Exploring Picturesque Areas Around Harrogate

Located in the county of North Yorkshire in the northeast of England

, Harrogate is easily one of the most picturesque areas in the country. Surrounded by scenic rural landscape, charming villages and brimming full of rich history visible in the many historic houses, abbeys and castles in the area, it is easy to understand why Harrogate has been ranked amongst the top places to live in the country and even easier to see why this spa town is so popular with visitors.

This Victorian town is famous for a long list of attractions, both natural and man-made. The town's motto which translates to "a citadel famous for its springs" has always been popular with visitors keen to experience Turkish baths and the English spa experience. Aside from the stunning scenery and spa experience, the allure of Harrogate can also be experienced in its famous tea rooms, spectacular flower shows, exquisite parks and gardens, immaculately landscaped boulevards, antique shops and its links with the celebrated English authors, such as the English crime and mystery novelist, Agatha Christie. Harrogate is rich in literary history, with the northwest of the town being known as Herriott country, after the author James Herriott wrote and lived there. Herriott country today remains beautiful, unspoiled countryside that makes for excellent exploring treks or drives.

Unlike the neighbouring Lake District, this beautiful floral town is relatively less commercial and bustling. Nonetheless, the town does attract more than its fair share of visitors, particularly in summer. While many domestic tourists come for a spot of tea at the famed Betty's tea rooms, for award-winning floral displays at the Harlow Carr Gardens or Valley Gardens, or for an experience of the Harrogate Spa Water, the town is also home to a popular, well-used and large commercial convention centre which attracts many business and academic visitors from around the country. The town has a varied and strong economy, with a focus on the exhibition and conference industry. As such, there is no lack of excellent eateries, hotels, shopping options and cultural sites such as art galleries and museums in the centre of Harrogate town.

For nature enthusiasts, Harrogate is a stone's throw away from the waterfalls, coves, hills and river valleys of the picturesque Yorkshire Dales National Park. The Dales are also known for being home to an extensive cave system carved into the limestone that the area has developed over. Many of the caves in the system are open to the public for caving and for tours. The park also has a museum on site. Other nearby attractions include the impressive 15th century Ripley Castle as well as Washburn Valley.

Harrogate is well-connected to the rest of the country primarily by rail and road. The North Yorkshire County is served by several main rail lines to stations in York and Leeds. There are direct links to Harrogate train station for both these cities and from London. The town has three other train stations. By road, Harrogate is easily accessed via the main roads and highways. Buses to and within Harrogate are also available with decent regularity, although the town itself is fairly small and easily traversed on bicycle or on foot. The closest airport to the town is the Leeds-Bradford International Airport, which serves direct flights from around the world.

by: Matt Fay

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