Hotels in Harrogate, United Kingdom

North Yorkshire ticks all the boxes as a holiday destination. The largest county in England boasts two national parks, splendid cathedral cities, miles of gorgeous coastline and its very own spa town – Harrogate.

Harrogate is everything a spa town should be. Its streets are lined with period buildings that house restaurants, bars and boutique shops. By day it's lively and by night, romantic. To complete the package, Harrogate is also home to some of the finest hotels in North Yorkshire.

Spa Hotels in Harrogate

Harrogate’s splendid architecture is largely down to the discovery in 1571 of a mineral spring, the first of 85 wells and springs found in and around the area. At that time – and for more than 300 years afterwards – mineral springs were believed to cure a range of medical ailments, leading Harrogate to grow from a nondescript hamlet into a thriving town.

Most visitors were wealthy – they were the only people who could afford to travel in those days – so grand spa hotels in Harrogate were built to accommodate them. Many are still open today, with the most iconic – both then and now – being The Majestic Hotel, which is surrounded by eight acres of gardens.

A public bathing house called The Royal Baths was created in 1897 but fell into disrepair – until recently, when a section called The Turkish Baths was restored to its former Victorian splendour and opened as an upscale spa with plunge pools, sauna and steam rooms. Opt for a hotel near Harrogate Turkish Baths and you’ll be also be close to the Royal Pump Room, a museum exploring the town’s spa history that’s well worth a visit.

Grand Hotels in Harrogate

There are a number of beautifully restored Victorian and Edwardian hotels in the town centre. A good mid-range hotel in Harrogate is the old-school Cairn Hotel, and the stately Crown Hotel Harrogate has the oldest ballroom in the town – now the breakfast room. The Old Swan Hotel has an illustrious history: Agatha Christie was staying here when she famously ‘disappeared’ for 11 days in 1926.

Boutique Hotels in Harrogate

If you’re looking for a boutique hotel in Harrogate, the White Hart Hotel is acclaimed for its stylish interiors, and the bar and brasserie are popular destinations for locals. If you’re here for a romantic weekend, the Hotel Du Vin & Bistro Harrogate is a sophisticated choice with excellent dining and a spa. More affordable options include The Bijou, a charming B&B in a Victorian villa that’s a five-minute walk from the town centre.

What to See in Harrogate

Two miles from the city centre on the western edge of town, RHS Garden Harlow Carr garden is arguably the highlight of Harrogate. Spread across 58 acres, the parkland features several picturesque walking routes and picnic spots, as well as a branch of Yorkshire’s famous Bettys tea rooms.

Closer to town, the Valley Gardens in the Montpellier Quarter are a lovely place to while away an afternoon, with tennis courts, a children’s playground and a boating lake. Montpellier Quarter itself is a popular tourist destination, with pedestrianised cobbled streets lined with independent shops, cafés and restaurants.

How Cheap Are Hotels in Harrogate?

The majority of hotels here tend to be four- or five-star properties, but that’s not to say that you can’t find a budget hotel in Harrogate. The Kimberley Hotel has well-appointed bedrooms with tea- and coffee-making facilities and flat-screen TVs, and you can dine in at the hotel restaurant or walk to the town centre in less than 10 minutes. As an added bonus, pets are allowed in most rooms.

For a good location at a reasonable price, The Yorkshire Hotel can’t be beat. This hotel is set in a grand Victorian-era building and some rooms have views of The Stray, a wide expanse of parkland that is one of Harrogate’s landmarks.

Does Harrogate Have Family-Friendly Hotels?

There is plenty for children to do in Harrogate, especially in summer. Valley Gardens has a play area, skate park and seasonal paddling pool, and RHS Harlow Carr has a treehouse and various wooden climbing frames, plus regular children’s events held throughout the year. These include indoor craft sessions on rainy days.

There are a number of family-friendly hotels in Harrogate that cater to little ones, providing cots, kids' menus and babysitting; consider booking a Harrogate hotel with a pool if you’re travelling outside of summer. Another popular option with families is an apartment – Harrogate Boutique Apartments have two- and three-bedroom apartments with kitchens and living areas.

Visit North Yorkshire’s stunning cathedral cities while you’re in the area. Browse our hotels in York and our hotels in Ripon.