The Ultimate Harrogate Bucket List

Planning a trip to Harrogate soon? Or are you a local eager to discover Harrogate through a tourist's eyes? Don't miss the excitement! Dive into my Harrogate Bucket List featuring over 20 must-see and must-do experiences in Harrogate for 2026!

See the Cherry Blossoms on the Stray

They may only last a couple weeks but if you are here late March – early April make sure you don’t miss this spectacular display.

Take Afternoon Tea at Bettys

There couldn’t be a Harrogate bucket list without mentioning Bettys! I have blogs where you can find out more about their afternoon tea and one which has tips to make the most of your visit.

Eat Ice Cream in Ripley

If the weather is being kind then you definitely need to get down to Ripley and try their world famous ice cream. Keep an eye out, there’s a blog on the way with the best places in the area to go for ice cream.

Row a Boat on the Nidd in Knaresborough

It's taken me ages to listen to my own advice and get out there on the river at Knaresborough. It's so beautiful but also quite stressful when it's busy. Don't attempt to change positions! But do have a go, the views are worth it I promise.

Walk from the Valley Gardens to Harlow Carr

If you need to burn off and indulgent brunch or afternoon tea then this is perfect. There is a lovely walk from the Valley Gardens, through the pinewoods and on to Harlow Carr (which also features further on in my Harrogate bucket list).

Visit Ripon Cathedral

I mean just look at it! One of the most beautiful buildings in the area.

Taste the Sulphur Water

If you really want to delve into the history of Harrogate then a trip to the Pump Rooms museum is a fascinating experience and tasting a little of the spa water is definitely part of that. You can learn more about the history of Harrogate in my blog about Why Harrogate is famous.

Picnic on The Stray

We are so lucky in Harrogate to have so much green open spaces. On warm summer days there’s nothing better than packing up a picnic, heading to your favourite parts of the Stray and watching the world go by.

Explore Brimham Rocks

When my other half’s son came to visit from the Netherlands, he wanted us to show him the best of where we lived; Brimham Rocks was one of the first places we took him.

Deer Spotting at Ripley Castle or Studley Royal

In our house, we love any day out that includes animals! Both Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal and Ripley have gorgeous walks and incorporate deer parks which helps to distract the kids from how much they are walking.

Cross the Stepping Stones at Bolton Abbey

Now this does depend on a few factors: 1. Are they open or are there stones missing? 2. Are you brave enough? 3. Have you brought spare clothes for if it all goes pear-shaped?

Relax in the Turkish Baths

If it’s a relaxing visit to Harrogate that you’re looking for then this has to be at the top of your list.

Go on the Harrogate Ghost Walk

I’ve lived in Harrogate all of my life but I learnt so many new stories about my home town on the ghost walk with Paul. Head to his website to find out the next available dates.

Take the Harrogate Walking Tour

Talking of learning new and amazing facts about Harrogate, don’t leave town until you have followed Harry on his free walking tour. He’s also featured in my 30+ Free Activities in Harrogate blog and comes highly recommended.

Visit Mother Shipton’s Petrifying Well

Featured in What is Harrogate Famous For? Mother Shipton’s is a great day out for young and old. Did you know it’s the oldest visitor attraction in England?

Have Drinks on the Terrace at The Majestic Hotel

Dominating the Harrogate skyline, you can’t miss The Majestic Hotel or as it’s now known; Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa (bit of a mouthful!) You can even find it on the Harrogate Monopoly board.

Take in the View from Knaresborough Castle

Sorry! This image appears so much on the blog and my Instagram page but it’s just so pretty.

Climb the Cow and Calf

For some breath-taking Yorkshire scenery taking a walk up to the Cow and Calf in Ilkley has to be on your list.

Walk Around the Gardens at Harlow Carr

If you manage the walk from the Valley Gardens to Harlow Carr is would be a shame not to have a walk around the gardens themselves. And if all that walking has worked up an appetite, they also have their own Bettys on site.

Explore Under the Dales at Stump Cross Caverns

We always find a visit to Stump Cross Caverns fascinating, especially when we went for the UV experience. Izzy loved using her mini finger torch to explore and find all the stalagmites and stalactites. Now the question is do you know which is which?

Admire the View at Coldstone Cut

If you decide against the Cow and Calf featured earlier then seriously consider Coldstone Cut instead. It’s Yorkshire’s biggest and highest public artwork.

Visit the Yorkshire Show

I’ve been to the Great Yorkshire Show so many times and I don’t think I’ve ever done it all in a day. It’s massive! You have to be well timed to catch this on a visit. It’s normally held mid-week in the middle of July and tickets can sell out quickly.

So that’s my Harrogate bucket list!

As I mentioned above; when the other half’s eldest came over from the Netherlands to visit for the first time, we sat down and decided where we could take him to best show him where we lived and a lot of the places appear on this list. To be fair, he’s from Holland so he was most fascinated with all the hills lol!

Thanks for sticking with me till the end,

Claire x