Harrogate is a dearly loved, historic spa town in North Yorkshire that so many of our guests love to return to each year. From the beautifully decorated Turkish Baths, just a stones throw away from our front door, to the reservoirs and riverside walks, there really is something for everyone! Even Malham Cove, Gargrave riverside and the Lake District are not far away on the A59. Not only is Harrogate full of beautiful gardens such as Harlow Carr and our very own Valley Gardens, the cobbled streets rich with history and architectural delight make for a fantastic walk. We are also spoiled for choice with the variety of restaurants and bistro dining options, all well known for their Yorkshire hospitality.  

 

There are so many lovely surrounding villages, market towns and breathtaking countryside locations nearby. Gargrave is one of my favourites! All can be visited and easily accessed from Harrogate via public transport or by car. A real instagram worthy location! There are enchanting Castles, historic Abbeys and grand Stately homes you can visit nearby too. To enjoy a fabulous Mother's Day weekend, we prepared a list of a few things you can do to make the most of it. Check it out! 

Pictured above: La Belle Jardin - Harlow Carr gardens. 

 

You could start with a Free Walking Tour guided by our famous local guide, Harry. It is a lovely opportunity to get to know our little town, meet new people and to discover some of it's old secrets. The meeting point is just 5 minutes walk away from Harrogate Lifestyle Apartments. You will not be disappointed, Harry is a wonderful story teller and you will be surprised by some of the towns history! Jess and I took the tour and it was brilliant!  

 

If you appreciate the vivid colours and joy that beautiful Spring blooms have to offer, you simply must visit Harlow Carr. It is a stunning and easily accessible walk through fields of flowers and curated borders that will brighten anyone's day! There is a teaching garden where our local children have been able to visit and learn about how to care for our environment through hands on gardening! You can walk there, approximately 35 minutes, through the Valley Gardens and grab a coffee from the cafe, or you can go by car/public transport. Valley Gardens is a public park in the heart of Harrogate about 8 minutes walk from our location. There is a boating lake, a children playground, a skate park, the crazy golf course and tennis courts, plus the cozy cafe mentioned earlier which all make for a great family afternoon! 

Pictured above: The Ivy. 

 

Afternoon tea is one thing that Harrogate does really well! A true yorkshire tradition! 

 

Our first recommendation will always be Bettys Cafe and Tea Rooms. An independently run, family business established in 1919. Have you heard of Bettys and Taylors tea? From the vast range of specialty teas to the selection of sweet treats and sandwiches, there is plenty on offer that will make for a really special day. The elegantly decorated tea rooms and the atmosphere make for a very welcome and relaxing distraction. 

 

For our second choice it has to be The Ivy Harrogate. Just a 6 minute walk from our apartments, this Ivy collection Brasserie hails all the way from London and was established in Harrogate in 2017. They also offer a simply superb afternoon tea that will take you right through to dinner. The plates here are definitely quality over quantity so you can treat Mum without it spoiling her tea - or yours! 

 

Another option in town is Mama Doreen's Emporium. They offer a great selection of treats, sandwiches and delightful savoury bites as well as a more traditional lunch menu if your holding out for a big family dinner later. There is a range of drinks from specialty teas and coffees to fizzy pop for the kids or just for us big kids. 

 

If you can appreciate a hidden gem, an afternoon tea in The Harrogate Tea Rooms will not disappoint! If you have not booked for Bettys and need to escape the long queues, pop down to the Westminster Arcade and into yet another family owned and run, independent business. The tea rooms are well known for their selection of fine teas, fresh, warm scones, homemade sandwiches, and seriously tasty cakes. 

 

The good news is that if you do not feel like going out and prefer a slower morning or simply a lie in, you can get an afternoon tea delivered to your door to have in one of our apartments! The Ivy and Bettys Cafe and tea rooms also have a great selection of gifting options available for this Mothers Day. Why not surprise her with a gift in the apartment for when she arrives? Speak to us on reception and we will do the leg work for you.  

 

Now that does sound really good, doesn't it? 

Pictured above: Mothers Day dinner at Smiths Arms. 

 

To finish up an already perfect Mothers Day, why not treat Mum to an evening meal. We are sure you can find it here in Harrogate! Since Mother's Day is such a special occasion celebrating how lucky they are to have us to spoil them, you will find many great deals are available in the restaurants and bistros throughout the town. To help you, we found two great choices that are offering exceptional options to everyone who is willing to celebrate this special occasion with them. 

 

My first choice would be Smiths Arms. Just a short walk from the Harlow Carr gardens, this 18th century inn is rooted in the heart of our community. You can find it on the outskirts of Harrogate in the small village of Beckwithshaw. If three bold and delightful courses packed full of flavour sounds appealing, don't hesitate call them and as they take limited numbers and it books up very quickly! Also if you fancy the chance to bag some extra goodies for Mum, book before the 4th of March 2023 and you will have the chance to be entered into their prize draw. The prize is a year’s subscription to Bloom & Wild Flowers, plus a bottle of Hendrick’s Flora Adora Gin and a Hendrick’s tea set!  

 

For my second choice The Ivy Harrogate is also offering a specially curated Mothers Day menu and is available from brunch to afternoon tea, dinner and dessert! The menu here consists of international dishes and British classics so I would be sure you would find something tempting for the whole family to enjoy with Mum. 

 

My third option would be why not cook for Mum?  

With a fully equipped kitchen in your apartment, you may be planning a night in, but if dining out is more your style, Harrogate is packed full of fabulous restaurants and cafes to choose from for your breakfast, lunch or your evening meal. 

As a Harrogate Lifestyle guest, you will have access through our Lifestyle partnership to other great businesses, such as Weetons. You could whip up a fabulous meal and with a bit of a discount too! Tempted? For a full list of our Lifestyle partners click here. 

Top tip: Fodder and Weetons stock mostly locally sourced produce to boot, so not only will you be eating the freshest quality meals but you will be supporting our Yorkshire farmers too!