Local recommendations: the best of Harrogate

Our recommendations on the best of local restaurants, bars and cafes, things to do both in and around Harrogate, as well as in the nearby Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Harrogate Restaurant Recommendations.

  • Dessert plate with a chocolate truffle, a dollop of vanilla ice cream, and two pieces of glazed cake garnished with green leaves

    The Tannin Level.

    Our philosophy at the Tannin Level is simple. Yorkshire on a plate. The very best local, seasonal ingredients, inspired by the Yorkshire countryside from whence they are sourced. Our chefs take these beautiful ingredients to create mouth-watering modern British dishes.

    Monday to Friday

    Lunch 12-2pm, Dinner 5-9pm

    Saturday

    Lunch 12-2pm, Dinner 5-9.30pm

    Sunday

    Lunch 12-4pm

    Address and Contact Details

    5 Raglan Street Harrogate HG1 1LE

    Telephone: +44 (0)1423 560595

  • Close-up of roasted chicken drumsticks garnished with fresh parsley in a decorative bowl.

    La Feria.

    La Feria brings the buzz and attitude of contemporary Spain to the UK. Everything about our restaurant is a reflection of the cities, towns and villages we love in Andalusia.

    Our speciality is free-range rotisserie chicken infused with the flavours of Spain and a selection of authentic tapas, using the finest ingredients sourced directly from artisan producers wherever possible.

    Monday to Thursday
    12.00 midday - 10.30pm
    Last food order - 8.30pm

    Friday and Saturday
    12.00 midday - midnight
    Last food order - 9.30pm

    Sunday
    12.00 midday - 10.00pm
    Last food order - 8.30pm

    Address and Contact Details.

    Wellington House, Cold Bath Road
    Harrogate HG2 0NA

    Telephone: +44 (0) 1423 538 181

  • A plate of cooked pasta with ground meat and green vegetables, garnished with herbs.

    Pranzo.

    Pranzo is inspired by our founder Marco’s Italian heritage. Notably by his Nonna’s traditional Calabrese cooking. Today, Marco has taken his favourite elements of Nonna’s traditional recipes and added a modern twist to create the traditional Italian food you experience at Pranzo.

    Monday - Saturday 12pm - 11pm
    Sunday
    12 midday - 10pm

    Address and Contact Details

    31-37 Cold Bath Road, Harrogate,
    HG2 0N

    Telephone: +44 (0) 1423 567 513

  • Lobster dish served with salad and lemon wedge on a white plate.

    The Drum and Monkey.

    Our restaurant serves the freshest seafood reflecting seasonality and availability. Proud of our Yorkshire heritage, we try to source local products where available. Independently owned, our cosy restaurant serves French inspired seafood on two levels.

    Monday to Thursday

    Lunch 12-1.45pm, Dinner 5.30 - 8.30pm

    Friday

    Lunch 12 - 2pm; Dinner 5.30 - 9pm

    Saturday

    Lunch 12 - 2.30pm, Dinner 5.15 - 9pm

    Sunday Closed

    Address and Contact Details

    5 Montpellier Gardens, Harrogate HG1 2TF

    Telephone: + 44 (0) 1423 502650

  • Poached eggs topped with orange hollandaise sauce served on a toasted bread with herbs, accompanied by a glass of red wine and a decorative vase with dried flowers on a wooden table.

    Gingko Café.

    A wonderful cafe around the corner from Bay Tree at 122-124 Kings Rd. It offers breakfast, brunch and lunch. The perfect place to enjoy a tasty bite to eat or a drink if you arrive early for check-in. Walk-in only, no bookings. All the food is fresh, tasty and beautifully presented.

    Monday to Sunday

    9.30 to 3.30pm

    Closed Tuesdays

    122-124 Kings Road

    Harrogate HG1 5HY

  • Logo for The Fat Badger which depicts a badger wearing a jacket and scarf, smoking a pipe

    The Fat Badger

    A traditional pub with extensive outside seating, partly covered and heated all year round, and a handsome bar and dining room.

    Serves cask ales, classic & modern cocktails and wine along with modern British pub-grub.

    Address:

    Cold Bath Road, Harrogate,
    North Yorkshire, HG2 0NF

Things to Do in and around Harrogate.

  • Image of Valley Gardens in Harrogate with park benches, grass and lots of trees

    Valley Gardens

    17 acres of English Heritage Grade II listed park-land, themed gardens, floral displays and historic buildings.

    The adjacent Pinewoods is a further 96 acres of woodland with footpaths leading to RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Birk Crag an area of outstanding natural beauty.

    At the heart of Valley Gardens is Bogs Field where it is believed that a greater number of different mineral water springs (now wells) come to the surface than any other place on earth.

    Open 24 hours.

  • A lush garden with large green leafy plants, small pink flowers, and bushy trees in the background.

    RHS Garden Harlow Carr.

    The most northerly of all the RHS gardens, RHS Harlow Carr's location presents challenges and opportunities representative of the region.

    The landscape here is diverse, with managed woodlands, streamside plantings, lavish and ornamental herbaceous borders, wildflower meadows and small-scale model gardens.

    Address and Contact Details

    Crag Lane, Beckwithshaw
    Harrogate HG3 1QB

    Telephone: +44 (0) 1423 565418

  • Image of Moorish style Frigidarium, the cold room at Harrogate's Turkish Baths.

    Turkish Baths.

    Perfecting the art of relaxation since 1897. Experience the Turkish Baths and a range of luxury spa treatments.

    Address and Contact Details.

    Parliament Street, Harrogate HG1 2WH

    Telephone: +44 (0) 1423 556 746

  • Auditorium at the Royal Hall Harrogate

    Royal Hall

    Royal Hall is a Grade II listed performance hall and theatre.

    The Royal Hall is England’s last surviving Kursaal (Cure Hall) still used for its original purpose. Designed by theatre architect Frank Matcham and opened in 1903, it is one of Britain’s finest Edwardian entertainment venues of unparalleled architectural significance.

    The Royal Hall is England’s last surviving Kursaal (Cure Hall) still used for its original purpose. Designed by theatre architect Frank Matcham and opened in 1903, it is one of Britain’s finest Edwardian entertainment venues of unparalleled architectural significance.

    Open days and guided tours reveal the grandeur, the stories, it’s remarkable restoration and it’s place in Harrogate’s history as one of the towns greatest pleasures.

    Find out the dates and times for guided tours and open days via the link below.

  • Interior view of the Mercer Art Gallery with chandelier and art works on display

    Mercer Art Gallery

    View exhibitions from Harrogate’s Fine Art Collection to new shows of contemporary art. The gallery is a beautiful building which is flooded with light.

    Address:

    Swan Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2SA

    Opening Hours:

    Monday. Closed

    Tuesday - Sunday: 9.30am - 4.30pm

  • A tour guide with a sign that reads 'Free Walking Tour' is explaining something to a group of people in front of a large plant with big green leaves.

    Free Harrogate Walking Tours

    Harry’s walking tours are a staple of visitor life. It’s a great way to explore Harrogate and learn about its fascinating history.

    Tours last 1 hour and 20 minutes. Tours are conducted at the pace of a gentle stroll so that you can better discover this beautiful spa town.

    Spring/Summer Schedule:

    Thursday to Sunday: 10.30am & 12 noon

    Tours set off from the War Memorial opposite Bettys, 1 Parliament Street.

  • Ruins of an old stone church with a tall tower, surrounded by trees with autumn foliage, reflected in a river in the foreground, under a partly cloudy sky.

    Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Garden.

    Ancient abbey ruins and an awe-inspiring water garden at this World Heritage Site managed by the National Trust.

    Address and Contact Details

    Fountains, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 3DY

    Telephone: +44 (0) 1423 567 513

  • Very large boulders stacked naturally on top of one another.

    Brimham Rocks (National Trust).

    The natural spectacle of Brimham Rocks, with its giant rock formations, was created by an immense river 100 million years before the first dinosaurs walked the earth, and a visit to this amazing landscape is truly a journey into pre-history.

    The rocks, sculpted by 320 million years of movement of entire continents as well as hundreds of thousands of years of ice, rain and wind, have taken on weird and wonderful shapes

    Address and Contact Details

    Brimham Moor Road, Summerbridge, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 4DW

    Telephone: + 44 (0) 1423 502650

  • Image of the viaduct and riverside at Knaresborough with lots of boats moored.

    Knaresborough

    A historic market and spa town famous for its dramatic cliffside setting above the River Nidd and the striking nineteenth-century railway viaduct.

    Top attractions include:

    • Knaresborough Castle: Overlooking the river, these medieval ruins offer panoramic views and house a museum.

    • Mother Shipton's Cave: Known as England's oldest paid visitor attraction, featuring a legendary prophetess's cave and a fascinating petrifying well.

    • River Nidd Waterside: Popular for renting rowing boats, walking the scenic paths, and enjoying local riverside cafes.

    Three miles east of Harrogate, Knaresborough is easy to get to by train, car or bus.

  • Scenic view of a lush green garden with trees and plants, rolling hills in the background, and a partly cloudy blue sky.

    Parceval Hall and Gardens.

    Parcevall Hall Gardens are a renowned plantsman’s garden in the heart of Wharfedale, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park.  Located at the head of a small valley, the gardens are a hidden treasure and well worth seeking out.  Comprising 24 acres of formal and woodland gardens, they rise up the hillside for 200 feet giving wonderful views in every direction.

    The hall and gardens reopen to visitors in Spring 2026.

    Address and Contact Details

    Skyreholme, Nr Appletreewick, North Yorkshire BD23 6DE.

    Telephone: +44 (0) 1756 720 311 (Office hours)

  • A selection of delicious cakes

    Bettys Cookery School

    An extensive range of one-day courses covering cakes, breads, patisserie and cookery.

    All ingredients and equipment needed are provided as well as delicious refreshments to enjoy, including breakfast on arrival and a two-course lunch with wine. Whatever you make, you’ll take it away at the end of the course .

  • Castle Howard

    Castle Howard House and Gardens

    A grade I listed historic stately home with extensive gardens, located 15 miles from York. The property is in the English Baroque style and was designed by celebrated architects John Vanbrugh and Nicholas Hawksmoor.

  • A front view of York Minster

    City of York

    A vibrant city with Roman roots and a Viking past, offering historic attractions including York Minster, a rich cultural scene and great shopping and eateries.

    Very easy to get to by train from Harrogate.

  • Nunnington Hall, a manor house in North Yorkshire

    National Trust - Nunnington Hall

    A rural manor house bordering the river Rye with an organic garden, tea-rooms and exciting exhibitions. A stone bridge over the river separates the grounds of the house from the village of Nunnigton.

    Address:  Nunnington, York YO62 5UY

  • Picture of an historic country pub

    The Gardener's Arms

    The Gardener’s Arms is a historic, Grade || listed Samuel Smith’s pub. The 17th century stone built pub is known for its traditional atmosphere, real fires and large beer garden.

    The traditional interior has multiple rooms, including a small bar and snug. There is a strict no mobile phones or laptops policy.

    A nice stop-off if walking to Ripley along the National Cycle Network N67 which passes through Nidderdale and crossed the Nidd viaduct.

    Address:

    Milners Ln, Harrogate, HG1 4DH

  • A steam train passes through the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors

    North Yorkshire Moors Railway

    A heritage railway built by George Stephenson that runs through the North York Moors National Park.

    Journey on a steam train with a delightful dining experience featuring locally sourced food and stunning countryside views.

    There are six stops between Pickering and the coastal resort of Whitby including the Harry Potter film set.

A minimalistic line drawing of a light brown owl with geometric and nature-inspired patterns, set against a black background.

Explore the Yorkshire Dales National Park

Areas of Oustanding of Natural Beauty

You’re spolit for choice, but some suggestions include:

Hills: Pen-y-Ghent; Ingleborough

Waterfalls: Aysgarth Falls; Gordale Scar

Lakes: Malham Tarn

Rivers: Ure; Swale

Caves: White Scar; Gaping Gill

Charming Towns and Villages

A couple of places you could visit:

Towns: Hawes; Kirkby Lonsdale

Villages: Appletreewick; Ingleton

Organised Things to Do

Dales Countryside Museum

Shows, Markets and Festivals

Workshops & Experiences

Yorshire Dales National Park Authority Walking Apps