- Index
- Royal Pump Room Museum
Royal Pump Room Museum
Discover Harrogate's connection to Russian royalty and what politicians and famous writers of the 19th and 20th century thought of their visits.
About Royal Pump Room Museum
Visit the strongest sulphur wells in Europe, where over 15,000 people used to come every summer. Discover Harrogate's connection to Russian royalty and what politicians and famous writers of the 19th and 20th century thought of their visits.
Stroll past the museum's displays of old-fashioned shops, a hotel and Harrogate's famous park, the Stray, to explore life in bygone Harrogate.
Royal Pump Room Museum history:
The Royal Pump Room was built by Isaac Shutt in 1842 to provide shelter for the town’s affluent visitors as they took the famous waters. At its peak, each summer the Pump Room attracted 15,000 people.
Among its most famous visitors was Tsarina Alexandra of Russia in 1911. The annexe was added in 1913 to cater for the expanding visitor numbers, and now houses the permanent exhibition and the museum shop.
The Pump Room attracted fewer visitors after the Second World War and with the emergence of the National Health Service the ‘curing’ waters were not taken as frequently and eventually the doors were closed.
On May 22nd 1953 the Royal Pump Room was reopened as a museum. The museum is operated by Destination Harrogate, North Yorkshire Council.
In 2024, a £20,000 restoration has restored this Georgian marvel to its former glory. Once a refuge for those seeking Harrogate’s healing waters, the Pump Room now features a relocated decorative fountain and a light-filled cream-toned interior designed to evoke the elegance of the Victorian era.
The museum has a changing temporary exhibition programme and permanent displays of Harrogate’s spa-history.
Admission
Adult - £4.20
Disabled/Senior Citizen/Student - £3.20
Child - £2.40
Family Ticket (up to five visitors) - £12.20
Season tickets valid for both the Royal Pump Room Museum and Knaresborough Castle are available for adults, children and families. Prices range between £10-£40 and allow you to visit as many times as you like for one year.
Card payments only.
Opening hours
-
Monday
Closed
-
Tuesday
9:30 - 17:00
-
Wednesday
9:30 - 17:00
-
Thursday
9:30 - 17:00
-
Friday
9:30 - 17:00
-
Saturday
9:30 - 17:00
-
Sunday
9:30 - 17:00
Nearby businesses
Harrogate Tourist Information Point
Whilst visiting Harrogate make your first stop the Harrogate Tourist… Whilst visiting Harrogate make your first stop the Harrogate Tourist Information Centre, located in the magnificent Royal Pump Room Musuem. Our…
Royal Parade Apartments
Harrogate’s Finest Four Luxury Unique Serviced Period Apartments with a… Harrogate’s Finest Four Luxury Unique Serviced Period Apartments with a Green Tourism Silver Award 2021.
Decor
Décor is a lighting and furniture store. We have been supplying lighting… Décor is a lighting and furniture store. We have been supplying lighting and lampshades nationally for over 75 years.
Hales Bar
The oldest pub in Harrogate originating in the mid-18th century. The oldest pub in Harrogate originating in the mid-18th century.