Harrogate's development as a prosperous spa town began in the 16th century after the discovery of local springs with medicinal water.
The attractive Valley Gardens park was laid out to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria in 1887.
Harrogate Bus Station is almost adjacent to the Railway Station.
www.visitharrogate.co.uk |
www.yorkshire.com
The Museum is housed in the Royal Pump Room which opened in 1842 for visitors to sample the spa water.
Displays and exhibits cover the development of Harrogate as a spa town, including the science behind the
sulphur water at the Royal Pump Room.
Open TWThFSSu 0930-1700.
www.northyorks.gov.uk
Harrogate's public art gallery with an exhibition programme of modern and contemporary art alternating with
shows of a permanent Fine Art Collection. Admission free, donations welcome.
Open TWThFSSu 0930-1700.
www.northyorks.gov.uk
The Royal Horticultural Society's garden at Harlow Carr includes woodland, herbaceous borders,
wildflower meadows, streamside planting and small-scale gardens. Café and Tearoom.
Open Daily 0930-1800 (1600 Nov-Feb).
www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr
Bus 6 from Bus Station to 'Harlow Grange' stop on Otley Road, about 15 minutes journey,
then ¼ mile walk. M-S about ½-hourly, Sun & BH hourly. Buses return from the same stop.
Operated by Transdev.
A magnificent country house built for Edwin Lascelles from 1759, Harewood House contains Robert Adam
interiors, Thomas Chippendale furniture, fine art and china. The Gardens and Grounds were landscaped by 'Capability' Brown.
Café and Tearoom. Adventure Playground.
Open Daily 1000-1700.
www.harewood.org
Bus 36 from Bus Station to 'Harewood Arms' near entrance, about 20 minutes journey.
Then ¾ mile walk mostly along the entrance drive. M-S every 10-15 minutes, Sun ½-hourly.
Operated by Transdev.
A 14th century castle set in extensive grounds with lakes, deer park and a kitchen garden.
Tearoom and Coffee House.
Open Gardens & Grounds, Daily 1000-1600. House see website.
www.ripleycastle.co.uk
Bus 36 from Bus Station to Ripley Cross, 17 minutes journey, then ¼ mile walk.
Daily ½-hourly. Operated by Transdev.
Ripon is a small city with a popular market on Thursdays.
The Cathedral, Market Place and Museums are near the Bus Station.
www.visitripon.co.uk |
www.yorkshire.com
Bus 36 from Bus Station to Ripon Bus Station, 36 minutes journey. Daily ½-hourly. Operated by Transdev.
Ripon Cathedral dates from the 7th century and is a blend of architectural styles.
Admission free, donations welcome.
Open M-S 0800-1800, Sun 0800-1700.
www.riponcathedral.org.uk
Bus to Ripon, see above.
The Museum is housed in an elegant Georgian Courthouse and explains the buildings history.
Open Daily 1300-1600.
www.riponmuseums.co.uk
Bus to Ripon, see above.
Follow an inmate's journey through the workhouse and see the Master's study and dining room. Kitchen Garden.
Open Daily 1000-1600.
www.riponmuseums.co.uk
Bus to Ripon, see above.
Housed in a former prison and police station, the Museum covers the history of policing in Yorkshire and beyond.
Open Daily 1000-1600.
www.riponmuseums.co.uk
Bus to Ripon, see above.
The imposing ruins of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden are a World Heritage Site.
The Abbey was established in 1132 by Cistercian monks. The Studley Royal Water Garden was designed in the 18th century.
Download a map from the website showing all paths and features of this large site.
Visitor Centre with refreshments, Tearoom, Café. Children's play area. Deer park.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1000-1630. Nov-Mar, see website.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fountains-abbey
Bus to Ripon, see above, then bus 139 to Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre, 15 minutes journey.
MThS only, infrequent but suitable for visiting, see www.dalesbus.org
A High Victorian Anglican church designed in the 1870s by the flamboyant architect William Burges. Admission free.
Open Apr-Oct, Daily 1300-1530.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Bus as above to Fountains Abbey Visitor Centre.