Harrogate can’t compete with a shopping metropolis like Leeds, but then again, it doesn’t try. Down pedestrianised streets maintaining their original Victorian and Georgian-era facades, Harrogate shops include independent outlets, quirky stores and high street favourites.
Shopping in Harrogate
Shopping centres
A historic market and spa town, Harrogate’s shopping comes alive along Beulah Street and James Street, with classic Georgian architecture housing a range of shops. These include high street chains, independent bookshops and bespoke jewellery stores.
James Street is the best place to start your shopping expedition. Stocked full of high street classics like Gap, Jessops and Next, you’ll also find several excellent shoe shops in Moda In Pelle, Kurt Geiger and Jones Bootmaker. Near Bettys Tea Room and the train station, the town centre street also has plenty of nearby bars and restaurants, including Carluccio’s and Banyan Bar.
Beulah Street, half a mile from our Harrogate Town Centre hotel, is an intriguing mix of old and new. With some of the original shopping arcade intact, the 200 metre-long pedestrianised street is home to several independent shops, including Sophie Likes, a quirky gift store, and outdoor shop Rock One. Walk north and you’ll come to Commercial Street, which is packed full of character. From the old to the new, and with an excellent coffee shop (Bean and Bud) and café (Farm Bistro) for refuelling, you can get some real bargains at the well-stocked charity shops. Buy a first edition paperback at Books For All or profess your new-found love of Yorkshire via some artistic bodywork and get some ink where the sun don’t shine at North Star Tattoo.
Beulah Street, Harrogate
Harrogate markets
James Street, Harrogate
Markets
Held every second Thursday of the month, Harrogate Farmers Market runs from 9am to 4pm in Cambridge Street, just over a mile from our Harrogate South hotel.
A foodie affair, you’ll find everything from single origin coffee beans to freshly baked artisan bread, and all the fruit and vegetables you can shake a wooden spoon at. Haggling is welcome – this is Yorkshire after all – and get down early to bag the best bargains, the freshest fruit, flowers and vegetables and to soak in all the sights, smells and sounds.
A region rich with market towns, Ripon is just 12 miles away and holds a weekly market on Thursdays in the town square next to the stunning 7th century cathedral. Alternatively, head to Knaresborough – just four miles away – and soak in their weekly Wednesday market. Once you’ve haggled your way around, stop off at the medieval castle with your fresh fruit, veg and pork pies and take in the gorgeous views across the River Nidd and the Nidd Gorge.