Heavenly Harrogate is full of pomp and ceremony and dominating the skyline is the mightily named and magnificent Victorian DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa.
It really is a den of beauty. From the friendly Northern welcome and tasty signature cookies to the impeccable 184 bedrooms and stylish Carters Champagne Bar and Grill, it’s luxury all the way.
Front facing rooms have a lovely view of the expansive lawns right across the town and all are decorated in cool colours and boast comfortable facilities including sink in huge beds, plenty of wardrobe and sitting space, a huge bathroom with the chain’s signature Crabtree and Evelyn toiletries, tea and coffee makers and a Smart television.
Breakfasts are sumptuous buffets with everything from continental meats and cheeses, cereals and a good Yorkshire fry up, while dinner options are food on variety, taste and value for money, from crisp breaded artichoke flowers and houmous and beef and chianti croquettes as starters to slow cooked lamb shank, buttery mashed potato and tenderstem broccoli to black truffle ravioli for mains and churros and dips plus mascarpone tiramisu to round off a good meal with an excellent wine and drinks menu.
Frederick’s Bar is the place to relax at night. And a must is a visit to the modern spa with its Jacuzzi, steam room, sauna plus a good sized pool and Himalayan salt experience as well as all the usual treatments. Outdoors guests can also enjoy a zen garden.
The building oozes history, from the ornate chandeliers and marble backdrops to the spa town mural in Frederick’s and a cruise liner fireplace in the billiard room, which is one of the hotel’s distinctive original features.
There’s ample parking for a fee and it’s worth leaving the car and taking a five minute stroll into the town to see all that’s on offer in this famous spa town. From the Moorish inspired Turkish Baths to the Royal Pump Room Museum, which tells the tale of how Harrogate became a mecca for health when the medicinal benefits of spring water were discovered.
Close by is the small and intimate Mercer Art Gallery, the Montpellier Quarter, full of 50 independent boutiques, antique shops, art galleries and cafés and 17 acres of English Heritage Grade II listed park land at the central Valley Gardens and on the southern side of the town. The Stray is 200 acres of impeccable grass parkland which dates back to 1778 and was created from the forest of Knaresborough to link Harrogate’s springs together in one area.
Gardens are aplenty in this part of England and one of the best kept can be found at RHS Harlow Carr, surrounded by a rugged landscape and has 60 acres of awe inspiring gardens where visitors can wander over the Thaliana Bridge and around the Queen Mother’s Lake, the UK’s longest Streamside full of giant Candelabra primulas and rare blue meconopsis poppies, a historic bath house and a dainty Alpine house with 2,000 plants and a sandstone rock formation. There’s also a very special tropical section, bringing heat to this traditionally cool part of North Yorkshire.
A short drive to the lovely market town of Knaresborough and a wander round is completed with a visit to the historic castle and museum which overlooks the River Nidd and is full of ruined walls and interpretive displays with centuries of royal, military and domestic history. It’s full of fascinating facts and exhibitions including a rare original late 16th century Tudor courtroom on its first floor. The castle was largely destroyed in 1648 on the orders of Parliament to make sure it couldn’t be used again for military battles. The King’s Tower was saved when locals petitioned to keep it as a prison and today it’s a hive of memories.
A highlight is the secret tunnel carved out of solid rock in the late 13th century, known as a Sallyport, it’s great to explore and dodge the resident spiders!
Across the river is Mother Shipton’s Cave, England’s oldest tourist attraction. Open since 1630, it is the legendary birthplace of the country’s most famous prophetess and includes the rock formation where she was born and the unique geological phenomenon, a petrifying well to make a wish of just one more night enjoying the squishy marshmallow beds of the Doubletree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel and Spa.
The Details
DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa, Ripon Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG1 2HU, England.
Tel: +44 (0)1423 700300
Website: www.hilton.com
Email: enquiries@doubletree-harrogate.co.uk
This hotel is a two minute walk from the town centre and a 10 minute stroll from the train station. If you are driving, there is ample parking available for a fee.
Type of Hotel: 4-Star Hotel
Number of Rooms: 184 modern rooms and suites.
Price Band: Children aged five and under eat free from the breakfast buffet and from the kids menu, when accompanied by a paid adult. For the best deals check the website.
Insider Tip: Secure a high up front room for the best views of Harrogate, day and night. And for activities and tourist information for the area, please visit: www.visitnorthyorkshire.com.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9/10
Author Bio:
Rebecca Hay is an experienced travel writer and member of The British Guild of Travel Writers. Follow her adventures with her family on Twitter and Instagram @emojiadventurer and on Facebook via EmojiAdventurers2.
Photographs courtesy of DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa
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