Your Great Yorkshire Visit
Have a grand time
- Stories & Inspiration
- Your Great Yorkshire Visit
Discover what North Yorkshire has to offer
So you’ve booked your tickets to the Great Yorkshire Show, you’ve found your place to stay and now you’re wondering about other amazing things to do in Harrogate and the wider area while you’re here?
Here are some suggestions for things to do while you’re spending time in North Yorkshire this summer.
Relax and unwind at the Turkish Baths in Harrogate
A visit to the Harrogate area of North Yorkshire isn’t complete until you’ve made a visit to the Turkish Baths, Harrogate. Go back in time as you step inside the spectacular Turkish Baths housed in the late nineteenth century Royal Baths and soak up some of the spa heritage of Harrogate.
Book a signature treatment and feel the wellbeing benefits of this uniquely Harrogate spa experience.
Explore Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden
Near Ripon is the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden. Here you can explore the largest monastic ruins in the UK together with the exquisite 18th century water garden, which combines artistic excellence with visionary design to work with the natural landscape along with the historical and cultural significance of the environment.
Experience the peaceful surroundings, perfect for long walks and picnics, while you uncover the story of this very special place.
Discover the cultural highlights of Harrogate
Wander around the centre of Harrogate and drop into the Mercer Art Gallery, an incredibly beautiful early nineteenth century building which was used as a spa promenade room and town hall before becoming an art gallery in 1991.
Visit the Royal Pump Room Museum and discover the story of Harrogate’s famous waters and how the town known as “the English spa” has evolved through the centuries.
Indulge in pure luxury at spa hotels in the area
At Swinton Estate, near Masham, choose from a range of exclusive experiences to book, including 'Pub in the Park' where you can dine on a delicious three course meal whilst overlooking the deer park and listening to live music (on Saturdays). Or book a lesson at the cookery school with its excellent chef tutors – courses include artisan bread-making, show-stopping canapes, tapas and more.
Grantley Hall (pictured) is a luxurious five star hotel set in rolling countryside. Treat yourself to a delicious dining experience at one of the hotel’s four restaurants, which are open to non-residents as well as overnight guests and which include Michelin-starred Shaun Rankin at Grantley Hall, as well as Bar & Restaurant EightyEight where Yorkshire resident Samira Effa of the Great British Menu has just joined as head chef.
Rudding Park's rooftop spa includes a hydrotherapy indoor-outdoor infinity edge pool offering guests magnificent views of the gardens – as well as the Escape Zone, a peaceful, serene space that features a range of visual and audio therapeutic experiences where guests can relax and absorb scenes of lapping waves, wildflower meadows and breath-taking mountain landscapes on the video mood wall.
Go with the flow in Knaresborough
Is Knaresborough the most instagrammable spot in the UK?
Head to Knaresborough and enjoy a sensation of days gone by as you row along the River Nidd in a rowing boat before stopping for an ice cream, a drink or a bite to eat.
Admire the views of the famous viaduct and see it from a different perspective as you explore the grounds of Knaresborough Castle.
Adventure outdoors at How Stean Gorge
Feeling adventurous? Enjoy action and excitement at How Stean Gorge in the Nidderdale National Landscape. Explore the natural environment of the gorge through a range of adrenalin-filled activities from caving, rock climbing, abseiling and a high wire adventure course to canoeing on Scar House Reservoir.
Book an experience or a package and enjoy quality time in the great outdoors whilst pushing your own limits in this beautiful part of North Yorkshire.
Visit exquisite gardens
Come to North Yorkshire and seek out garden heaven.
Blessed with a huge variety of wonderful gardens and outdoor spaces, it’s easy to get your floral fix whatever time of the year you visit, however summer mixes a great cocktail of colour and fragrance in the gardens that shouldn’t be missed.
Take time to wander in the heart of North Yorkshire
While you’re in Harrogate for the Great Yorkshire Show, don’t miss the opportunity to spend time in the wider area as well. Head to Masham, the home of Yorkshire brewing and explore the town’s traditional market square and independent retailers, before enjoying a walk here on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales.
Browse the high street shops in Boroughbridge and visit the Butter Market Museum to discover the story of the town through its historical collection. A short walk from the town are the Devil's Arrows, three standing stones that possibly date back to the early Bronze Age.
Head to Ripon and visit the Cathedral, which celebrated its 1350th anniversary of consecration in 2022 and discover the inspiration for 'Alice in Wonderland' before finding rest and refreshment at one of the city’s many bars and restaurants.
Make sure to stop in Pateley Bridge, a pretty market town in Nidderdale with an award-winning high street full of bespoke shops and independent eateries.
Discover more in North Yorkshire
Take the opportunity to discover more of North Yorkshire where you will fall in love with the scenery of the Yorkshire Dales and the rugged landscapes of the North York Moors National Parks.
Pull on your walking boots and head out on one of the many walking routes, including the Cleveland Way and Nidderdale Way and be rewarded with some stunning views.
Explore lively market towns with weekly markets and vibrant high streets. Malton is 'Yorkshire's Food Capital' and is home to monthly food markets alongside passionate and talented artisan food and drink producers.
Dramatic coastlines will leave you breathless. Enjoy the bustle of the coastal towns of Scarborough, Whitby and Filey or escape the crowds in the pretty coastal villages of Staithes, Robin Hood's Bay and Cayton.
Book to come back again
There are so many fun and exciting things to do in North Yorkshire that you won’t squeeze them all into one trip – so make sure you book to come back!
We have a fantastic variety of accommodation options so you’ll find plenty of wonderful and unique places to stay.
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find accommodation to suit all tastes so it's time to start planning your next trip?
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