Charles Church

Harrogate

Who wouldn’t want to live in a town that’s famous for its cream teas? It’s certainly a good start if you are looking for a new home. Harrogate is a famous spa town too, and it’s long been a tourist destination, keeping its local businesses thriving and giving it a great atmosphere. This is a working town too, with the Harrogate International Centre bringing in business visitors and the Great Yorkshire Showground supporting the regional agricultural industry.

Living in Harrogate

On the go

Harrogate’s main road routes are the A61 and the A59. The A61 is the key north-south route from Leeds all the way through the county to its junction with the A1(M) above Ripon. The A59 connects York with Skipton, crossing the Yorkshire Dales on its way from east to west. Other convenient routes are the A658 to Bradford and the A661 to Wetherby – another link with the A1(M). There are four train stations on the Harrogate Line, served by Northern Trains and London North Eastern Railway. There’s a direct link from Harrogate to London Kings Cross, taking about 3 hours. Leeds Bradford Airport is only 12 miles away. Regular bus services connect with Ripon, Leeds, Wetherby, Boston Spa and Seacroft, and the bus station for destinations further afield is in the centre of town.

Coming to town

Shopping is a pleasure in Harrogate, with all the independent shops and upmarket department stores in the Montpelier area and the high street brands in the Westminster Arcade, the Victoria Shopping Centre and the pedestrianised town centre. All the usual supermarkets bring you back down-to-earth. When you need a break, there are lovely parks and gardens, famous tea rooms – this is the home of Yorkshire Tea after all, pubs and restaurants.

Going to school

Harrogate is of course, famous for its private Ladies’ College, but secondary age students have plenty of options here. Harrogate High School is a specialist Sports College, St. Aidan’s C of E High School is a specialist Language and Science School and St John Fisher Catholic High School is a specialist Arts and Humanities School. There’s also the Rossett School and the Harrogate Grammar School.

In the area

Harrogate is right on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. However much there is to do in town, a change of scenery in the open countryside is good for everyone. The Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the southeastern edge of the National Park is another stunning local natural landmark.