The elegant spa town of Harrogate is perfect for relaxation. Spend a few hours in the perfectly preserved Turkish Baths before browsing the many boutiques and antique shops. Finish off your afternoon with a cream tea in Bettys a Yorkshire institution! Valley Gardens Sun Pavillion. Located in the centre of Harrogate, the 17-acre Valley Gardens lives up to its international reputation with a staggering variety of seasonally planted formal and informal displays, shady rhododendron dell and pine woods leading to Harlow Carr RHS gardens. Family facilities include a traditional model boating lake, paddling pool, tennis courts, pitch and putt, mini golf and summer concerts. The elevated sun pavilion and colonnade provides shaded walkways through a collection of specimen botanical climbing plants donated by Christchurch Botanical Gardens, New Zealand in 1957. Harlow Carr is the newest and most northerly of the four RHS gardens. This, along with its challenging growing conditions, offers an ideal place to view what can be grown successfully in the region. The garden is seeing exciting new developments while retaining its uniquely tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. Probably the most spectacular are the dramatic new Rose Revolution borders that edge the path to Gardens through Time. Their use of mixed perennials, grasses and roses beautifully combines sustainable practice, inspirational horticulture and a contemporary twist! Also not to be missed are the superb new Main Borders - a gorgeous mix of herbaceous perennials, grasses and shrubs, starting with hot vibrant colours, and gradually moving to cooler shades towards the streamside. Gardens through Time takes you through 200 years of living gardening history up to a contemporary garden designed by Diarmuid Gavin. The garden offers interest for all seasons - from vegetables to wildflowers and alpines to woodland - and now the fabulous Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms and Shop offering delicious food and the best teas and coffees. Royal Pump Room Museum. The Royal Pump Room Museum is a distinctive octagonal building with copper dome, built in 1842 by Isaac Shutt to shelter visitors taking the waters from the four sulphur wells at the site. A unique cast iron annexe was added in 1913. The building became a museum in 1953 and now offers displays of 19th century life in Harrogate along with examples of the bizarre spa treatments which made the town a favourite destination for elite Victorians. Harrogate water was purported to have healing properties that could cure anything including gout, rheumatism and lumbago - visitors with a strong constitution can still taste the waters at the museum. Since August 19 1778, under the Enclosures Act of 1770, Harrogate town centre has been surrounded by two hundred acres of unenclosed grassland and trees known as The Stray. As protected common land, it is open for the enjoyment of all throughout the year. The Stray is a focal point for visitors to the town who enjoy walking, picnicking and discovering the many spa well heads that remain. The Stray Defence League continues to protect the rights of all to enjoy the beauty of the Stray into the future, their motto being: We have not inherited The Stray from our parents; we have borrowed it from our children. The Victoria Gardens, including bandstand and Victoria Monument erected in 1887, are located in the centre of Harrogate opposite the railway station and provide visitors to the town with a small oasis in which to relax and enjoy seasonal floral displays (and the occasional brass band concert). The four storey Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre was opened in November 1992 on the grounds of the old covered market hall and was inspired by Palladios Basilica at Vicenza. A new market hall is now located on the lower floor. The remaining floors offer a wide and varied range of shops and boutiques. There are six Bettys Cafe Tea Rooms to explore: the spa town of Harrogate has two branches (one in the town centre and a second at the RHS garden at Harlow Carr) as does York (Little Bettys is just around the corner in Stonegate), and youll also find Bettys in the market towns of Northallerton and Ilkley. All our cakes, breads and chocolates more than 600 lines are made by hand at our Craft Bakery, and our extensive range of teas and coffees are selected by our sister company, Taylors of Harrogate. Montpelier Street Gardens. Reflecting the Victorian elegance of Harrogate Spa, the stylish Montpelier Quarter offers a treat to visitors who enjoy browsing for unusual and unique gifts, designer clothes, works of art and antiques. Those with time to spare may choose to watch the world go by from one of the excellent cafes, bars and restaurants in the Montpelier quarter including Bettys Tea Rooms. The gardens provide a shady place to stop and admire the floral displays that are a distinctive part of Harrogates attraction. The bizarre shapes and balancing boulders have made this curious landscape a popular place for walkers, climbers and tourists. They were created through the effects of erosion by ice and water on layers of sedimentary rocks. Today these have names such as Dancing Bear, Balancing Stones, Idol Rock, Turtle and Druids Desk. Open every day, with a National Trust shop, the 50 or so acres have plenty of spots for a picnic. Situated between Harrogate and Wetherby, Plumpton Rocks is one of the most important sites in the north of England (English Heritage Grade II site of outstanding special historic interest). The 30 acre park provides seemingly endless opportunities to explore with tranquil lakeside walks, dramatic millstone grit rocks, and mature native woodland. Plumpton Rocks and natural landscaped gardens are open to the public for a small admission fee at weekends and on public holidays between 11.00am and 6.00pm, March to October inclusive. William de Percy came to England in 1067 and was granted 86 Lordships in Yorkshire by William the Conqueror, including Spofforth. The current castle was built by the Percy family in the early 13th Century, with alterations made in the 14th / 15th centuries. The Percy estates were confiscated after the rebellion against Henry IV in 1408, restored and then lost again in 1461 when the Percys supported the losing side in the War of the Roses. Spofforth was eventually returned to the family and inhabited until 1604. The castle was reduced to ruins during the Civil War (1642 1646). Access free of charge, all year round. Ripley Castle Gardens. The setting, in a thousand acres of majestic Yorkshire countryside 10 minutes from the charming spa town of Harrogate and 45 minutes from York and Leeds, could hardly be more beautiful. The castle and gardens are open to the public twelve months of the year, and ample free parking, shops and tearooms help make the visit even more enjoyable. In recent years the castle has also become one of Britain's premier venues for wedding ceremonies and receptions, special dinners and banquets, meetings, concerts and training and team-building days. First-class accommodation and food is available at the castle's adjacent Boar's Head Hotel, the 2001 winner of the Johansens Traditional Inn of the Year Award. Unique traditional Turkish Baths built 1897, plus steam rooms, various beauty treatments and types of massage. Also available - facial, manicure, pedicure, eyelash/brow tint, leg waxing and reflexology. Germaine de Capuccini face and body treatments, Jessica manicures, pedicures and spray tanning now available. Turkish Baths restored in July 2004 to match their original intention. York is one of the most intriguing cities in England; no other English city offers the history, beauty and sheer diversity of York. The superbly preserved walled city has witnessed more than 2000 years of vibrant history. Excellent nightlife, great shopping, fascinating architecture, world renowned sports venues and close proximity toHarrogate are just a few of the many attractions that brin...

Joe Rigatoni is not your average Italian pizzeria. For starters, the Queen once owned this large, detached building in the centre of Harrogate. Just around the corner from Ashwood House, ir's a lively, bustling kind of place with an open kitchen and hard marble surfaces which help to create the vibrant atmosphere for which it's known. It can cater for close to 200 people over three floors and there's a balcony overlooking the conference centre. Fish is a speciality here, as are the lobster and spare ribs, but they also do all the pizza and pasta favourites you would expect. 3 Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 2SX, T: 01423 500071. Courtyard Restaurant. Right in the heart of Harrogate's historic Montpelier district, the Courtyard Restaurant is housed in a former livery stables and is in walking distance of Ashwood House. In summer, the cobbled courtyard comes into its own and makes a great spot for al fresco dining. The contemporary and cosmopolitan British menu has earned the restaurant an AA rosette and is complemented by a 70-bin wine list. Private parties and corporate events for up to 35 people can be arranged. 1 Montpellier Mews, Montpellier Street, HG1 2TQ. T: 01423 530708. Located in the heart of Harrogate, Chez La Vie is a classic French restaurant with the easy style and informality of a Parisian bistro. Weekdays they offer a great-value set lunch and early bird dinners are served Monday through Saturday. Also choose from a la carte and table d'hote menus as well as blackboard specials. 92 Station Parade, HG1 1HQ. T: 01423 568018. W: Bowers Bistro is candlelit and cosy, this charming 45-cover Harrogate bistro opened at the back end of 2004 and was awarded an AA rosette in 2007. The food is Modern British with a global influence -- starters range from £4-£6 and might include Seared tiger prawns with a sweet chilli coriander butter sauce; mains are around £12-£18 for dishes such as Char-grilled beef fillet medallions with potato rosti, sweet pepper ratatouille and Madeira jus. There is also a discounted Menu Du Soir midweek and a regular Steak Wine evening on Thursdays. Bowers is also open at lunchtimes serving a new Light Luncheon menu. 31 Cheltenham Crescent, HG1 1DH. T: 01423 565806. www.bowersbistro.com. Harrogate's intimate La Tasca has a wonderful outside terrace that's the perfect spot for summer dining. Expect authentic Spanish decor, many Spanish-speaking staff and a menu that includes 33 different types of tapas, paella and lots of quality Riojas. Even the San Miguel is the authentic Spanish-brewed variety. 1 John Street, Harrogate, HG1 1JZ. T: 01423 566333. Situated in the most picturesque part of Harrogate and just minutes from the exhibition and conference centre, Lords Restaurant serves classical British cuisine in the most traditional of surroundings. Dishes such as fillet of beef and honey-roasted belly pork as well as fish and game are enjoyed in a clublike environment of crimson upholstery and dark wood walls adorned with 19th-century cricketing prints. The wine list here extends to 80 bins. Lords is available too for group bookings and corporate events. 8 Montpellier Street, Harrogate, HG1 2TQ. T: 01423 508762. The Drum and Monkey fish restaurant has been a Harrogate favourite for 30 years and is renowned among residents and visitors for its top quality seafood and the intimate, informal character of the interior. Signature dishes, consistently based on the freshest, finest seafood have earned a loyal following with lobster, Dover sole, oysters, halibut and sea bass delivered daily. The Drum and Monkey is one of just 50 restaurants outside London to feature in the prestigious Tatler Guide. The layout is over two floors and features the charming original features of the downstairs bar and eating area and a spacious upstairs restaurant. 5 Montpellier Gardens HG1 2TF. T: 01423 502650 www.drumandmonkey.com. The Salsa Posada is Harrogate's only Mexican restaurant and serves up a truly enjoyable authentic Mexican feast. Whether you choose nachos or guacamole, burritos or chimichangas, you can be sure that it will be delivered to you freshly cooked and piping hot in real Mexican style. While you wait, sit back and enjoy a refreshing Mexican beer, wicked cocktail or saintly smoothie as you absorb the Mexican decor in our lively and friendly restaurant. For a true Mexican experience finish off your meal with a tequila slammer, and if you're brave enough, you can even drink the worm! 4 Mayfield Grove, HG1 5HB. T: 01423 565151. www.salsaposada.co.uk. Harrogate Brasserie restaurant is popular and the quality of food is reflected in the fact that the Brasserie restaurant has been awarded an AA Rosette for six years running. Something else which makes the restaurant a popular choice is the great value for money that it offers. All ingredients are fresh and meals are prepared on the premises by our team of dedicated chefs. Evening menu is available to early diners on orders before 7pm at £ 11.50 (2 courses) there after at £ 15.00. In additional to the black board specials, there is always a two or three course fixed price menu available. Vegetarian options are always available. Together with a wide choice of wines and local brewed beer, our bar and restaurant are a great place to spend a relaxing evening. 26 - 30 Cheltenham Parade, HG1 1DB. T: 01423 505041. Established for over 30 years The Damn Yankee has built its fantastic reputation serving the locals and visitors to Harrogate freshly prepared American Food and plenty of it! Choose from homemade burgers and finger-lickin' ribs to juicy steaks and authentic fajitas. While you wait for your meal, sit back and enjoy a refreshing beer, creamy milkshake or nice-but-naughty cocktail in the lively yet intimate surroundings of the Damn Yankee. The walls of the restaurant are adorned with memorabilia and images from The States, making The Damn Yankee Experience one never to forget! They cater for all, from individual diners to big parties and also offer a great value Kid's Menu and several vegetarian options. 4 Station Parade, HG1 1UE. T: 01423 561424. www.damnyankee.co.uk. If youve always wanted to spend the whole night or evening in Bed and still wanted to be at the 'in' place well now you can. Whether dressed to the nines or jus in jeans and a T-shirt, you will always receive a warm and inviting welcome to a place that gives you fab food, loving service and a smile by folk who love what they do. They offer three separate floors a bar area on the ground floor and and two separate dining rooms. Visit their fun and quirky website to view their fun, quirky and delicious menu. 24 Kings Road, Harrogate, HG1 5JW. T: 01423 568600.