If you’ve been to Yorkshire, you should know that many people remember Harrogate for its Turkish baths and spas. Most of them are nestled in hotels in Harrogate with pool. While that’s not entirely wrong, this serene city actually has a lot more to explore. Only 40 minutes from York, this place once visited by crime thriller queen Agatha Christie is full of glorious antique shops, upscale pubs, and enchanting shops.
But when it comes to the pool scene, or the spa if you prefer to call it that way, nobody knows better than Harrogate. Once nicknamed ‘Jewel of The North’, this city has an abundance of hot springs that are believed to be great hydrotherapy. Especially since the opening of the Royal Baths in 1897, with Oscar Wilde and Winston Churchill being some of a bunch of notable figures to have taken a dip here. So, are you intrigued by the magic of water from the city of sulfur? Join us, as we’ll unveil some of the best hotels in Harrogate with pool.
Where to Stay in Harrogate
Despite its reputation, Harrogate isn’t all about sauna bathing or health clubs. If you enjoy panoramic views more than anything else, there are plenty of hotels in Harrogate with pools that offer easy access to Brimham Rocks. This is a natural site with rock formations as high as 30 feet, which balance on top of each other. Admire boulders with intriguing names, such as The Sphinx, The Turtle, and The Dancing Bear. On the way back from here, you can stop by Pateley Bridge, the village that is home to the world’s oldest sweet shop!
Eager for something fancy or maybe shopping? Then Cold Bath Road is your best bet. Not only it fun to explore, but this street is also a long line of top-class pubs, cafes, and independent shops. Expect many great British and Scandinavian brands while you’re strolling around here. Once your shopping bag is jammed up, get on with a few pints of great local beer at the famous The Last Post. And since the residents around here are somewhat open-minded, you can also find some of the 11 best gay-friendly hotels in York as alternatives to your stay.
But if you’re totally into the spa, then the Turkish Baths Harrogate will be your Mecca. Get yourself a brush of luxury, in a steam room sprinkled with Moorish mosaics and terrazzo floors. Relish an exceptional massage and steam treatment, precisely like what Tsarina Alexandra of Russia once experienced. If this is your definition of a perfect getaway in Yorkshire then look no further. Hurry up and sort some hotels in Harrogate with pool around this area.
DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa
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Located right in the center of Harrogate, DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa offers a historic stay. The building dates back to 1889 and sits on an eight-acre landscaped garden. Meanwhile, their indoor pool is no less impressive. It’s simply flawless, with mood lighting and an accompanying sauna room. Once you’ve finished your dip, take a rest in the exclusive poolside lounger chair. We don’t know about you, but for us, it’s a great way to unwind after a day of wandering around.
Apart from that, DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate has everything you expect from an exclusive four-star hotel. We particularly liked its location which was absolutely perfect, especially for first-time visitors to Harrogate. The Royal Hall and Harrogate Convention Center are only a five-minute walk away. Betty’s Cafe, a world-famous tea room and shop, can be found in less than a mile. Oh, and did we forget to say that DoubleTree presents a hot chocolate chip cookie as a welcome treat? If you value hospitality and excellent service, this is one of the best hotels in Harrogate with a pool worth considering.
As for the room, you’ll get the usual stuff. There’s a TV to catch up on some news or enjoy some entertainment. The coffee machine is available for your daily dose of caffeine. WiFi is accessible for free, so you won’t have any problems creating an ideal full-day itinerary. As for breakfast, the menus provided include Continental and full English / Irish. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available here.
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Rudding Park
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When it comes to spas, Rudding Park is simply brilliant. It’s got all the traits that significantly capture why Harrogate has been at the center of hydrotherapy in Yorkshire, or even England, decades ago. A single bath in their indoor pool is an impressive experience as if you are walking into an art gallery. The grayish walls embellished with circular gilded gold ornaments instantly become the center of attention. The large windows opposite flooded the room with natural lighting. Topped with a poolside lounger, this will be a great sanctuary to rediscover your body and mind after a week of a busy life.
As for location, Rudding Park is actually a little outside Harrogate, about three miles away. But don’t be disappointed, because this four-star accommodation knows exactly how to keep guests entertained. Enjoy hours of quality entertainment in a private cinema. Work on your sweat at the hotel’s fully-equipped fitness center. If you need extra comfort, Starlight Spa is ready to treat you to extensive hydrotherapy and thermotherapy services.
Rudding Park’s rooms also deserve praise. Apart from being spacious, all come with a modern look and views overlooking the garden and chapel. Flat-screen TV, wardrobe, fridge, and all the day-to-day basics are available. And like all hotels in Harrogate with pool, this one also provides WiFi. It’s free and accessible throughout the property. Sweet!
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Wood Hall Hotel & Spa
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About a 20-minute drive from Harrogate, Wood Hall Hotel & Spa is a great place for your weekend country escape. With a history that dates back to around 1790, this four-star accommodation posses some of the most remarkable leisure facilities around. Of course, the spotlight is on their great health club. It features an indoor pool and spa pool for your enjoyment. All are surrounded by a friendly and welcoming environment, which should be great for having some relaxing moments after the tedious hours on a flight. Once you’ve finished your bath, reenergize yourself a little with a light bite or complimentary coffee from the hotel.
The rest of the Wood Hall Hotel & Spa is no less majestic. It occupies a classic building that has existed since the end of the 17th century. To get here, you need to drive in a long dramatic line, with woods and lush greenery around it. As for accommodation, they have no less than 44 luxurious bedrooms. All are packed with tasteful amenities, including a flat-screen satellite TV, DVD player, and coffee/tea making facilities. The dining experience here’s nothing short of great, thanks to the 2 AA Rosettes-winning on-site restaurant. Sample some of the best full English / Irish breakfast you’ll ever have in Yorkshire.
Another thing we love about Wood Hall is the fact that they warmly welcome all kinds of guests, including those with four legs! Yes, you don’t need to hesitate to invite your furry friends to indulge in this excellent accommodation, since they’re very pet friendly. They even have a special breakfast menu crafted for dogs! Overall, Wood Hall really deserves a place in the ranks of the best hotels in Harrogate with pool.
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Dower House Hote; Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western
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We always love staying in hotels that are full of character and Dower House Hotels; Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western definitely lives up to that. When you find it difficult to sleep, spending some time in their spa facilities would certainly be a good idea. Take a dip in the indoor pool featuring jacuzzi and feel your body slowly relax with the warm embrace of the water. Before you know it, you’ll feel refreshed like never before. For an equally relaxing session, you should try the magical massage services from individual therapists here. They’ll leave you feeling fantastic!
About a nine-minute drive from Harrogate, Dower House Hotel offers great accommodation in the form of spacious, classic-style rooms. All come with a flat-screen TV for your in-room entertainment solution. For those who need to entertain guests or some friends, book a room with a seating area is highly recommended. As for the bathroom, the hotel has provided free toiletries, complete with a hairdryer. And just like most hotels in Harrogate with pool, free WiFi can be accessed throughout the room.
Some of the notable attractions around the hotel include the Harrogate Golf, Harrogate Library, and the Harrogate Theater. All of them can be found within a three-mile radius of approximately 10 minutes’ drive. But if you have a deep passion for art performance or theater, make your way to the Royal Hall Theater. First opened in 1903, the site has become an important national heritage building and is widely recognized as one of the top event destinations in the entire United Kingdom.
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Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa
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Chevin Country Park Hotel & Spa promises a unique stay with a distinct alpine feeling. And we can immediately understand why they decided to go for it as a major trait. This appreciable accommodation is surrounded by a birch forest and close by a scenic lake, providing an unrivaled serene atmosphere. There’s no better way to admire them all than to gaze through the glass walls at the hotel’s indoor pool. Relax as you bathe at this humble leisure pool. Feel a warm and friendly vibe, thanks to the presence of the wood-accented ceiling. Once you’re done, take some effortless steps to rest because the hotel has provided a lounge chair with towels by the pool.
As for the rest of the facilities, Chevin has no less than 16 bedrooms, 28 cabins, and 4 lodges to choose from. All features thoughtful amenities, as you would expect from a three-star accommodation. There’s satellite TV which will provide full hours of quality entertainment. Brighten your mood a little in the morning or evening with coffee and tea making facilities. And not much different from most hotels in Harrogate with a pool, this one also offers free WiFi access throughout the room.
For some romantic or memorable moments, strolling in Chevin Forest Park would be a great idea. You can also get a little taste of local life by visiting Park Square, one of the city’s main residential areas. Don’t mind going far? Drive for about 10 minutes east and you’ll find the famous Turkish Bath Harrogate. It’s one of the leading destinations for European high society and definitely a must if you want to know what put Harrogate on the map from the start.
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Hollins Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club
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If you’re looking for a memorable country getaway in West Yorkshire, seems like there’s no better place than the Hollins Hall Hotel, Golf & Country Club. Sitting on 200 acres of lush land, this four-star accommodation will also make an exceptional place to rejuvenate. They have a wide range of facilities at the Health and Leisure Club. You can enjoy a leisurely swim in their enchanting indoor pool. Graced by a dominant bluish and white tone, it reminds us a little of Santorini. The large windows with gorgeous views of the surrounding woodlands are really added to the mood. In case you need extra pampering, the hotel’s individual therapists are at your service.
Once you’ve finished your swim, head back to Hollins Hall’s spacious and well-appointed rooms. They include deluxe pillowtop bedding, a flat-screen TV, an ergonomic workspace. Stay connected, because, like most hotels in Harrogate with a pool, wireless internet connection is also available for free here.
The famous Harrogate Turkish Bath is only about half an hour’s drive away. But if you’re not in the mood to travel too far, nine miles from here’s the National Science and Media Museum. It’s a massive exhibition with a seven-story gallery filled with collections on the themes of photography, TV, animation, video games, and the Internet. Make sure you wear comfortable footwear, as there are many interesting areas to explore here. In case you need inspiration, you might want to try checking out some of our recommendations for 13 best women’s closed-toe sandals or 13 best women’s sandals with arch support.
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Village Hotel Leeds North
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About less than half an hour’s drive south of Harrogate, Village Hotels Leeds North has everything you need in one location. Thanks to their innovative touch screen, the check-in process takes less than two minutes. After that, you’re free to head straight to your room, pub, or restaurant. But since the weather here can be quite warm in summer, we prefer to cool off in the indoor pool. It occupies a large area and is adorned with several palm tree-like extras. We found it quite appealing, adding a hint of a tropical vibe to a leisure pool that would otherwise seem dull and emotionless.
Once you finish your bathing session, we recommend continuing to the Pub and Grill. This on-site restaurant offers a great range of beer and wine. For a more filling alternative, they also have their famous ‘burger stacks’ and hot wings. Not in the mood to eat on the spot? Then why not choose the takeaway option? Enjoy their brilliant menus on the comfortable bed in your room.
Speaking of which, all guest rooms at the Village Hotel Leeds North are spacious and fully furnished. Some standards, including a TV with digital channels and a private bathroom plus a hairdryer, are provided. Need to work on all those deadlines in a more private situation? Hotels get you covered by coming up with a large work desk. Get everything you need from the Internet because free WiFi is accessible throughout the property, just like most hotels in Harrogate with pool.
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Best Western Plus Ikley Craiglands Hotel & Spa
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Best Western Plus Ilkley Craiglands Hotel & Spa is just like the other countryside hotels scattered all over Yorkshire, which isn’t necessarily bad. It occupies a grand victorian building, which may date back two centuries. This is a great place to slow down a little bit, after all the fuss you’ve been through for the week. Release all fatigue at the perfect Verbeia Spa & Fitness. Dive into their coddling spa pool and feel your tense muscles slowly relax. If that’s not enough, order a massage with aromatherapy treatments. It’s guaranteed to make you feel fantastic afterward.
Immediately after a great relaxation session, you can continue by visiting the lounge bar area which features a log fire as the centerpiece. For your culinary desires, there is Brasserie 1 Restaurant which serves English and Irish menus. Enjoy it all while being amazed by their spacious garden terrace through their stunning French windows. If you wish, they also have options for vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.
Done filling your stomach? Have a great break in the hotel’s traditional style rooms. Everything you need is at your fingertips. Enjoy hours of quality entertainment via satellite TV. Clean yourself thoroughly in the private bathroom featuring a hairdryer. Get yourself a great afternoon tea from the provided tea making facilities. And finally, stay connected because just like most hotels in Harrogate with pool, this one also features free WiFi.
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The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa – Skipton
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Less than half an hour on the west of Harrogate, The Devonshire Arms Hotel & Spa – Skipton boasts an unpretentious pool. This is something you’ll immediately think of when you hear the term ‘classic leisure pool’. The ceiling is supported by large wood pieces with a strong brown accent. There’s a large arched window embedded in a grand stone wall, generating a conventional yet relaxing vibe. We wouldn’t mind spending time here all day, as the atmosphere is so calm and peaceful.
The Devonshire Arms would also be a great place to experience a charming country vibe. It’s situated in the southern corner of the Yorkshire Dales, surrounded by scenic landscapes. Occupying 30,000 acres of green land, this four-star accommodation offers elegant rooms in spacious settings. All feature a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a DVD player, and a comfortable seating area, the same as most hotels in Harrogate with pool. Get one of the best stays in Yorkshire, as each room features impressive views of the Wharfe River, The Dales, or the Italian Garden.
Breakfast here is also not to be missed. There is the Burlington Restaurant, a 4AA Rosette dining establishment that serves seasonal menus made from the best local ingredients. For a more relaxed moment, enjoy a popular afternoon tea session in the lounge area. Need something more casual? The Brasserie would be a great option, as they have several modern gastro menus to satisfy your appetite.
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Thorpe Park Hotel and Spa
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Thorpe Park Hotel & Spa is located a little outside Leeds city center, about half an hour’s drive south of Harrogate. They have a wonderful pool with spacious settings. It features large windows that offer scenic landscapes all around. There’s nothing really stand out or fancy here, but we were totally captivated by the vibe. It’s serene, calming, and most importantly peaceful. Enjoying a leisure swim here would be great, especially after a week full of a busy life.
This stylish four-star hotel also offers a prime location. It’s only about six miles to the downtown Leeds area and it only takes about half an hour to find some of the best destinations in Harrogate. If you’re more into history, York City Walls is a must feature on your to-do list. Built to protect the city from the threat of invasion, this ancient structure presents an opportunity to see fascinating aerial views of the Jewel of the North. Craving for something to satisfy your palate? We highly recommend the Harrogate Walking Food Tour. For no less than three hours, you’ll be invited to take a gentle walk around the cultural center and stop at five different food and dining establishments.
Back at the hotel, Thorpe provides guest rooms crammed with glorious amenities. All feature WiFi, coffee and tea making facilities, as well as a TV, the same as most hotels in Harrogate with pool. We especially love the bathroom, which features a modern style with a walk-in shower, hairdryer, and fluffy bathrobes. Oh, and did we forget to mention that all guests get complimentary milk and mineral water in the fridge? Well, if you are looking for an excellent stay in Yorkshire, this one is definitely a winner.
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Grantley Hall
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If you’ve ever wondered how it feels to bathe like a king or queen, Grantley Hall will take care of that curiosity. About a 20-minute drive north from Harrogate, this five-star property has an extravagant leisure pool. It’s embellished by a row of pillars connected to the arched ceiling, creating a definite roman-feel. The presence of mood lighting really adds to the vibe of this pool area which has been dominated by yellowish tones from the start. Meanwhile, the ornamental plants sprinkled around to provide a much needed natural element. Even Julius Caesar might never have experienced soaking in a pool this luxurious!
In addition, this five-star hotel offers exceptional details that make it worthy of being called the hidden gem of the Yorkshire Dales. It has fully furnished guest rooms, including air conditioning, free WiFi, and a private bathroom. Find some great entertainment on the flat-screen TV provided. In case you need some productive moments, a workstation is at your disposal. Meanwhile, daily breakfast is available in the dining area each morning. Enjoy a full English or Irish menu topped off with a great cup of coffee.
Grant Hall is surrounded by lush greenery, making it a perfect natural jogging track. Enjoy a great morning run accompanied by majestic trees. Breathe one of the highest quality air you can get in all of Yorkshire. To add to the mood, listening to music won’t hurt. However, make sure you have the right gear to keep your smartphone or music player safe. In case you need inspiration, we have some great recommendations for the 13 best mobile phone armband for running and hiking.
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Recommended Bars/Restaurants in Harrogate:
- Sasso – After a day of strolling around downtown Harrogate, we highly recommend treating yourself to the traditional and authentic pasta here. If you’re craving something else, their risotto and chicken-stuffed prosciutto are excellent too. Make sure to stop by if you are in Princes Square.
- Bettys – This one needs no introduction. Since its founding in 1919 by a Swiss immigrant, this classic tea room has become one of Harrogate’s culinary gems. Everything that is served here is made in-house. Enjoy it all while sitting and admiring the view of the park across. Lovely!
- Tannin Level – The Yorkshire Fettle cheese tart and Yorkshire lamb rump here are so amazing that you’ll be sure to want to come back again when you have the chance. The dining room has an inviting setting, effectively stimulating your appetite. Sit back and enjoy the brilliant menus you order, on an old terracotta floor accompanied by polished mahogany tables.
Recommended Activities in Harrogate:
- York: The Bronte’s Parsonage Tour – Experience some of the highlights of Yorkshire, including the famous Haworth village. Witness the magnificent remains of the 12th century Augustian Monastery and the beautiful surroundings. In no less than eight and a half hours, you’ll be invited to see the best of the county in a comfortable minibus, accompanied by an experienced guide.
- Harrogate Beer Tours – Sample some of the locally crafted beers around downtown Harrogate. Take a close look at how all of these wonderful drinks are made. You’ll even have the opportunity to learn a little about how to taste beer like a beer judge. If you have a big passion for local beverage, this 30-minute tour is a must.
- Private Hire: Lake District from Harrogate in 16 Seater Minibus – See for yourself why many call the Lake District as the UK’s most breathtaking area. This tour will also invite you to stop by Grasmere, a town known for its gingerbread. At the end of the journey, there are Keswick and Castlerigg Stone Circle, two sites thought to be even older than Stonehenge.
