We hope if you’ve had a chance to read our previous articles describing the charming English town of Harrogate, then it’ll already be top of your ‘go-to’ wish list. From tea rooms and independent boutiques to Turkish baths and rooftop spas, this elegant yet bustling town has much to offer. And with an array of harrogate holiday rentals right at your fingertips, there really is nothing stopping you book as soon as staycations are given the green light!
In today’s article, we’ll give you three amazing day trips from Harrogate which we’d thoroughly recommend.
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway Tour
If soaking up the countryside scenery is your cup of tea, then head on down to the quaint village of Oxenhope where you can board a round-trip journey on the legendary heritage Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Sit back and relax as you journey through the beautiful, purple moors of Brontë country, affectionately named after the three sisters responsible for literary classics like Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. On a journey littered with iconic references, you will follow the route made famous by the 1970s classic The Railway Children before reaching Haworth. An idyllic hilltop village dotted with tea rooms and independent gift shops; this is where the Brontë sisters spent much of their writing days.
A day trip to Leeds
With an abundance of shops, restaurants, and museums, you will always find plenty to do in Leeds. Be immersed in the region’s turbulent combat history at the Royal Armouries, with an extensive display of exciting artifacts, from armour adorned by King Henry VIII to Indian elephant armour. Kirkstall Abbey is one of the best-preserved medieval abbeys in the UK and is situated on the beautiful banks of the River Aire. Right across the road you’ll find the Abbey House Museum, complete with a fully recreated Victorian Britain village; a must-see if you’re with the kids!
Now you cannot possibly have a day trip to Leeds without going shopping, and boy do you have options. With thousands of unique stalls, Kirkgate Market is Europe’s largest covered market and the ultimate shopping destination for any bargain hunter. Alternatively, you have the Corn Exchange; a beautiful Victorian Grade I listed building home to a variety of independent outlets, or the Victoria Quarter if you’re after something a bit more up-market.
A day trip to York
No exploration of Yorkshire is complete without visiting the historic city of York. A visit to the Jorvik Viking Centre or York Castle Museum can be followed up by a trek along the city’s medieval stone walls (the longest in England!). Or how about a stroll down The Shambles, otherwise known as the ‘the best street in England’ and supposed inspiration for Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter movies!
Another must-see on any heritage tour should be York Minster, northern Europe’s largest gothic cathedral. Be enchanted by its world-famous stained-glass windows or brave its 275-step central tower to enjoy a truly magnificent view of the city. Or for an entirely different view of the city, enjoy a relaxing cruise down the River Ouse. With plenty of operators to choose from, soak up the live entertainment and sip your favourite drink as you glide through the heart of the city.
To book your luxury accommodation in Harrogate, the perfect central hub from which to experience these exciting day trips, visit our website today!
