A visit to classy Auntie Harrogate in style on the 36

If British towns were people, there’s no doubt that Yorkshire would make the most interesting of families. There’s York, the grandad with the never-ending cool stories. Leeds, the trendy cousin you always looked up to and Scarborough, the rambunctious kid sister who never shuts up. But within this chaos, there’s Harrogate. The classy auntie who’ll take you for afternoon tea and spa days and match-make you with someone who says, ‘let’s just get a bottle’ on the first date. Elegant, romantic and indulgent, Harrogate is the perfect destination for anyone who likes a more refined escape.  Just like the 36 bus from Harrogate Bus Company which has redefined bus journeys with its style, customer centricity and all-round panache! Between Leeds, Harrogate and Ripon, past the famous Harewood House, this plush gem of a journey whisks lucky scenic thrill seekers on their way! To plan your fun-packed journey, go to

https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/the-harrogate-bus-company/services/36/

Harrogate’s claim to fame happened in 1571, when William Slingsby identified the Tewit Well, the water from here containing minerals that many believed to possess healing qualities. In 1631, St John’s Well was discovered, with Harrogate’s popularity now skyrocketing. Visitors travelled across England to bathe in the waters, turning the humble village into a famous spa destination. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, much of what makes up Harrogate’s hotspots today had been built – the pump rooms (now part of the Royal Pump Room Museum), the Turkish Baths and the Royal Hall, Harrogate’s grand entertainment and social venue. Harrogate’s spa heritage made it a retreat for the wealthy and fashionable, which is why the town still exudes opulence over a century later.

Today, whilst the waters may no longer be the main draw, Harrogate continues to charm, attracting visitors far beyond Yorkshire. From the calm of green spaces like Valley Gardens and The Stray to the stunning Victorian and Edwardian architecture everywhere you look, Harrogate’s beauty feels both sophisticated and inviting. This elegance extends into spots like Betty’s Tea Room, which first opened here before becoming a world-famous name and Mercer Art Gallery, located in Harrogate’s former Promenade Rooms. Explore the cobbled streets of Montpellier Quarter, home to over 50 independent boutiques and award-winning cafes, bars and restaurants, whilst perusing the intimate, eclectic antiques and other independent shops – you can lose yourself in the backyards, nooks and crannies of this fab town!

On the topic of food, don’t miss Sunflower Bakery, an adorable, pink café famous on TikTok for its delicious desserts, located in Montpellier Quarter. If you’ve got a sweet tooth, be sure to also check out Farrah’s Olde Sweet Shop nearby, established in 1841 and ranked number 5 on the list of best sweet shops in Britain. But Harrogate isn’t just for those with dentist bills higher than the number of Great Scenic Journeys destinations we have to offer – there’s Pizza Social, which is perfectly situated right next to North Bar if you fancy some margaritas after your margarita, or Orchid, an Asian-fusion restaurant with the most delicious Pad Thai and fantastic gluten-free options.

Beyond its cuisine scene, of which Betty’s is probably the most famous, Harrogate has also enjoyed moments in the sporting spotlight. In 2014, Harrogate played a starring role in the Tour de France Grand Départ, cementing Yorkshire’s reputation as one of the UK’s great cycling regions.

Meanwhile, Harrogate Town Football Club (above) is well worth a visit at their intimate ground 25 minutes walk from the station or on the frequent Harrogate Bus Company services…

https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/the-harrogate-bus-company/fares-info-pages/getting-to-harrogate-town-afc-by-bus/

The team ply their trade in League 2 and though they are struggling this season, they’ve come a long way in recent years rising up the divisions!

With the windswept moorlands of Nidderdale on its doorstep, Harrogate also attracts hikers who want dramatic scenery by day and a comfortable retreat by night.

Speaking of retreat…Agatha Christie famously disappeared to Harrogate in 1926, staying in the Old Swan Hotel under the name “Mrs Theresa Neele”. Mrs Neele enjoyed the local spa facilities in Harrogate whilst the rest of the nation searched for her, with the mystery of her vanishing even making international headlines. Christie is not the only famous face Harrogate has brushed shoulders with. Florence Nightingale and Charles Dickens both visited to “take to the waters”, whilst modern-day celebrities like Years & Years’ singer Olly Alexander, Downton Abbey actor Jim Carter and director Andrew Haigh were born there. Together, Harrogate is a town that’s always attracted people seeking space, anonymity, or inspiration, often all three at once.

One of the pleasures of visiting Harrogate is how easy it is to reach and explore without a car, often described as one of Britain’s most walkable cities. Outside of Harrogate, the Harrogate Bus Company provides frequent, well-connected services across the region, most notably the Route 36, which, as mentioned, not only links Harrogate with Leeds and Ripon but is one of the most scenic bus journeys in the country and has won copious awards for its fab customer experience provided and stylish on-board amenities!

Local services also make it easy to venture beyond the town itself, connecting Harrogate to nearby favourites such as Knaresborough, with its famous railway viaduct straight out of a postcard, and Pateley Bridge, a gateway to Nidderdale’s serene countryside. Travelling by bus allows you to slow down, appreciate the landscape’s natural beauty and enjoy Harrogate as part of a wider Yorkshire escape rather than a standalone stop.

Pateley Bridge on the 24 bus is one of the most fascinating journeys within the Great Scenic Journeys  collection – check out the timetable below and you’ll see how easy it is to have a great ride out by  bus from Harrogate to this enchanted small town!

https://www.transdevbus.co.uk/the-harrogate-bus-company/services/24/

In today’s jam-packed, fast-paced world, Harrogate is the place that reminds you to slow down. This Yorkshire gem is steeped in history and rich with culture, offering visitors the chance to linger and appreciate this with its elegant and indulgent rituals, from afternoon tea to trips to the spa and walks through its charming, cobbled streets.

Like the classy auntie of this region’s family, Harrogate’s quietly confident, glamorous and has a way of making you feel looked after that’s unlike anywhere else.