Skip to Content

51 Best and Fun Things To Do In Harrogate, England


TouristWire Editors

Harrogate, with its stunning gardens and urban appeal, is renowned as the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales National Park, making it an ideal spot for travelers seeking a tranquil English village experience.

Situated nearby is Nidderdale, an area of breathtaking natural scenery, as well as the Studley Royal Water Garden and Fountains Abbey, both of which form part of a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Stately homes, castles, cathedrals, and medieval market towns are also all within easy reach.

Of course, no visit to Harrogate would be complete without a rejuvenating spa treatment at the Turkish Baths or afternoon tea at Betty’s Café.

Another popular tourist attraction is Mother Shipton’s Cave, which is thought to be the birthplace of England’s most famous prophetess.

Curious about what else this quaint town has to offer? Take a look at the list of additional attractions and activities below so you can plan your trip accordingly.

The 51 Most Popular Things To Do In Harrogate, England

51. Knaresborough Town Museum

4.0 ★★★★☆ (1 review)

Af1qipo9foqu4rjjur0glxuf31enh7nkonwq2uouyyjg=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Lanting Feng, Google Maps

Location: Castle Yard Knaresborough

Web Address:   http://knaresboroughtownmuseum.org/

50. Abbey Road, Knaresborough

5.0 ★★★★★ (1 review)

450px-the nidd from abbey road - geograph.org.uk - 2824873

Credit: Gordon Hatton, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Abbey Road Knaresborough

49. John O’Gaunt’s Castle

3.0 ★★★☆☆ (1 review)

4257180903 1450eeb0e9 b

Credit: Tom Blackwell, License, Flickr

Location: West Riding of Yorkshire

48. Stonefall Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ (3 reviews)

Location: HG2 Sainsburys Harrogate

47. Harewood Bird Garden

4.7 ★★★★★ (3 reviews)

450px-garrulax pectoralis -uk -captive-6a

Credit: Shawnna, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Leeds

46. The Old Farmyard, Ripley

4.2 ★★★★☆ (6 reviews)

Af1qippwdasxq6yn7scp h8d3vzde9sjfi27uzpttq9g=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: The Old Farmyard, Ripley, Google Maps

Location: Orchard Ln Ripley

45. The Laser Adventure

4.3 ★★★★☆ (7 reviews)

Location: Stockeld Park Christmas Trees Harrogate Road Wetherby

Tel:  1937-586101

Web Address:   https://stockeldpark.co.uk/blog/new-laser-adventure-at-stockeld-park/

44. Ribston Hall

5.0 ★★★★★ (8 reviews)

800px-ribston hall - geograph.org.uk - 3283695

Credit: John Slater, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Little Ribston Wetherby

43. Harrogate Ghost Walk

5.0 ★★★★★ (9 reviews)

5002285228 93b8433340 b

Credit: Tom Blackwell, License, Flickr

Location: Crown Pl Harrogate

Tel:  7800-862972

Web Address:   http://harrogateghostwalk.com/

42. Old Magnesia Well Pump Room

4.7 ★★★★★ (9 reviews)

Af1qipo56fnbom1sg0moyghj8f7gbujn1zer40ywybh5=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: some guy, Google Maps

Location: Valley Dr Harrogate

Tel:  1423-525149

41. The Christmas Adventure Office

4.3 ★★★★☆ (14 reviews)

Af1qipm5u5ygujl7czs2ryjaznqi2fut8bejdsnva6r5=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: The Christmas Adventure Office, Google Maps

Location: The Estate Office stockeld park Harrogate Road Wetherby

Tel:  1937-586333

Web Address:   http://thechristmasadventure.com/

40. Church Farm Caravan Park

4.4 ★★★★☆ (18 reviews)

800px-track beside church farm caravan park - geograph.org.uk - 3098672

Credit: Chris Heaton, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Knaresborough Road Bishop Monkton Harrogate

Tel:  7861-770164

39. Art in the Mill

4.7 ★★★★★ (19 reviews)

800px-the marsh mill by william tatton winter

Credit: William Tatton Winter, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Green Dragon Yard Knaresborough

Tel:  1423-862963

Web Address:   http://artinthemill.co.uk/

38. The Pine Woods

4.6 ★★★★★ (22 reviews)

37. Rudding Park Kitchen Garden

4.5 ★★★★★ (22 reviews)

Af1qipolxlf22ixkte5fswiepc 5tafjfauqdjebmi-j=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: david simon, Google Maps

Location: Follifoot Harrogate

Web Address:   https://ruddingpark.co.uk/spa/explore-the-spa/kitchen-garden/

36. Parthian Climbing Harrogate (Harrogate Climbing Centre)

4.6 ★★★★★ (31 reviews)

Af1qipp1xpu6p2chw5ishdusdbca92fsbb299rj28bdo=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Parthian Climbing Harrogate (Harrogate Climbing Centre), Google Maps

Location: Hornbeam Park Ave Hornbeam Park Harrogate

Tel:  1423-815024

Web Address:   http://parthianclimbing.com/harrogate/

35. Valley Gardens Skatepark

4.5 ★★★★★ (33 reviews)

Location: Valley Dr Harrogate

Web Address:   https://harrogate.gov.uk/activities-facilities-parks/skate-parks

34. Mackintosh Park

4.3 ★★★★☆ (42 reviews)

Af1qipmy 99fnjdvn0uvysiwdlkfux294onddcb kvme=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Barry M, Google Maps

Location: 1 Conyngham View Knaresborough

33. Pots2Go Ceramic Café

4.5 ★★★★★ (46 reviews)

Af1qipp4pwo7re7tyfldb00skgl3vdk8ku1uujummtpq=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Pots2Go Ceramic Café, Google Maps

Location: 12a Beulah Street Harrogate

Tel:  1423-524797

Web Address:   http://pots2go.co.uk/

32. Harewood Castle

4.7 ★★★★★ (69 reviews)

Af1qipp9st3rgbmmy0alp3v6tadmbx1g0xqx9sabpwlb=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Luke W, Google Maps

Location: Harewood Leeds

Web Address:   https://harewood.org/explore/gardens-and-grounds/the-castle/

31. The Church of St Wilfrid

4.6 ★★★★★ (88 reviews)

Location: Duchy Road Harrogate

Tel:  1423-504629

Web Address:   http://stwilfrid.org

30. Free Walking Tour Harrogate

4.9 ★★★★★ (90 reviews)

Af1qipndifnvpreqbzsbdmkt6igothx63f9ttwp2rtb0=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Free Walking Tour Harrogate, Google Maps

Location: 1 Parliament Street Harrogate

Web Address:   http://freewalkingtourharrogate.com/

29. Chapel of Our Lady of the Crag

4.3 ★★★★☆ (96 reviews)

800px-the chapel of our lady of the crag%2c knaresborough - geograph.org.uk - 2980147

Credit: John M Wheatley, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Abbey Road Knaresborough

Tel:  1423-861584

Web Address:   http://ourladyofthecrag.org/

28. Clue HQ Harrogate. The Live Escape Game.

4.9 ★★★★★ (97 reviews)

Af1qippyyj-b6ddluhxh5tstlyt8z1amefefl xt78f7=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Clue HQ Harrogate. The Live Escape Game., Google Maps

Location: 1 Prospect Cres Harrogate

Tel:  1423-524658

Web Address:   http://cluehq.co.uk/harrogate

27. The House in the Rock

3.9 ★★★★☆ (104 reviews)

800px-the chapel of our lady of the crag%2c knaresborough - geograph.org.uk - 2980147

Credit: John M Wheatley, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 35 Abbey Road Knaresborough

26. Killinghall Moor Country Park

4.2 ★★★★☆ (118 reviews)

Af1qipnaxxuw702f1apdeqzds5k5uknl2 mtucxkzxvv=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Gareth Smith, Google Maps

Location: Harrogate

Tel:  1423-500600

Web Address:   https://harrogate.gov.uk/info/20090/visit_parks_and_woodlands/394/killinghall_moor_country_park

25. Nidderdale Museum

4.8 ★★★★★ (151 reviews)

800px-nidderdale museum%2c pateley bridge - geograph.org.uk - 2232933

Credit: John H Darch, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: The Old Workhouse King Street Pateley Bridge Harrogate

Tel:  1423-711225

Web Address:   http://nidderdalemuseum.com/

24. Plumpton Rocks

4.3 ★★★★☆ (156 reviews)

Plumpton rocks - geograph.org.uk - 1276054

Credit: Tom Blackwell, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Plumpton Rocks Wetherby Rd. Harrogate North Yorkshire

Tel:  1289-382322

Web Address:   http://plumptonrocks.com/

23. Bebra Gardens

4.7 ★★★★★ (162 reviews)

Af1qipoyn6cjgr-dgwr63ktzfluohonwqoryti6ir2dz=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Fiona Hart, Google Maps

Location: Brewerton Street Knaresborough

Tel:  1423-500600

Web Address:   https://harrogate.gov.uk/info/20090/visit_parks_and_woodlands/397/bebra_gardens_knaresborough

22. Stainburn Forest

4.5 ★★★★★ (163 reviews)

800px-norwood lane outside stainburn forest - geograph.org.uk - 2548490

Credit: Chris Heaton, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Norwood Otley

Web Address:   https://forestryengland.uk/stainburn

21. Jacob Smith Park

4.7 ★★★★★ (186 reviews)

Jacob smith park%2c scriven - geograph.org.uk - 3415991

Credit: Derek Harper, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Scriven Road Knaresborough

Web Address:   https://jacobsmithpark.co.uk/

20. Staveley Nature Reserve

4.7 ★★★★★ (199 reviews)

800px-staveley nature reserve - geograph.org.uk - 3280966

Credit: Chris Heaton, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Minskip Road Boroughbridge Streetaveley Knaresborough

Web Address:   http://m.ywt.org.uk/

19. Knaresborough Viaduct

4.8 ★★★★★ (242 reviews)

800px-knaresborough viaduct %26 train%2c yorkshire. river nidd

Credit: Rosser1954, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: River Nidd Pateley Bridge Knaresborough Harrogate

Web Address:   https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1149911

18. Allerton Castle

4.7 ★★★★★ (254 reviews)

Location: Allerton Ln Allerton Mauleverer Knaresborough

Tel:  1423-330927

Web Address:   http://allertoncastle.co.uk/

17. Knaresborough Swimming Pool

4.3 ★★★★☆ (280 reviews)

Af1qipng0rlxp0qlvnglylql lg7xvirbynuwjwmnf3z=w296-h202-n-k-no

Credit: Knaresborough Swimming Pool, Google Maps

Location: King James Road Knaresborough

Tel:  1423-860011

Web Address:   https://brimhamsactive.co.uk/us/locations-1/4

16. Almscliffe Crag

4.8 ★★★★★ (543 reviews)

800px-arthington viaduct and wharfedale from almscliffe crag - geograph.org.uk - 2543309

Credit: Leslie, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Crag Ln Leeds

Web Address:   https://thebmc.co.uk/modules/rad/view.aspx

15. Spofforth Castle

4.5 ★★★★★ (638 reviews)

389px-spofforth castle - geograph.org.uk - 2930934

Credit: Jo Turner, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Castle Street Spofforth Harrogate

Tel:  370-333-1181

Web Address:   http://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/spofforth-castle/

14. Great Yorkshire Show

4.6 ★★★★★ (1,869 reviews)

Location: Railway Rd. Great Yorkshire Showground Harrogate

Tel:  1423-541000

Web Address:   https://greatyorkshireshow.co.uk/

13. Stockeld Park

4.5 ★★★★★ (2,941 reviews)

800px-footpath from stockeld park towards spofforth - geograph.org.uk - 3282870

Credit: John Slater, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Wetherby Road Wetherby

Web Address:   http://stockeldpark.co.uk/

12. Harewood House Trust

4.6 ★★★★★ (3,454 reviews)

Location: Harewood House Harewood Leeds

Tel:  113-218-1010

Web Address:   http://harewood.org/

11. Knaresborough Castle and Courthouse Museum

4.6 ★★★★★ (3,611 reviews)

Location: Castle Yard Knaresborough

Tel:  1423-556188

Web Address:   http://visitharrogate.co.uk/things-to-do/knaresborough-castle-and-museum-p1203081

10. National Trust – Brimham Rocks

4.8 ★★★★★ (4,753 reviews)

800px-brimham rocks national trust site - geograph.org.uk - 2702328

Credit: Mick Edwards, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Brimham Moor Rd. Summerbridge Harrogate

Tel:  1423-780688

Web Address:   http://nationaltrust.org.uk/brimham-rocks/

Our Top picks

9. Mercer Art Gallery

4.5 ★★★★★ (155 reviews)

514px-mercer art gallery entrance%2c harrogate

Credit: Richard North, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 31 Swan Road Harrogate

Tel:  1423-556188

Web Address:   https://harrogate.gov.uk/mercer-art-gallery

8. Royal Pump Room Museum

4.1 ★★★★☆ (431 reviews)

Location: Crown Pl Harrogate

Tel:  1423-556188

Web Address:   https://harrogate.gov.uk/royal-pump-room-museum

7. Turkish Baths Harrogate

4.7 ★★★★★ (1,054 reviews)

Location: Parliament Street Harrogate

Tel:  1423-556746

Web Address:   http://turkishbathsharrogate.co.uk/

6. The Stray

4.6 ★★★★★ (1,943 reviews)

800px-the stray%2c harrogate%2c england-lccn2002696782

Credit: License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 16 W Park Harrogate

5. Ripley Castle

4.5 ★★★★★ (2,030 reviews)

800px-ripley%2c castle grounds - geograph.org.uk - 1879700

Credit: Dr Neil Clifton, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Ripley Harrogate

Tel:  1423-770152

Web Address:   http://ripleycastle.co.uk/

4. Mother Shipton’s Cave

4.2 ★★★★☆ (2,749 reviews)

The entrance to mother shipton%27s cave - geograph.org.uk - 2149724

Credit: Ian S, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Prophecy House Harrogate Road High Bridge Knaresborough

Tel:  1423-864600

Web Address:   http://mothershipton.co.uk/

3. Valley Gardens Harrogate

4.7 ★★★★★ (4,593 reviews)

800px-the valley gardens%2c harrogate - geograph.org.uk - 2166506

Credit: David Rogers, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Valley Dr Harrogate

Tel:  1423-500600

Web Address:   https://friendsofvalleygardens.co.uk/

2. Bettys Café Tea Rooms

4.6 ★★★★★ (4,879 reviews)

750px-betty%27s%2c ilkley

Credit: Tim Green, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: 1 Parliament Street Harrogate

Tel:  800-456-1919

Web Address:   https://bettys.co.uk/cafe-tea-rooms/our-locations/bettys-harrogate

1. RHS Garden Harlow Carr

4.7 ★★★★★ (5,198 reviews)

800px-rhs harlow carr - geograph.org.uk - 2395905

Credit: John Jennings, License, Wikimedia commons

Location: Crag Ln Beckwithshaw Harrogate

Tel:  1423-565418

Web Address:   https://rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr

Final Words:

Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Harrogate, England! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!

Join the TouristWire community

At TouristWire, our team works tirelessly to bring you the most comprehensive itineraries and reviews to help you plan your next trip. Don’t miss out, join our mailing list and our reviews delivered directly to your mailbox!