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Harrogate blends natural beauty, history and community spirit (Picture: Getty Images) Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Harrogate continues to capture the imagination of those seeking a blend of cultural richness, community warmth, and natural beauty. The town exudes a distinctive charm that blends the best of old and new, with its elegant period houses evoking a sense of history, while the town’s vibrant streets pulse with independent businesses that nurture local character. And the community spirit is palpable. From glittering firework displays and glamorous Winter Balls to bustling Farmers’ and Artisan markets, Harrogate invites its residents to share in celebrations that enrich local life year-round. Lifestyle experts at Muddy Stilettos have once again affirmed the town’s position as one of the UK’s best places to live for 2026, recognising what residents have long known: Harrogate is a town where history, hospitality, and a thriving local scene converge to create an unrivalled quality of life. Comment nowHave you been to Harrogate? Tell us what you think of itComment Now Things to do in Harrogate Commercial Street, Cold Bath Road, and Kings Road serve as the beating heart of the town’s indie shopping experience, where treasured family enterprises — such as Ogden of Harrogate Jewellers and Imagined Things Bookshop — thrive alongside contemporary newcomers. Meanwhile, Harrogate’s culinary offerings have become a significant draw for food aficionados. Bettys Tea Room remains an emblem of refined taste and tradition, while gastropubs like The Coach & Horses enchant with locally inspired dishes — its fish pie being a noted favourite. The Michelin-recommended Paradise Café at Daleside Nurseries further cements Harrogate’s reputation as a destination for discerning palates. Betty’s Tea Room is popular with locals and visitors alike (Picture: Getty Images) Harrogate is a historic spa town thanks to its natural springs, and health and wellness are interwoven into the town’s DNA. Rudding Park’s luxurious spa and the recently restored Victorian Turkish Baths offer serene escapes steeped in history. And a cornerstone of Harrogate’s desirability is its commitment to outstanding education. @hannah.miller28 a wholesome day in harrogate🩷☀️🍦 #harrogate #daytrip #yorkshire #girlstrip #finalyearstudent ♬ hospital beach – Cottonwood Firing Squad Prestigious schools such as Ashville College, Harrogate Ladies College, and Harrogate Grammar School maintain Ofsted outstanding ratings, ensuring that families can confidently anchor their future here. Coupled with excellent transport links to places like Leeds, York, and even London, the town is perfectly poised to cater for families, professionals and retirees alike. Harrogate is home to many independent shops and eateries (Picture: Getty Images) Property prices in Harrogate Despite wider economic fluctuations, Harrogate’s property market remains resilient and appealing. Average sale prices currently hover around £397,105, according to Rightmove, with semi-detached homes typically costing approximately £386,860 and terraced properties around £289,999. Certain enclaves of the town — like Park Avenue, Regent Parade, and York Place — continue to command premium attention, boasting a diverse housing stock that accommodates a variety of lifestyles. Some residential areas of Harrogate come with a premium price tag (Picture: Getty Images) What locals are saying about Harrogate Locals on Reddit have shared their love for the town, with many praising its scenic beauty. In the subreddit r/Harrogate, one user wrote: ‘Harrogate is beautiful, very scenic and has plenty of lovely walks ‘, and another added: ‘It is a great place to live, and there is plenty to do in terms of social activities’. One user echoed: ‘It’s a very safe place to live and there’s decent stuff to do like the cycle path to Ripley and walks at Stainburn and Swinsty, plus near to York and Leeds’. Others shared their favourite social activities in Harrogate, with several users recommending local pub quizzes, sports clubs and book clubs. As Muddy Stilettos and other experts underscore, this North Yorkshire spa town remains one of the UK’s most desirable addresses going forward into 2026 and beyond. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
