Our top attraction
You can’t claim you’ve seen this city without a trip to the distinctive octagonal Royal Pump Room Museum. Sip the stinky sulphurous waters if you’re brave enough and hear about the barmy treatments those genteel Victorians indulged in – peat bath anyone? The museum really puts the city into context and charts its breathy rise from simple northern market town to must-visit resort for the chattering classes.
Best for Nightlife
Party the night away in the elegant, airy Georgian buildings of Parliament Street and Cheltenham Parade in the town centre. Many bars have covered areas at the front to provide protection from the area’s less clement weather – Yorkshire’s own version of the continent’s café society.
Best for dining
Take your pick from a dizzying selection of culinary hot spots in the town centre, from foodie cafes serving smoked duck potato cakes to smart bistros with mouth-watering blackboard specials.
Best for shopping
Soak up the elegant atmosphere of Harrogate’s Montpellier area, where dozens of antique shops stuffed with treasures dot the flower-filled cobbled streets. After a good browse around Caroline Charles’ designer boutique, head up Montpellier Hill for a well-earned coffee and cake fix at legendary Betty’s Tea Rooms.
