Autumn Adventures

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October in Harrogate

You deserve a break. This year has been hard on us all, particularly if you have the travel bug and have missed out on planned holidays. Here are some ideas to enjoy a break here in Harrogate this season.

There’s something lovely about this time of year in Yorkshire. The colours of autumn are spectacular – burnt orange, warm browns and deep reds are all around us in the Valley Gardens, the Pinewoods, on the Stray and out in the dales. The air is crisp and there is a feeling of hunkering down in cosy jumpers around roaring log fires. Drinking a nice pint of locally brewed ale, or enjoying a pumpkin spiced  hot chocolate and enjoying some hearty meals in our local restaurants.

  • We love putting on our hiking boots and tramping around one of the stunning reservoirs – Swinsty, Thruscross, Fewston.
  • We might not be able to go trick or treating but there is plenty to enjoy such as floodlit walks at Fountains Abbey  (bookings open on Fri 16th October).
  • Explore the spooky forest and Halloween Haunted Village at Mother Shipton’s Cave.
  • Do some early Christmas shopping at one of our local markets at Knaresborough (Wednesdays) and Ripon (Thursdays). Harrogate has its own Farmer’s Market every 2nd Thursday.

 

How to spend an autumn break in Harrogate

Day 1

  • Arrive early to enjoy an Afternoon Tea at the world famous Betty’s or one of the other lovely tea rooms such as Mama Doreen’s.  Alternatively a garden centre visit and Afternoon Tea at Crimple Hall Garden Centre.
  • Check in to Acorn Lodge from 3pm where your room will be ready for you.
  • Enjoy a light dinner and drinks (you might still be full from your Afternoon Tea!) at one of our lovely bars such as

Day 2

  • Enjoy a delicious locally sourced breakfast @Acorn Lodge, or
  • Have a well deserved lie in and head out for a superb brunch at Hoxton North or Farmhouse.
  • Join Harry on his free Walking Tour of Harrogate and take in some of the sights and local history of our town.
  • Have a wander through the lovely Valley Gardens or RHS Harlow Carr.
  • In the afternoon why not relax at one of our fabulous spas. After all, Harrogate was built on it’s water! Rudding Park or the Turkish Baths for a treatment or two.
  • We have a fantastic shopping scene in a small area here in Harrogate. As well as the main chain stores –  – Marks and Spencer, Next, Debenhams, Primark, River Island and more upmarket stores such as Phase Eight, Mint Velvet, Jigsaw, Hobbs, Joules, Sea Salt to name a few, we have a great little independent shopping scene. From H2K for smellies, Covet lifestyle store, the Montpellier quarter and 27 West Park for antiquey bits, we have everything you need in a lovely setting.
  • Enjoy a pre-dinner drink on your way back to Acorn Lodge at  Cold Bath Brewing, North Bar or the rooftop bar of Gino D’Acampo for cocktails.
  • Dinner – well, we’ve been here 17 years and still haven’t exhausted all the possibilities! For a taste of the Med and reminder of what we miss of the summer you can’t beat Konak Meze for an authentic Turkish experience. For hearty British food we love William and Victoria. Our favourite Italian is Gianni’s Brio, and for a taste of Asia Tah Chang Thai restaurant.

Day 3

  • After breakfast, if you’ve still got room, head off to visit one of our historic castles or stately homes. Fountains Abbey National Trust is a guest favourite, as is Ripley Castle, Bolton Abbey and Harewood House which has a bird garden and small farm.
  • We also love the caves at Stump Cross Caverns with it’s cinema and cafe, a great day out.
  • Head to Knaresborough, for a stroll around this historic market town and enjoy a cuppa, warming hot chocolate or ice cream at one of the riverside cafes – our favourite is the Black Mulberry for pancakes.
  • In the evening take in a film at the Everyman cinema – a comfortable experience with sofas and food and drink served to your seat.

Covid

We are relieved that Harrogate and North Yorkshire are relatively low risk for Covid and the lowest restrictions currently apply. Bars, pubs and restaurants are open until 10pm. Groups of 6 from different households can mix at a social distance.

We hope you choose us for your break and look forward to seeing you soon.

  • If you can’t make it to us this year, our diary is open and taking bookings for 2021.
  • Group bookings (rent the whole house for up to 13) are filling up for the weekends and school holidays so book early. Discounts for groups of 6 available. Christmas and New Year still available for group bookings.
  • If you’d like to buy a gift voucher for a short stay please contact us to discuss.

Phil and Ali

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