The spa town of Harrogate, in the county of North Yorkshire, is situated to the north of the city of Leeds, west of the city of York, south of the city of Ripon, and a short distance east of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.
Harrogate has been known for centuries for its many local natural mineral springs. Back in Georgian times, Harrogate was called ‘The English Spa’. It is also where the famous Harrogate Turkish Baths, which are considered by many to be the most fully restored Victorian Turkish Baths in the UK, can be found in the town centre.
World famous Betty’s Tea Room is situated in the town centre, across the road from the impressive war memorial, and regularly has a large queue of customers outside waiting to be seated. The queue is fast moving, so don’t be put off trying it out.
Many authors have visited the town of Harrogate. Going back many years, Charles Dickens visited the town in 1858. In 1926 Agatha Christie went missing, setting off a nationwide hunt for the famous writer. Finally, she was found at the Old Swan Hotel, Swan Road, Harrogate, which also happens to be the venue for the annual Crime Writing Festival, which attracts hundreds of successful and aspiring authors from all over the world.
Starting at the Montpellier Quarter just west of the town centre, is the western end of the Harrogate Stray, a 200 acre stretch of parkland that sweeps around the south, up to Harrogate hospital, and finishes east of the town at High Harrogate. It is protected by an act of parliament, meaning that no buildings can ever be erected on the Stray. In fact, the total area of the Stray must remain constant, so that even if a new footpath is laid down, an equivalent area of grassland must be created elsewhere.
Harrogate police station is situated about 2 miles to the south-west of the town centre. This modern building is where the fictitious DCI Rosie Marks and her team work from.
Many well-known buildings and places in or nearby Harrogate are mentioned in the Rosie Marks police crime drama series. Whether or not this genre of fiction is your favourite, a visit to see this charming, beautiful town is recommended. Come and see for yourself why Harrogate has been voted the happiest place to live in the United Kingdom three times, and in 2013 was even named the world’s most romantic destination.
