What to see and doHarrogate is an elegant, renowned spa town, with beautiful architecture dating mainly from the Victorian and Edwardian era. It is also the home of Harrogate International Centre, which hosts many conferences and exhibitions throughout the year. The town is a fascinating blend of old and new. It has historical buildings such as the Turkish Baths and the Royal Hall-both have been recently restored to their original splendour-and excellent restaurants, bars, cafes and shops- both traditional and contemporary- to suit all tastes. All this is surrounded by the Stray- a large expanse of green space set aside in centuries past for ‘recreation' for the people of Harrogate and their visitors, and protected in law to this day from being built on. Harrogate is also a great base for a holiday. Within half an hours drive are the beautiful Yorkshire Dales for walking and spectacular scenery; the mediaeval walled city of York for sightseeing, including the National Railway Museum and Yorvik Viking Centre; and the vibrant city of Leeds for shopping (Harvey Nichols!) and the Royal Armouries. Even closer to home are the market towns of Ripon, one of Britain's oldest cities, with its beautiful cathedral and racecourse; and Knaresborough with spectacular views over the river Nidd and England's ‘oldest tourist attraction' Mother Shipton's Cave and Petrifying Well. | 
