Harrogate Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Harrogate Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Harrogate packs a punch for sightseeing despite its compact size. The Turkish Baths (Parliament Street, HG1 2WH, open 9:30am-9pm weekdays, 9am-7pm weekends) offer a glimpse into Victorian spa culture with their Moorish design and traditional bathing ritual. They score 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from over 3,500 reviews.

RHS Garden Harlow Carr (Crag Lane, HG3 1QB, open 9:30am-4pm winter, 9:30am-6pm summer) is a plant-lover's paradise spanning 58 acres. The kitchen garden, alpine zone and woodland walks change with every season. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 from 3,800+ reviews.

Valley Gardens (HG1 2SZ, open 24/7) covers 17 acres and contains 36 mineral springs. The Sun Pavilion and colonnades make great photo spots and there's a play area for kids. It scores 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor from 2,200+ reviews.

For rainy days, the Royal Pump Room Museum (Crown Place, HG1 2RY, open Tues-Sun 10am-4pm) explains how Harrogate became a spa town. It houses Europe's strongest sulphur well - you can still smell it! TripAdvisor rates it 4/5 from 800+ reviews.

Pet Friendly

I've found Harrogate surprisingly good for dog owners. The Stray's 200 acres of open parkland gives dogs plenty of running space right in town. Valley Gardens also welcomes dogs but they must be kept on leads in certain areas.

The Yorkshire Dales are a 15-minute drive away, offering countless walks. Nidd Gorge (HG1 4BZ) is closer, with riverside paths through ancient woodland - perfect for morning walks before returning to your hot tub cottage.

For eating out, Starling Independent Bar Café Kitchen (47 Oxford Street, HG1 1PW) has a dog-friendly downstairs area and water bowls. Farmhouse (1 Hookstone Road, HG2 8BW) welcomes dogs throughout and even offers treats.

The Harrogate Pet Store (12 Commercial Street, HG1 1TY) stocks emergency supplies and most local vets offer emergency services for visitors. We recommend packing towels for muddy paws after Yorkshire walks - your cottage owner will thank you!

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Harrogate

Betty's Tea Rooms (1 Parliament Street, HG1 2QU) is Harrogate's most famous spot. Founded in 1919, this Yorkshire institution serves traditional afternoon tea with silver service. The Fat Rascal scones are legendary. I suggest arriving before 11am or after 3pm to avoid the worst queues. One visitor wrote: "Waited 30 minutes but worth every second. The best tea and cakes I've had anywhere in England."

Knaresborough Castle and Town (HG5 8AS, 15 minutes from Harrogate) offers stunning views over the River Nidd from its 900-year-old ruins. The town's market square has independent shops and you can hire rowing boats from March-October. A recent visitor commented: "The view from the castle grounds is worth the trip alone. We spent hours exploring the town's winding streets."

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden (Ripon, HG4 3DY, 30 minutes from Harrogate) combines a 12th-century monastery ruin with Georgian water gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage site spans 800 acres with deer park, follies and lake views. A TripAdvisor reviewer noted: "The scale of the abbey ruins is breathtaking. Allow at least 3 hours to see everything properly."

Is Harrogate good for shopping?

Yes! The Montpellier Quarter has over 50 independent shops and art galleries. Victoria Shopping Centre houses major brands, while James Street connects the two with upmarket stores. The town has kept its character with few empty shops compared to many UK high streets.

What's the best time to visit Harrogate?

Spring and summer are lovely for gardens, but autumn brings gorgeous colours to Valley Gardens and fewer tourists. The Christmas market (mid-November to December) transforms the town centre with over 50 stalls. Your hot tub will be enjoyable year-round!

Can I get around Harrogate without a car?

Absolutely. The town centre is compact and walkable. Buses run to Knaresborough, Ripon and Leeds. The 36 bus to Leeds runs every 15 minutes with leather seats and USB charging. Taxis are plentiful but book ahead on weekend evenings.

Where can I park in Harrogate?

Most cottages provide parking. For town visits, Victoria Car Park (HG1 5LQ) is central with 940 spaces. The West Park multi-storey (Tower Street, HG1 1HS) is good for Betty's. Parking costs £1.60-£1.80 per hour in most central car parks.

Are there any annual events worth planning around?

The Great Yorkshire Show (July, Yorkshire Showground, HG2 8NZ) is England's premier agricultural event. The Harrogate Flower Shows (April and September) attract gardeners nationwide. Harrogate International Festivals run year-round with literature, music and arts events.

What's the best local food to try?

Yorkshire puddings at The Drum & Monkey pub (Montpellier Gardens, HG1 2TF). Craft beers from Harrogate Brewing Co. Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese from The Cheeseboard (1 Commercial Street). Fat Rascals from Betty's. And Harrogate Toffee from Farrah's original sweet shop (Montpellier Parade).

Some helpful links:

1. Harrogate Events Calendar
2. Swinsty Reservoir Walks
3. Harrogate Bus Times
4. Fountains Abbey Opening Times