By using this site you agree to the use of cookies. Harrogate spells spas and sedate afternoon teas, and these 1-bedroom apartments are right in the elegant historic heart of it all. The Royal Parade on which they stand was built in 1846, just after the copper-domed Pump Room opposite; it was named ‘Royal’ because it was where royals and aristocrats promenaded while taking the waters at what would become Europe’s leading spa. But old-fashioned these apartments are not. Although they make ample use of antiques - owner Janet Love used to co-run the antiques shop next door and has an amazing eye - they’ve also been skilfully injected with contemporary style and designer furnishings. Each sleeps 2-4 (but you can take all 3 together for up to 12) and is themed to reflect the travels of Janet and her daughter Tanya. Choose between calming classic French on the first floor, exotic Rajasthan on the second, and brassy Brooklyn at the top with its glorious views. Couples seeking a romantic break, hen parties, and conference guests wanting to escape the world of bland will all love these roomy hideaways.
Definitely Harrogate’s hottest accommodation.You’re within easy walking distance of all the town’s main attractions, from the Royal Baths to the superb local restaurants and tearooms Beautiful and well-considered décor - each apartment has its own artful look and you're sure to be inspired by your stay here There’s heaps to do: Harlow Carr Gardens and the stunning Yorkshire Dales are nearby, and Janet can organise vintage tea parties and wine-tastings Each apartment has a well-equipped kitchen (ideal for families and longer stays), and you can order a breakfast hamper if you don't want to cook Everything is eco-friendly, from the fabrics, carpets and paints to the cleaning and bath products. You can easily reach Harrogate by train and you won’t need a car while you’re here There's no lift, so you'll need to carry luggage up the staircase, but this is only really an issue for Brooklyn and Janet’s caretakers may be able to help We noticed some signs of wear in the slightly flimsy kitchens and on the hallway carpet.
But hey, that won’t affect the enjoyment of your stay one jot Shower rooms, although well kitted-out, are small - and don’t expect power showers or bathsBut to arrange times, keys and so on, Janet’s caretakers are easily contactable and staff in the antiques shop next door are always happy to help The apartments require full pre-payment upon booking Best time to go You may wish to time your visit to coincide with one of Harrogate’s many festivals, including the famous April and September flower shows at the Great Yorkshire Showground. In July, you can don your wellies and join the farmyard fun of the Great Yorkshire Show at the same destination, or enjoy some walking in the Yorkshire Dales. Harrogate is also a great winter destination - take the waters then snuggle in its numerous cafés and restaurants. In February, the crocuses on the Stray, the vast greenbelt surrounding the town, are a marvel. Each apartment has a different look and feel, so choose the one that suits your taste and temperament.
The higher you go, the better the views. On the other hand, Royale, on the first floor, is many people’s favourite. All apartments have an eclectic mix of recycled, antique and second-hand furniture. As well as the double bedroom, all have sofabeds in the living room (so they will sleep 2 couples or a family if wished), modern, compact shower rooms (with underfloor heating), and good kitchens. You'll also get TV/DVD/iPod docking stations for rainy days and family nights in. Step into Royale, with its calming grey and lime-green palette and skilful blend of antique and contemporary furniture, and you could be in Paris. High ceilings, ornate cornices, and antique French doors, gilt mirrors and chandeliers all contribute to the French mood. We loved the Jim Thompson silk cushions on the fabulous four-poster in the bedroom, and in the living room the iron coffee table made from a recycled ship’s hull! There’s a gas-effect fire too, to make you feel at home. For ‘exotic’ head upstairs to Rajasthan, inspired by Janet’s daughter’s travels in India.
With its vibrant colours, sumptuous fabrics, oriental lanterns and antique wooden doors and furniture, this second-floor apartment is a wonderful fusion of East and West. At the top is Brooklyn (inspiration: Manhattan and Shoreditch), an open-plan loft-style apartment furnished with a confident mix of vintage, retro and flea-market finds. As ever, Janet marries original features such as a Yorkshire stone wall and original fireplace (fitted with a gas-effect fire) with retro lighting, decadent leather sofas and a state-of-the-art stainless steel kitchen. For a sense of luxury, wake up to your pre-ordered breakfast hamper prepared by local Cordon Bleu-trained cook Susie (additional charge). Choose between continental, including croissants and rolls (which you can heat up in your oven), homemade preserves and fruit; or a more luxurious meal of eggs and smoked salmon. Each apartment has a stylish kitchen for self-catering - oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, sink, kettle, toaster, tea, coffee - so guests planning longer stays or visiting with children can easily whip up some simple snacks and suppers.
Harrogate has several supermarkets for stocking up on ingredients, Weeton's on West Park is a particularly good for picking up tasty local produces, cheeses and wines. When it comes to eating out, you’re spoiled for choice. For a light bite, grab a rye-bread open sandwich at Baltzersens. Ingredients are the best of Yorkshire, but the inspiration is owner Paul Rawlinson’s Norwegian grandmother and her cooking. The must-visit afternoon tea destination is Bettys, famous for its ‘Fat Rascals’ (a cross between a rock cake and a scone). If you prefer a contemporary London-style vibe, head down Parliament Street to the tiny Hoxton North café, whose freshly ground coffee and cakes are amazing. For dinner, top choice has to be Van Zeller’s in cobbled Montpellier, a few minutes’ walk away. Chef Tom Zeller is as at home with vegetables as with meat and fish, and ‘Tom’s Hare’ cooked 2 ways, in a flavoursome cloak of chocolate and red cabbage and served with parsnip roasted whole and pureed, was the best main we’ve eaten this year.
For a more informal dinner head to Sasso, a bustling Italian in a basement on Prince’s Square, which serves traditional Italian classics with a modern twist. Drinks on arrival (on request) Dip into the waters, and Harrogate’s history, at the beautifully tiled Turkish Baths - a wonderful cross between Victorian and mock Moorish, offering a range of watery delights Pop across the road to the Pump Room Museum, built in 1842 over what claims to be the strongest sulphur well in Europe. At its peak, the Pump Room attracted 15,000 visitors each summer. Find out the names of illustrious visitors who might have stayed in Royal Parade Explore the cobbled alleyways of the Montpellier quarter and its antique shops, arts and crafts shops and pavement cafés Walk out of your door to the fabulous Valley Gardens, which cover 17 verdant acres; then walk on, or hop on a bus, to the 58-acre Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens, run by the Royal Horticultural Society Come in spring or autumn for Harrogate’s renowned flower shows, in the Great Yorkshire Showground, a short bus ride away
Sample the very best of Yorkshire food at Fodder, a farm shop-café on the Great Yorkshire Showground that showcases over 300 Yorkshire farmers and small producers Don your walking boots and explore Nidderdale, one of the loveliest dales in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. At the end of the day, treat yourself to dinner (book in advance) at the Michelin-starred Yorke Arms in Ramsgill Explore Yorkshire’s many historic houses, castles and abbeys, including the stunningly evocative 12-century ruins of Fountains Abbey, due north, or Harewood House and its Capability Brown gardens, to the south Activities on site or nearby include: Harrogate is a charming child-friendly town, and Royal Parade Apartments' well-equipped kitchens make staying with kids a doddle! Each apartment has a double bedroom and a double sofabed. Babysitting is available on request. High chairs and baby cots are available on request. baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking