Discover places to eat and things to do this Valentine’s Day in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
Love is in the air, and what better place to celebrate romance than in the charming town of Harrogate? As Cupid dusts his arrows, we’ve curated a list of wonderful things to do that will make your Valentine’s Day even more special. From cozy strolls in the historic Valley Gardens to savouring delectable treats in quaint tea rooms, Harrogate sets the stage for a day filled with love and connection. And, of course, what’s Valentine’s Day without a touch of floral magic from us? Our guide is your passport to creating unforgettable moments on this day of love, so, let’s dive into the heart of Harrogate and make this Valentine’s Day one to remember!
Food Glorious Food
Harrogate is home to some incredible restaurants to wine and dine your loved one. Whether you’re savouring a candlelit dinner in a historic pub or indulging in a gastronomic adventure at a fine dining establishment, Harrogate has got a lot to offer when it comes to tantalising your tastebuds.
For Lunch, there is of course, the finest tea rooms in Yorkshire, Betty’s Cafe. We have not one, but two Betty’s tea rooms in Harrogate, so you can dine in the centre of town overlooking the Stray, or take a trip out to the cafe at RHS Harlow Carr which offers spectacular views over the wonderful gardens, for a champagne afternoon tea. Whilst you’re there, why not take a romantic stroll through the gardens itself and don’t forget to sweeten the deal with a little Betty’s Valentine’s treat including our favourite Fondant Fancies, or a Chocolate Lovers Gift Bag.
For Dinner you are spoiled for choice in Harrogate. For something a little relaxed, head on to Three’s a Crowd, a modern gastropub that serves quality British food in using the best possible ingredients. With their ever-changing menu and hand-picked wine list, it’s the perfect place to share a meal with your partner who prefers a down to earth setting.
If you fancy mixing a hotel with a wonderful restaurant, look no further than Solberge Hall. Solberge is celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special dining experience. You can explore their curated three course Valentine’s Day menu, which includes selections such as pan fried scallops, and Butter Roast Chicken Breast. For an extra romantic touch, opt for a beautiful hand-tied bouquet made right here at Floristry at Wharfedale Grange, adding a hint of elegance to your dining experience.
If you fancy something a little different, Horto ( (Latin for kitchen garden, don’t you know) at Rudding Park offers fine dining with a twist. There are no courses here, instead, guests are invited to choose from a selection of small plates to enjoy – think hispi cabbage, brown shrimp and cod roe, or sweet and sour duck, katsu carrots and black garlic. Plenty of vegan and gluten free options round out the menu, which is a fun and inventive experience. Meanwhile back in town, The Ivy on Parliament Street is as popular as ever and are offering a special Valentine’s Dinner with a glass of bubbles!
PLACES TO STAY
There is an abundance of places to stay for Valentine’s Day in Harrogate. From boutique hotels to Air BnBs, you will be spoiled for choice. For dinner and a room overlooking the Stray, try The West Park. It has a Double AA rosette for its fine food with a focus on local, seasonal menu. Its rooms are wonderful too with an emphasis on modern interiors and a home-from-home feel.
If you’re looking for traditional luxury, then Solberge Hall is the perfect spot for a romantic evening away. Set in the rolling landscapes of Northallerton, Solberge has its own woodland and fabulous landscaped grounds along with a wonderful restaurant. Back in the centre of Harrogate, the Majestic Hotel and Spa by Doubletree overlooks the town.
Valentine’s Day Experiences
If you’re looking to do something different, Spirit of Harrogate offers a unique evening of gin tasting, with over 100 gins to choose from to sample throughout the sessions. You will be taken through the history of gin by their experts and get to learn some fascinating history while sipping on a G&T!
They offer two different tasting experiences at different price points. The ‘Spirit of Gin‘ experience is the history guided session, where as you try a variety of their amazing gins you will get to learn how the spirit came to be and how it has developed over time!
If you want to try distilling your own gin, they offer the ‘Master Distiller‘ session. You will be guided by an expert mixologist through a tasting session to find your preferred style of gin and the one you would like to make. You get to choose your botanicals with guidance and distil your very own bottle of gin complete with a personalised label to take home!
Time to relax.
No visit to Harrogate would be complete with a trip to the fully restored Victorian Turkish Baths. Back in the distant past, the baths were popular with members of Royal families from around the world and a particular favourite of Queen Victoria’s granddaughters who came to Harrogate to take the spring waters. The Baths’ original Moorish design with Islamic arches and screens, walls of vibrant glazed brickwork, the arabesque painted ceilings and terrazzo floors (laid by the very best Italian experts) all add to its historic elegant features.
Choose from a range of hand-picked luxury treatments which originate from around the world – a variety of indulgent and relaxing therapies and everyday essentials such as manicures and pedicures. Try the Sacred Nature Escape or the Turkish Indulgence Experience.
Alternatively, why not hop over to the Harrogate Spa, for a night of bliss with their ‘Twilight Spa Experience’ which gives you 2 hours in their twilight spa from 7pm-9pm, and also provides a Glass of Fizz and a Sharing Board.
Whichever package you choose, they are sure to make you and your partner feel like royalty!
Explore
Have a wander through nature and take in the beautiful sights Harrogate has to offer, The Valley Gardens is Harrogate’s award-wining park. With 17 acrres of English Heritage Grade II listed parkland to explore, there’s lots to see including colourful flower displays throughout the year, historic buildings, and it makes it the ideal location for a romantic walk – you can stop off at the cafe for a coffee and cake too. You can also walk through The Valley Gardens all the way to Harlow Carr. At the heart of Valley Gardens is Bogs Field where it is believed that a greater number of different mineral water springs (now wells) come to the surface than any other place on earth. Thirty-six of Harrogate’s approximately one hundred mineral wells are found within the gardens, with no two being alike.
If you fancy indulging in gastronomy, why not try a Food Tour. Uniquely Local will take you on a culinary and cultural discovery around this elegant Spa town. You will spend the afternoon strolling around the centre of Harrogate, with five stops at thriving independent food and drink establishments to taste some delicious local Yorkshire Fare whilst learning all about the history of Harrogate, offering you a real insight into the life in one of the UK’s happiest places to live.
Of course, just down the road is the quirky Mother Shipton’s Cave. The cave was once home to Mother Shipton herself: a medieval prophetess who’s said to have predicted the Great Fire of London, amongst other things. The Petrifying Well, meanwhile, gives objects left in its waters the appearance of stone.
Or why not pack a picnic and head out to Brimham Rocks. You can spend a day exploring the dramatic moorland rock formations, and you can take the pooch too! There are some of the most beautiful views accross the NIdderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty just off the main paths. Hunt them out and you won’t be disappointed. Visit the viewing deck in front of the visitor centre and you can see for miles!
SAY IT WITH FLOWERS
Of course no Valentine’s Day would be complete without a beautiful bouquet for your favourite person. With a variety of colours, styles, and arrangements, each bouquet is crafted to convey unique emotions and sentiments. Whether it’s the vibrant and colourful ‘By ‘eck Tha’s Gorgeous’ bouquet to accompany your gin-tasting adventure or the elegant and fresh ‘Simply Roses’ to enhance your spa day, these floral arrangements are designed to evoke passion and love. As you embark on your romantic journey through Harrogate, let these bouquets add an extra touch of beauty and charm to an already enchanting day. You can buy online too and we’ll even deliver it for you too!
