The town of Harrogate consistently leaves a lasting impression. Often Renowned as one of the best places to live in the United Kingdom, the “gem of the North” is a cultural, historically rich spa town located in North Yorkshire; which tourists from across the UK have been flocking to for hundreds of years. Harrogate is famous for it’s healing spa waters, stunning Victorian architecture and picturesque surroundings (the incredible Yorkshire Dales), the town is widely regarded as a hub for anyone that appreciates rich history, culture and nature. With new restaurants and bars being developed regularly, wonderful art galleries, cosy coffee shops and designer stores, Harrogate truly has something for everyone.
Due to the town’s popularity, Harrogate has hosted many world class events throughout the years.
Every year Harrogate is host to the fantastic Bridal show. Span across seven halls, four hotels and the fashion theatre, the bridal show displays top end bridal-wear, formal menswear, accessories and occasion wear, making it an incredible buying opportunity you can not afford to miss!
In the summer of 2014 the famous Tour de France passed through Harrogate. Harrogate and all the local towns were adorned with yellow bicycles, bunting, patriotic flags and anything that could be linked to the Tour! Everywhere was full of people from all over the world, the streets were packed several hours before the race had even started. The excitable spirit was that of a carnival, and the race was filled with drama, excitement and heartbreak. Overall it was an event that will forever by remembered as a monumental day for Harrogate and the Yorkshire region. Harrogate hosted the Tour de Yorkshire from the 1st May – 3rd May this year, the event attracted similar hysteria and excitement – with people from across the globe coming to the town.
Every July the “Great Yorkshire Show” comes to Harrogate, widely regarded as England’s Premier Agricultural Event, the show makes for a grand day out like no other. Spanned across three event-packed days, It is the perfect place for those who love agriculture, gardening and nature. It is the perfect opportunity for anyone who adores all things farming, with Britain’s finest cattle, sheep, pigs and horses on display, there is plenty to admire. To shake things up there is also separate garden, fashion and culinary shows, creating an event full of variety.
It’s not just the fabulous events that push people to visit Harrogate. There are countless attractions and locations within Harrogate and it’s surrounding areas that attract people from across the country.
The stunning RHS Harlow Carr Gardens, which houses woodland, a wildflower meadow, the Queen Mother’s Lake and several other beautiful nature displays, is perfect to explore come rain or shine. Next to the gardens is a Betty’s tea room; well-known for it’s delightful cakes and treats, it is a fabulous spot for afternoon tea after a tiring day wandering through the gardens. The original Betty’s was founded in 1919 and is located in Harrogate town centre. There are now in fact six Betty’s tea rooms located across the Yorkshire region, two of which are in Harrogate!
Brimham Rocks, a national trust area with huge rock formations, is the ideal location to enjoy a leisurely walk and picnic, or for those with an adventurous spirit, you can even climb up the rocks to view the breath-taking views of the sprawling Yorkshire Dales.
The Valley Gardens are conveniently located next to the centre of town. Perfect for all the family, in the gardens you will find blooming seasonal flowers, a fun skate park, mini golf course, children’s play park, a spacious tennis court and a petite café. Especially popular in the summer, the Valley Gardens are a fantastic place to spend the day, and very fortunately for you, Rasmus Living luxury apartments are just across the road.
Fountain’s Abbey is a National Trust Grade I listed building and World Heritage Site. Dissolved in 1539 by Henry VIII, the historical Abbey is one of the grandest and best preserved monasteries in England. The atmospheric ruins give you a glimpse into the lives of the medieval monks who founded the Abbey in 1132. The picturesque surroundings alone are a reason to visit; vast green lawns lead down to the riverside, a wonderful place to sit back and relax and have a a picnic. The paths near the river bank lead you to the deer park, which is full of beautiful ancient trees including limes, oaks, and sweet chestnuts.
The historic market town Knaresborough, is only 15 minutes away from Harrogate town centre by bus. Next to the beautiful River Nidd, you can hire a small boat and take a relaxing ride whilst admiring the medieval architecture and picturesque river bank. Mentioned in the Domesday book, Knaresborough Castle dates from the Norman times, around 1100, and although much of the castle was destroyed in 1648, the ruins are still open to the public. The amazing castle grounds are used as a place for public leisure, and throughout the summer the bowling green opens, and fabulous live bands regularly perform on the castle grounds. Mother Shipton’s cave is probably Knaresborough’s most famous landmark, open since 1630, it is associated with the legendary soothsayer Mother Shipton, and makes for a spooky, mysterious and historical family day out!
Even when the sun isn’t shining Harrogate remains a fabulous place to visit. In December there is a annual Christmas Market that is full of delicious food & drink, beautiful trinkets, gifts and quirky hand-made products. The stray lights up with fairy lights and the smell of mulled wine spreads through the air – making Christmas time in Harrogate truly magical. When the Christmas mania quietens down, the fantastic January Christmas & Gift Show and Country Living Fair comes to town, making Harrogate the best place for pre and post Christmas shopping!
The fashionable destination of Harrogate is ideal for culture vultures, food connoisseurs and shopaholics alike. The town is covered and surrounded by green spaces including the Valley Gardens as mentioned, and the Stray, a vast area which sprawls throughout the town centre. Go shopping, stop for coffee or afternoon tea, have dinner in one of the town’s chic restaurants, enjoy an exciting day out exploring Harrogate’s incredible surroundings… whatever your preference, this town delivers.
Well known for it’s luxurious real estate, short term rentals are the perfect way to get the true Harrogate experience; and If you are currently longing for a stay in Harrogate, Rasmus Living offer deluxe apartments located in the town centre. Our apartments are conveniently based opposite the Conference Centre and Royal Hall, and neighbour the Mercer Art Gallery and Pump Rooms museum, making us the perfect location for visitors and exhibitors alike.
For your convenience we offer a “Book Now Pay Later” service which works perfectly for both exhibitors and visitors who wish to lock down their accommodation without having to pay the full amount straight away. This means you can relax in the knowledge that you have securely reserved somewhere to stay in Harrogate. This is particularly beneficial for exhibitors who will find that close to the time of an exhibition, available accommodation will be almost impossible to find.
If you are looking to visit Harrogate, please visit www.rasmusliving.co.uk for more details on our fabulous appartments.
