About Harrogate
About Harrogate. Harrogate’s Blissful Reputation: Harrogate has rightfully earned its reputation for exuding happiness. In a recent survey by Rightmove, it proudly claimed the title of the second happiest place to reside in the UK. From the verdant expanses of ‘the Stray’ and the enchanting Valley Gardens to the regal Royal Hall and rejuvenating Turkish Baths, Harrogate’s charm is nothing short of captivating. This town caters to all tastes, whether you’re savouring delightful afternoon teas at Betty’s or raising a glass of champagne at Gino D’Acampo’s rooftop terrace bar.
The Harrogate Guide: An Essential Resource for Locals and Visitors: The Harrogate Guide is your indispensable companion, catering to the needs of both residents and visitors. For locals, it’s your go-to source for staying up to date with all that’s happening in town, from upcoming events to heartwarming local stories. It’s where you’ll discover innovations like the contactless payment terminal outside Marks and Spencer on Oxford Street, making life a little more convenient for everyone in Harrogate.
For those visiting Harrogate, our guide is a treasure trove of information on the finest places to explore and accommodations to experience. With a staggering 200,000 annual visitors, Harrogate’s reputation as an exquisite destination is further amplified by its dynamic calendar of events. The International Convention Centre is the heartbeat of these events, hosting trade shows, concerts, comedy stand-ups, fairs, exhibitions, and entertainment year-round. Notably, Harrogate also garners international acclaim for hosting prestigious sporting events, including the Tour de Yorkshire and the UCI Road World Championships, which captured the attention of a massive global audience of 250 million.
At The Harrogate Guide, our unwavering commitment revolves around bolstering local businesses, events, and charitable causes. Through our extensive social media presence and our website, we serve as enthusiastic advocates for our community, drawing in more visitors who, in turn, contribute to the flourishing local economy. If you’re a local business, we invite you to join our platform and bask in the spotlight.
The Harrogate Guide is an all-encompassing resource, catering to the needs of residents, businesses, and visitors alike. It’s high time to immerse yourself in all the wonders this delightful town has to offer.
Harrogate, a North Yorkshire spa town, stands out as a prominent tourist destination renowned for its therapeutic spa waters and the mesmerizing RHS Harlow Carr gardens. The roots of Harrogate trace back to the fusion of two smaller settlements, High Harrogate and Low Harrogate, in the 17th century. Notably, in 2013, 2014, and 2015, it was voted the second happiest place to live in the UK.
Harrogate’s spa water, known for its iron, sulphur, and common salt content, earned it the moniker of ‘The English Spa’ during the Georgian era following the discovery of its therapeutic waters in the 16th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, its chalybeate waters, rich in iron, enjoyed popularity as a sought-after health treatment.
Harrogate’s transportation network thrives with the central Harrogate railway station and bus station, while Leeds Bradford Airport lies approximately 10 miles away. The key roads weaving through the town includes the A61, connecting Harrogate to Leeds and Ripon, and the A59, linking the town to York and Skipton. The A661 links Harrogate to Wetherby and the A1(M), while the A658 from Bradford acts as a southern bypass for the town.
Officially Recognized – Harrogate, a Town of Happiness! According to a recent Rightmove survey published on December 4, 2019, Harrogate secures its place as the second happiest town to reside in the UK. Having previously clinched the top spot in past years, Harrogate’s reputation as a marvellous hometown is undeniable. These Rightmove surveys draw from the sentiments of local residents, demonstrating the deep affection the people of Harrogate hold for their town.
Harrogate boasts a plethora of picturesque open spaces, including the enchanting Stray and Valley Gardens, adorned with architectural gems such as the Royal Hall and Turkish Baths. The town teems with charming cafes and restaurants and has become a hub for international businesses, offering something for every taste and preference. Whether you’re yearning for a sumptuous afternoon tea at the renowned Bettys or sipping champagne on Gino D’Acampo’s rooftop terrace-bar, Harrogate offers a sophisticated and thriving environments for all.
The Harrogate Guide caters not only to Harrogate’s residents but also to those looking to visit and experience the town. You’ll find a wealth of information on the finest places to explore and where to lay your head for the night. Harrogate entices over 200,000 visitors annually, not just because of its reputation as a picturesque destination but also due to its vibrant event calendar. The International Convention Centre takes the spotlight, hosting trade shows, concerts, comedy stand-ups, fairs, exhibitions, and entertainment throughout the year. Harrogate also enjoys a sterling reputation for hosting renowned international sporting events, such as the Tour de Yorkshire and, more recently, the UCI Road World Championships. The UCI event captured the attention of a staggering TV audience of 250 million.
Supporting Local Businesses. At The Harrogate Guide, our mission revolves around championing Harrogate’s businesses, events, and charitable initiatives through active promotion on our social media platforms and website. By supporting these endeavors, we contribute to the growth of our community while attracting more visitors who, in turn, contribute to the local economy. If you’re a local business, we invite you to register with us today and watch your name rise to prominence. The Harrogate Guide serves everyone: residents, businesses, and visitors alike. It’s high time you explore the wonders this wonderful town has to offer.
The name “Harrogate” first appeared in records in the 1330s as Harwegate, Harougat, and Harrowgate. Its origin remains uncertain. It could stem from the Old Norse words “hrgr” meaning ‘a heap of stones, cairn,’ and “gata” meaning ‘street,’ implying ‘road to the cairn.’ Another theory suggests it means “the way to Harlow.” The form “Harlowgate” was noted in 1518 in the court rolls of Edward II.
In medieval times, Harrogate straddled the borders of Bilton with Harrogate in the ancient Parish of Knaresborough and the parish of Pannal, also known as Beckwith with Rossett. The part within Bilton evolved into the community of High Harrogate, while the part within Pannal became Low Harrogate. Both communities were nestled within the Royal Forest of Knaresborough. In 1372, King Edward III granted the Royal Forest to his son John, Duke of Lancaster, also known as John of Gaunt, making the Duchy of Lancaster the primary landowner in Harrogate.
The 17th century marked the transformation of Harrogate from a hamlet into a Spa Town. At the end of the 16th century, a traveller sampled water from a well in Harrogate, likening its taste to spa water from other famous destinations. In an era where people believed in the healing properties of spa water, this discovery marked the gradual ascent of Harrogate as a spa town.
The first such well was Tewitt Well. In 1596, a traveller named Slingsby discovered that water from Stray, a common in Harrogate, possessed similar properties to spa water in Belgium. He named the well Tewit, after the local word for “peewit” or lapwing, a bird commonly seen on the Stray. Tewit Well received fewer visitors than wells in Low Harrogate or St John’s Well in High Harrogate due to its distance from Victorian hotels and lodging houses. In 1842, the structure housing the Royal Pump Room, located over the Old Sulphur Well, was replaced by a new design by Isaac Shutt for the Improvement Commissioners. The old structure was then relocated to Tewitt Well. The local youth brass band, ‘The Tewit Youth Band,’ draws its name from the well.
Harrogate’s journey through history is a captivating tale of transformation. In the late 16th century, a traveller stumbled upon a well in Harrogate, comparing its water to spa water and sparking the town’s gradual transition. Tewitt Well was the first to be discovered, and in 1596, its waters were found to possess similar properties to those in the Belgian town of Spa. Another key figure, Dr. Michael Stanhope, uncovered St. John’s Well in the 1600s, with Edmund Deane publicizing the medicinal qualities of the waters in his book, “Spadacrene Anglica.” This era saw the growth of inns like the Queen’s Head, Granby, Dragon, and the World’s End in High Harrogate, as well as the Crown in Low Harrogate.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, Harrogate continued to evolve with the discovery of chalybeate springs in High Harrogate and both chalybeate and sulphur springs in Low Harrogate. These two communities attracted many visitors, and the development of inns and accommodations reflected this influx of tourists. In the early 1700s, the town saw further growth, with people bathing in a sulphur well locally known as the “stinking well.” Inns were built to provide lodging for the increasing number of visitors.
The 19th century marked significant developments in Harrogate’s history. The discovery of the Magnesia Well and the opening of the Royal Baths in 1897 were significant milestones. During this period, public land was taken over by residents, but eventually, 200 acres became public open space known as The Stray. The Enclosure Act of 1770 and the enclosure award of 1778 clarified land ownership in the Harrogate area and reserved space for The Stray. In the 19th century, the central area of Harrogate was developed, uniting the once-separate communities of High Harrogate and Low Harrogate.
To entertain the increasing number of visitors, the Georgian Theatre was built in 1788, followed by the construction of Bath Hospital (later the Royal Bath Hospital) in 1826 and the Royal Pump Room in 1842. Harrogate saw infrastructure improvements with piped water in 1846, gaslighting in 1847, and the construction of a Railway Station in 1848, significantly boosting the number of visitors. The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw Harrogate’s popularity among the English elite and European nobility, although this declined after the First World War. During the Second World War, the town’s large hotels accommodated government offices evacuated from London, paving the way for its transformation into a commercial, conference, and exhibition centre.
Harrogate has a rich heritage of innovation, with notable contributions from local employers like the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB), the Milk Marketing Board, and ICI. It’s worth mentioning that Crimplene, a fabric invented in the 1950s, was named after the nearby Crimple Valley and beck.
In 2007, a significant historical find occurred when two metal detectorists unearthed the Harrogate hoard, a 10th-century Viking treasure hoard containing nearly 700 coins and other items from as far away as Afghanistan, making it the most important find of its type in Britain for 150 years, as described by the British Museum.
Harrogate’s cultural and civic institutions have also played a vital role in its history. The Harrogate Theatre opened in 1900, and a War Memorial was built in 1923. The Sun Pavilion and colonnade were constructed in 1933. The Royal Pump Room became a museum in 1953.
Furthermore, Harrogate has a sombre but significant connection to the world wars, as Stonefall Cemetery is the final resting place of around 1,000 servicemen and women, including over 600 Canadians, who died in the First and Second World Wars. This cemetery is under the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, which honours those who lost their lives in both world wars.
The Harrogate Guide is your gateway to explore all these facets of Harrogate’s rich history, culture, and present-day charm. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, our guide offers a wealth of information to help you navigate this picturesque town and discover its hidden gems.
In the early 1700s, Harrogate embarked on a transformative journey that would shape its future. The era saw the emergence of a sulphur well, humorously referred to as the “stinking well,” which was an early sign of the town’s potential. Inns for visitors began to take root, catering to those seeking the supposed therapeutic benefits of the well’s waters.
As time marched on, the late 1800s ushered in significant changes. The discovery of the Magnesia Well and the opening of the Royal Baths further enriched Harrogate’s appeal. It was a period of advancement and modernization, marked by the introduction of piped water in 1846, followed by the introduction of gas lighting in 1847. Harrogate’s connection to the outside world was strengthened with the arrival of a railway station in 1848, a vital link for the town.
In 1897, the advent of electricity brought a new era of illumination and convenience. It was also in this time that Dr. George Oliver made a notable medical breakthrough by observing the effects of adrenaline on circulation.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Harrogate became the favoured destination of the English elite and European nobility. However, the aftermath of World War I led to a decrease in its popularity. Nevertheless, Harrogate found a new purpose during World War II when it hosted government offices evacuated from London. Over time, it evolved into a bustling commercial, conference, and exhibition centre.
Harrogate’s rich history is not limited to its social and cultural development. In 2007, the town was the site of a remarkable discovery – the Harrogate Hoard, a treasure trove dating back to the 10th century. This hoard includes nearly 700 coins and other artifacts from distant lands, making it a significant find in British history.
Cultural life in Harrogate thrived with the opening of Harrogate Theatre in 1900, the construction of a War Memorial in 1923, and the addition of the Sun Pavilion and colonnade in 1933. The Royal Pump Room, a significant historical site, transitioned into a museum in 1953. Additionally, for a time, the NHS sent patients to the Royal Baths for treatment.
Not far from the bustling town centre, Stonefall Cemetery holds the final resting place of around 1,000 servicemen and women, including over 600 Canadians who perished in the First and Second World Wars. These brave souls rest under the care of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), an organization dedicated to honouring the memory of the 1.7 million men and women of the Commonwealth forces who sacrificed their lives in both world wars. To learn more and embark on a self-guided tour, you can visit [Harrogate (Stonefall) Cemetery
Central Harrogate is a vibrant district situated between ‘the Stray’ to the south and west. It serves as a significant retail hub, with major retail chains housed in the Victoria Shopping Centre. Pedestrianized high streets, such as Cambridge Street and Oxford Street, offer a unique shopping experience. The iconic Harrogate Theatre can be found on Oxford Street, and for designer shopping and upscale department stores, residents and visitors have a variety of choices, including Parliament Street, Montpellier, and James Street.
Cinema enthusiasts can enjoy an Odeon cinema on the edge of central Harrogate, and there are Asda and Waitrose supermarkets in the vicinity. Marks and Spencer’s large food hall on Oxford Street is another highlight. The area also comes alive at night, with numerous bars and restaurants on Cheltenham Crescent and John Street. For a taste of history and culture, the Royal Baths and Parliament Street are at the heart of the town. The southern end of central Harrogate primarily features detached houses that have been converted into offices. Notable institutions like Harrogate Magistrates’ Court and Harrogate Central Library are situated on Victoria Avenue. Scattered upmarket boutiques can be found along the Stray in the central southern part of Harrogate.
Bilton is a substantial area known for its churches, stores, and schools. Educational institutions in this region include Richard Taylor School, Woodfield, and Bilton Grange. Poets’ Corner, a charming part of Bilton, derives its name from its ‘poetic’ street names and the presence of expensive housing. Bilton’s historical significance dates back to the Domesday Book in 1086 when it was recorded as ‘Billeton,’ originating from Old English, signifying a farmstead of a man named Billa. Bilton was historically part of the parish of Knaresborough in the West Riding of Yorkshire. In 1866, Bilton with Harrogate formed a civil parish. Even when Harrogate achieved municipal borough status in 1894, Bilton remained separate. Starbeck was established as a distinct civil parish in 1896. Ultimately, in 1938, the civil parish was dissolved, and most of Bilton was incorporated into Harrogate.
In 1848, the Leeds and Thirsk Railway was constructed through Bilton, although no station was established in the area. The line featured a stone viaduct crossing the River Nidd on Bilton’s northern boundary. In 1908, a narrow-gauge railway was built to transport coal to the gas works next to the Little Wonder roundabout, but this line closed in 1956. Today, the area retains traces of this railway, including some walls and tunnels. The New Park School now houses a small museum that commemorates the railway. Between 2007 and 2008, the school transformed an area into “The Secret Railway Garden” to honour the railway’s legacy.
West of the railway line, Bilton saw substantial development in the 19th and 20th centuries. The impressive St. John’s parish church, designed by Gilbert Scott, was constructed between 1851 and 1857, and it is now a Grade II* listed building. To the east of the railway, a more rural atmosphere prevails, with scattered houses collectively referred to as Old Bilton. Bilton Hall, situated east of Old Bilton, originally served as a hunting lodge ordered by John O’Gaunt in 1380. This historic structure was rebuilt in 1853 and is now a care home, perched on a hill overlooking Knaresborough.
The primary railway line that passed through Bilton ceased operation in 1969. In 2013, it was repurposed into a cycleway and bridleway known as the Nidderdale Greenway. Annually, on the first May bank holiday, the Bilton Gala takes place, raising funds for local groups and organizations. The inaugural gala was held in 1977, adding a lively and community-focused element to the area.
Jennyfields, situated in the northwestern part of Harrogate, is a modern residential area featuring two schools, Saltergate Infant School and Saltergate Primary School. It is also where the town’s primary public swimming pool is located.
The Duchy estate, located close to central Harrogate, boasts large, detached homes, many of which have been converted into flats. This affluent area is home to several private schools, most notably Harrogate Ladies’ College. The presence of a golf club and ample open countryside makes it ideal for outdoor activities and leisure.
Starbeck is a significant area in the eastern part of Harrogate and features a railway station with connections to other parts of Harrogate, Leeds, Knaresborough, and York. Frequent bus services link Starbeck to Harrogate and Knaresborough. This area also hosts various schools, churches, and shops.
Pannal, situated to the south of Harrogate, features a village character that has been well-preserved. Commuters find convenience in the railway station, connecting Pannal to Harrogate and, from there, to York, Knaresborough, and Leeds.
High Harrogate, located in the eastern section of the town, is a hub of shopping and cafes. The terraced houses gracing the Stray, a significant green space in Harrogate, add to the charm of this area. In contrast, Low Harrogate, to the west of the town centre, is the hub of tourist activities. Notable attractions in Low Harrogate include the Royal Pump Room, Mercer Art Gallery, and the Valley Gardens.
Harlow Hill, situated to the west of Harrogate, features a range of new developments and an office park. A prominent landmark in this area is RHS Harlow Carr Gardens. Furthermore, Harrogate Spa bottling plant and a water treatment centre are located on Harlow Hill.
New Park is a compact area located to the north of Harrogate, featuring a primary school and a mix of terraced houses along with light industrial and commercial premises.
Wheatlands, a prosperous district south of the Stray, primarily consists of residential properties. It is home to two notable schools, St Aidan’s and St John Fisher’s.
Killinghall is a village approximately 3 miles (5 km) north of Harrogate, extending south from the bridges on the A61 road over the River Nidd. The area between Killinghall and Harrogate, known as Killinghall Village, is a picturesque location with a strong sense of community.
Bilton Historical Society plays a crucial role in unravelling the past of Bilton and preserving its history. Through their efforts, the rich heritage of this area continues to be celebrated and shared with both residents and visitors.
Established in 1996, the Bilton Historical Society, now under the purview of Harrogate UK, has embarked on a noble mission to unveil the rich tapestry of Bilton’s history. This vibrant community organization is wholly dedicated to the recording, exploration, and promotion of Bilton’s rich heritage, as well as its promising future. Join us as we dive into the hidden treasures of Bilton’s past, a journey that takes us through the lives of its remarkable people, the architectural marvels that once adorned the landscape, the enduring legacy of its railway, its industrial roots, the royal hunting park, and a way of life that has faded into history. Over the years, the Society has successfully completed three Community Archaeology Projects, thanks to generous support from the Local Heritage Initiative.
Discovering Bilton: A Journey Across Knox Lane
Step into Bilton by crossing Spruisty Bridge, and you’ll find yourself in the realm of Killinghall Parish. For many years, the administration of the Bilton side was under the Knaresborough Rural District Council before becoming part of Harrogate Borough Council. Notably, the young scholars of Bilton attended Bilton Endowed School.
As you venture further, you’ll come across the first cottage on the left, once a bustling shop run by Mrs. Duffield, later taken over by Mrs. I. Smith. The memories of this shop, now closed since the late 1950s, still linger. At the end of the row, hidden among the cottages, you’ll spot the remains of a pump, a relic of times gone by.
Moving forward, you’ll encounter a market garden tended by Mr. Pettinger, nestled between the terrace and the garden gate leading to two fields. These fields once hosted two houses by the beck, though they’ve long vanished into history. In the summertime, children, like my dad, used to rent those fields from Mr. Pettinger. We, along with our trusty dog, would lead the cows from Bachelor Gardens to graze in the wide grass verges that still exist today, though not as lush, and tidy. The responsibility of herding the cows would take a backseat when the gypsies camped there, twice a year. Moving forward, a row of cottages with a garden pump comes into view, facing the pavement. Memories of nature walks led by Miss Dickinson, our second form teacher, flood back. The boys couldn’t resist running forward to work the pump handle and create a watery mess on the pavement before Miss Dickinson could intervene.
Halfway up Knox Lane, an iron bridge, painted in vibrant red, spans the road. It was the gateway for the Barber Line, a light railway that once hauled coal from Bilton Junction to New Park Gas Works. The tunnel through which it passed, emerging near the playground of New Park School, now echoes with the tales of its journeys. The Barber Line’s legacy extends to the tankers it hauled, filled with tar oil on its way back from the gasworks. However, this line became a relic of the past after the Second World War, with the Barber engine itself resting in a sorry state at Armley Mills Museum, Leeds, awaiting restoration. Following the railway’s closure, coal transportation shifted to the roads, making way for a new era.
Beyond the bridge, the land along Knox Lane was divided among three farms. To the left, where the Kebbel Estate now stands, the first two fields were cornfields, and the third was a lush pasture. On the right side of the lane, the first field belonged to Lambs Farm, characterized by its rocky terrain. Perched atop the hill was an old barn, believed to have been a haven for barn owls. Unfortunately, it met its demise with the construction of the Knox and Ripley Estate. The next field was once a thriving market garden, previously tended by the same gardener who cultivated Bachelor Gardens. My dad, in a pre-war era, purchased this field from Mr. Carter and managed it until after the Second World War. The transformation of this land was remarkable, as Mr. F. Wilkinson eventually built the first houses on Knox Lane. The subsequent field, now the location of Knox Avenue, was part of Hill Top Farm. A significant chapter of cricket history in Bilton unfolded here, as Bilton Cricket Club played for many years on the flat area of this field. As children, we’d gather to watch the games, abiding by strict rules of conduct, enforced by the adult spectators.
As you reach the top of Knox Lane, where it meets Bachelor Gardens and Crab, you’ll encounter two ancient stone cottages, shrouded in history, with even more to unveil in the next chapter.
Knox Hamlet: Unveiling a Hidden Legacy
Knox Hamlet, shrouded in mystery, has recently come to the limelight. Although its history remains enigmatic, fragments of its story have emerged. It’s said that a bleach mill operated here in the 1600s but concerns over water pollution led to its closure. Some speculate that the mill’s location might align with where the corn mill stood. The house at the old corn mill bears an inscription dating back to 1745, suggesting the mill itself has ancient roots. In its prime, the grindstones turned tirelessly, driven by a water wheel that relied on a mill race. This waterway traversed the fields on the west of Ripon Road before passing under Ripon Road near the entrance to Knox Mill Lane. Back in the day, when New Park Laundry used the beck’s water, the water wheel at Knox had trouble turning. In such instances, the manager, Walter Stray, enlisted the help of local residents like Mrs. Mary Robinson and his daughter, Eva, to manually start the wheel by treading on it. This feat was no small task, and the wheel was never fully conquered. Interestingly, local folklore has suggested that the cottages in Knox were vulnerable to flooding, particularly during periods of heavy rain, as the Beck’s waters would encroach upon the ground floors.
Notable among Knox’s historic landmarks is Moorland Court, an imposing house that once belonged to Mr. Robson, a Director of the Aire, and Calder Water Board. Additionally, it is believed that Mr. Robson may have had a connection to the farmland of Spruisty Farm, as he owned a boathouse along the River Nidd’s banks. Near the Lodge to Moorland Court, stone steps provide access to a public right-of-way across the fields to Killinghall Bridge. This ancient path, known as Mills Bottom, has an intriguing history, possibly used by the monks of Fountains Abbey. The road’s origins trace back to the lands of Fountains Abbey near Ripley, extending through Bilton and the southern regions, where Fountains Abbey once held granges.
As the tale goes, Spruisty Bridge, a packhorse bridge crossing Oak Beck, is rumoured to have been traversed by James’s 6th of Scotland and 1st of England on his journey to London to claim the English Crown. The wagons accompanying his entourage likely passed through the ford, sparking speculation about this historic connection.
So far, we’ve explored the Killinghall side of Oak Beck. In our next newsletter, we’ll embark on a journey up Knox Lane on the Bilton side, uncovering more stories from this captivating landscape.
Hornbeam Park:
Hornbeam Park, accessible via Hookstone Road, is a recently developed area that initially served as an office park. Today, it boasts a diverse range of facilities, including Harrogate College (a campus of Hull University), a Nuffield fitness and wellbeing centre, Travel Inn and restaurant, a hospice, and several small warehouses. It is conveniently connected by Hornbeam Park railway station, offering easy access to both Harrogate and Leeds. The modernization of Harrogate UK’s website now allows readers from around the world to explore and appreciate the rich history and heritage of Bilton, transcending language barriers with its translation feature, which is available in fifteen different languages.
Click Here to see Traffic information
