Places to visit

Enjoy and explore the wide open spaces

Whether you prefer the town or the countryside you'll soon discover that Harrogate offers the best of both worlds. Nestling at the start of the breathtaking Yorkshire Dales, you're only a short drive from some of the most spectacular scenery the UK has to offer. Yet at the same time, the town itself is a hub of cosmopolitan delight with everything the visitor could wish for within a short walking distance of The Lawrance. Shown below are just some of the many places you might like to visit during your stay.

Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Just a five minute stroll from The Lawrance in regal Low Harrogate lies the beautiful Grade II Listed Valley Gardens. A favourite place for locals and visitors alike, the gardens contain more mineral springs than anywhere else in the region, not to mention a fabulous variety of flora and fauna together with elegant historical buildings such as the Sun Pavilion and Colonnades. On Sunday afternoons throughout the summer music lovers can relax to the strains of local brass bands.

Harewood House, Leeds
A fifteen minute drive south of Harrogate is situated the impressive Harewood estate with its imposing house and fabulous gardens. Home to the Queen's cousin, the Earl of Harewood, it provides a great day out for all the family.

The house itself features outstanding art collections, splendid State Rooms and fascinating 'below stairs' exhibitions. For instance, you can marvel at the original Adam ceilings, Chippendale furniture and Old Master paintings that abound throughout the 18th century house. Outside, you can enjoy the spectacular landscaped grounds that include formal gardens and gentle woodland walks, as well as a Bhutanese Stupa, waterfall and Himalayan Garden.

Bolton Abbey, North Yorkshire
Partway between Harrogate and Skipton, right in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, lies the ruins of Bolton Abbey. Here you can explore some of the 30,000 acres of beautiful countryside via more than 80 miles of footpaths. Situated on the banks of the fast flowing river Wharfe, you could take one of the many spectacular walks or enjoy a picnic by the river, or simply explore the ruins of the Priory. The Abbey is open to visitors every day from 9am but it's best to check opening times for refreshments during the winter months.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, Ripon
The estate of Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal offers a wealth of history, heritage and magnificent buildings, set within a majestic landscape that combines both rugged woodland and deer park with beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. All year round there are activities for families, walks and guided tours, and special evening events including open air theatre. In the autumn the Abbey is floodlit on Saturday evenings, with the sounds of choirs singing in the Cellarium and recorded Gregorian chant. The estate has two shops and two restaurants plus several refreshment kiosks within the grounds.

Mother Shipton's Cave, Knaresborough
Mother Shipton is England's most famous Prophetess and her estate is a relic of the Ancient Forest of Knaresborough. She lived some 500 years ago during the reigns of King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. Her Prophetic visions became known and feared throughout England, with many of them still proving uncannily accurate today. The Cave - her legendary birthplace - is near to the famous geological phenomenon known as The Petrifying Well. England's oldest visitor attraction first opening its gates in 1630 and people have come from far and wide ever since to witness the magical cascading waters turn items into stone.