Be sure to visit Harrogate when in the North East

I have just been back to Harrogate for the second time this year and I can highly recommend it for anyone who wants to visit somewhere a little different. It is a quaint old place with the world famous Betty's Tea Rooms to spend an hour or so with a great cup of tea (no coffee for me, thanks) and the food of your choice. I recommend you get there early, as the later in the day it gets, the longer the queues. The cakes are great and the breakfasts are pretty special too. It is probably the jewel in the crown of Harrogate but by no means the only part of the town that you will want to spend time in when you visit Harrogate.

Harrogate shopping is relaxed and exclusive

The town is filled with some very nice shops, both national chains and local specialists. It makes for a good mix and is certainly a big difference to many town centres that are filled with low-end chain shops and little variety. There are some exclusive names such as Rigby & Peller and Kurt Geiger and this only adds to the feeling that you are shopping somewhere that has a bit of class. Be sure to bring plenty of cash with you to visit Harrogate and get the most from Harrogate shopping. One of the best things about Harrogate shopping is that there is a nice, relaxed atmosphere in the centre. There is plenty of parking, if you know where to look, and on a sunny day you can browse without the feeling that you have to rush off to get out.

Other places to eat in Harrogate

There are also a huge number of other places to eat in Harrogate besides Betty's Tea Rooms. Whether you want a quick bite, a longer lunch or a quality evening meal, Harrogate has all the options for you. There are several chain restaurants that all provide great quality food. Jamie's Italian is the one that featured on a prank on Saturday Night Takeaway with ant and Dec - but don't let that put you off.

You can choose from different cuisines at differing prices. There are so many places to eat that I recommend at least taking a look online before you go, so you get an idea of what you want. I personally am a fan of supporting local restaurants over the big chains, and Trip Advisor will give you the best. If, like us, you fill up on Betty's, then you might want to think about a picnic in one of the lovely green spaces of the city rather than a large lunch.

Things to do in Harrogate

If you are all shopped out and want something else to do, then you have plenty of choice in the town as well. The list of things to do in Harrogate is better explained on other sites, that have the space and time to list them all. We went to the Royal Pump Room Museum and learned about how the town grew up on the back of the quality of water it offered to people seeking health benefits. It was a spa town where people spent a holiday and drank plenty of the water drawn from deep within the earth. It was meant to help people feel better and gained a massive appeal in Victorian times.

The park near the Royal Pump Room Museum is another pleasant place to send time, or to even have a picnic. You can take a walk in the sunshine and feel as though you are a million miles away from a  town centre for a few minutes.

The town of Harrogate is a great place to visit and sample life at a slower pace. The best features are those that appeal to everyone - we went as a family of two adults and two kids and all enjoyed the day out. I recommend it if you are in and around the North East.