All about Harrogate

Harrogate is a Victorian spa town and one of Yorkshire’s most elegant destinations. Plan a visit to Harrogate and you can explore its spa heritage by indulging in both traditional and modern-day experiences. Discover its fascinating past in museums and galleries, wander through its glorious gardens or simply enjoy browsing its many shops before relaxing in a cafe, bar or restaurant to sample delicious Yorkshire produce. To help you plan your visit, here are some of the most asked questions about Harrogate.

What is Harrogate famous for?

Harrogate is famous as a spa town and is known for its beautifully kept gardens, green open spaces and floral displays with swathes of crocuses and cherry blossom in the springtime.

The independent shopping areas are vibrant, and the many restaurants, cafes and bars give the town a cosmopolitan feel. Harrogate is well known among Eurovision fans having hosted the contest in 1982.

Where does Harrogate get its name?

The origin of the name Harrogate is thought to be Anglo-Norse possibly from the Old Norse word Horgr – ‘a heap of stones’ and the Anglo-Norse word gata – ‘road or way’. Another suggestion is ‘the road to Harlow’ or ‘the road to Haverah’ with Harlow meaning ‘Soldier’s Hill’ in Anglo-Norse.

Can I walk around Harrogate easily?

Yes, the town centre is compact, flat and mainly pedestrianised. The main shopping streets continue out across surrounding streets, each with distinct character.

The popular Montpellier Quarter which features the Royal Pump Room Museum and Valley Gardens as well as many desirable independent shops is at the bottom of an incline but close to the town centre. Those with mobility issues can use local buses to move between the two levels.

Fun Facts about Harrogate

• Harrogate hosted the 1982 Eurovision Song Contest
• A racecourse was built on the Stray in 1793.
• The Beatles played at the Royal Hall in 1963.
• Famous visitors to the Harrogate spas included Charles Dickens, Lord Bryon, Oscar Wilde and Sir Edward Elgar as well as European royalty.
• Agatha Christie was discovered staying in Harrogate in 1926 after disappearing for eleven days.
• The first waters were discovered at Tewit Well on the Stray in 1571.
• Harrogate Theatre has its own ghost, ‘Alice’
• Harrogate has 85 springs and wells within a 2-mile radius of the Royal Pump Room Museum/There are 35 springs in the Valley Gardens, each one with a different mineral composition.
• Harrogate Toffee has lemon oil in it and was originally created to take away the taste of the sulphur water.
• The Tour de France Grand Depart stage 1 finished in Harrogate in 2014.
• The Yorkshire Tea factory is in Harrogate.