{"id":423984,"date":"2025-09-14T15:22:11","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T15:22:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/423984\/"},"modified":"2025-09-14T15:22:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-14T15:22:11","slug":"harrogate-named-among-best-market-towns-in-england","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/423984\/","title":{"rendered":"Harrogate named among best market towns in England"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n Harrogate, situated on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales, is known for its \u201cthriving streets that buzz with shops and eateries\u201d and was highlighted by The Express.\n<\/p>\n

\n It\u2019s also been described as the \u201cgo-to destination for relaxation and indulgence\u201d.\n<\/p>\n

\n The publisher shared about its travel guide: \u201cEngland is packed full of pretty towns that most of us never take a trip to.\n<\/p>\n

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\n @imjanuki<\/a> obsessed with this little town can\u2019t recommend it enough! by far one of the best places I have visited \ud83d\udc98 #scenic<\/a> #placestovisit<\/a> #countryside<\/a> #travel<\/a> #explore<\/a> #england<\/a> #harrogate<\/a> #fyp<\/a> \u266c Sweet Heat Lightning – Gregory Alan Isakov<\/a>\n <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n \u201cWhether they\u2019re tucked away in the Lake District or overlooking the sea, if you\u2019re planning a staycation this autumn, here are 16 beautiful little market towns that you should visit.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\n Take a look at the full list of impressive small market towns via The Express\u2019 website<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n

What did the travel experts say about Harrogate?<\/p>\n

\n The Express wrote: \u201cHarrogate is a spa town in North Yorkshire. It is a tourist destination, and its visitor attractions include its spa waters and Harlow Carr gardens.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cYorkshire Dales National Park and the Nidderdale AONB are 13 miles away from the town centre.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cFrom 2013 to 2015, it was voted the \u2018happiest place to live in the UK\u2019.\n<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

\n Additionally, Harrogate has been labelled as a \u201cdefinitive boutique spa town in the heart of North Yorkshire\u201d by Visit North Yorkshire<\/a>.\n<\/p>\n

\n It adds: \u201cAn eclectic cultural scene of events is interspersed with many popular consumer shows and the spa heritage that can be seen at every turn.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cPossibly the most distinctive feature of the town is its vast open space that surrounds the town centre, known locally as the Stray, at 200 acres this gives a green and spacious feel unique to the town.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\n Detailing the history of Harrogate, it explains: \u201cBorn through a boom in spa tourism during the Victorian 1800s, Harrogate quickly developed a reputation for luxurious getaways for body and soul.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cThe high society of Victorian Britain flocked to the spa town to enjoy the air, the space and the therapeutic spa treatments as well as taking the famous waters.\n<\/p>\n

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\n \u201cThis reputation continues to be well deserved. Modern-day Harrogate is the go-to destination for relaxation and indulgence, synonymous with quality shopping and afternoon tea.\n<\/p>\n

\n \u201cThe Spa history continues to shape the town with several superb spas, including the original Turkish Baths in the iconic Royal Baths building in the centre of town.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\n A lot of Harrogate\u2019s beauty also comes from its \u201cfloral excellence, evident in the magnificent displays across the town and in its well-kept parks and gardens\u201d.\n<\/p>\n

\n Visit North Yorkshire writes: \u201cThe largest of these is the Grade II listed Valley Gardens, which features several distinctive areas and receives 3 million visitors a year.\u201d\n<\/p>\n

\n The Stray is around 200 acres(Image: Getty Images\/iStockphoto)\n<\/p>\n

\n Plus, there is a huge variety of \u201cattractive\u201d townhouse B&Bs and guesthouses, “to suit every taste”.\n<\/p>\n

\n Aside from the iconic Bettys on Parliament Street, just some of the area\u2019s other recommended\u00a0cafes include Tilly Peppers, Farmhouse and The Wild Plum.\n<\/p>\n

\n Some of the most popular coffee shops are Crema Coffee, Lago di Como and Bean & Bud, all highly rated on Google Reviews.\n<\/p>\n

\n You certainly won\u2019t be stuck for choice when it comes to grabbing a bite to eat in Harrogate.\n<\/p>\n