36 Leeds – Harrogate – Ripon

This is a bus route that’s won awards for its great customer service and it is a real ‘feel good factor’ all round on a service that perfectly combines city and countryside, with spa town splendour. Leaving the cultural hotspot that is Leeds, the bus winds its way through Chapel Allerton and Moortown’s bustling independent shops and then it’s splendid open countryside, traversing Eccup Reservoir on one side and Leeds Golf Centre and Wike on the other. The bus winds its way into the charming village of Harewood and the stunning Harewood House dating back to 1759 and home to one of Britain’s most celebrated art collections. The bus passes Pannel and then before long enters the splendour of spa town Harrogate with its stylish shops, Betty’s tea parlour and famous convention centre. The fun doesn’t stop in Harrogate and the bus continues with blissful views of the Vale of York to the North York Moors beyond and into the charming small city of Ripon and its glorious Cathedral and Spa Gardens, the perfect denouement to a fabulous journey. Gateway to the 36 – By train to Leeds and short walk to Leeds Bus Station (or by bus direct to Leeds Bus Station). www.nationalrail.co.uk Alternatively by Megabus direct to Leeds from London, Liverpool, Bristol, Birmingham, Derby, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and many major towns and cities across the UK. Then, by train to Skipton. Megabus sells tickets to Harrogate and Rippon and these are valid on the 36 bus to/from Leeds.

Start the day maybe with a peruse round the Kirkgate Markets and Victoria Gate Mall in Leeds or the Victorian Grand Arcade before boarding the 36. It’s a fascinating journey to Harewood, where a visit to Great Harewood House is a ‘must do’. As well as housing the incredible art collection, there’s over 100 acres of exquisite gardens to be devoured, courtesy of Lancelot Capability Brown. The next stop off point on your adventure has to be Harrogate and a trip to the legendary, world-famous Betty’s Tearooms before a visit maybe to the Spa and some bathing at the Turkish Baths. There’s sights aplenty in Harrogate, including The Stray, which covers an expansive 200 acres of grassland and has incredible floral displays, particularly in Spring. After schmoozing around some of the fabulous shops in town and looking at the lovely Victorian architecture, it’s back on the bus to Ripley and the bus stops a short stroll from Ripley Castle. The Grade I listed 14th century house and gardens are open all year. Ripley is also famed for its village store, a must visit for ice cream fans with 15 flavours to choose from. Back onboard and all roads lead to Ripon and its incredible Cathedral, river and canal walks and glorious Spa Gardens, the perfect destination at the end of an amazing journey on this award winning bus route.