simple town guide. Most leaflets are provided free of charge thanks to support from Harrogate Civic Society.

2. Local Information: 

Here you will find anything from parking discs, bus and train timetables to leaflets on other attractions within the town and the immediate locality. A special guide has been created to suggest what you do with just a few hours or a couple of days in the town.

3. Further afield: 

Here you will find information on attractions that sit beyond the town but generally within a half hour drive.

4. Community Notice Board: 

With details of forthcoming events being run by community groups.

The Harrogate Story

The main body of the church is also home to The Harrogate Story exhibition. Starting with reference to volcanic activity millions of years ago, the Harrogate Story quickly moves to 1571 and discovery of the curative waters. By use of 18 professionally curated displays, the story of the development of Harrogate is told in words and pictures. Find further details of this exhibition at www.theharrogatestory.org.uk

This exhibition is supplemented by video footage of old Harrogate, narrated by Edward Fox, who's family have been associated with the town for well over 100 years.

New in 2026 are additional displays including:

- The story of Tea Drinking in Harrogate

- Horticulture in the town

- History of key attractions including the Royal Hall, Turkish Baths, Mercer Gallery and the Royal Pump Room Museum.

Coffee and Cake:

Simple refreshments available using Yorkshire Tea, Taylor’s Coffee and locally made farmhouse cakes.

Donations:

The centre is run entirely by volunteers. All surplus proceeds are used to maintain and improve the fabric of this important heritage building. Donations are encouraged by cash or card. Thank you.