Things to Do in Harrogate on a Sunday

No matter the weather or time of year, there is no better place for a relaxing weekend with your partner, family or friends than the picturesque town of Harrogate. Residents and visitors alike are fortunate that there are plenty of things to do on a Sunday in Harrogate, so when you are staying at our luxury serviced apartments in the town, you’ll have plenty to see and do right on your doorstep.

Popular choices of things to do in Harrogate include a visit to the beautiful RHS Harlow Carr. Located on the outskirts of town, the garden is a favourite attraction for a sunny day. Its gardens and woodland walks are filled with stunning flowers and delightful scents and is welcoming to families, garden enthusiasts and those who just want to admire the pretty plants. Having a branch of Bettys in its visitor centre also helps to draw the crowds! Similarly, Bettys on Parliament Street in the centre of Harrogate is always a favourite choice for weekend visitors, as proved by the queue at the door at lunchtime.

However, if you want to do something a little more unusual and perhaps avoid the crowds, we have some great suggestions of things to do in the North Yorkshire town on a Sunday when staying at our boutique hotels Harrogate.

Live Music at Blues Café Bar

The Blues Café Bar & Yorkshire Tapas on Montpellier has live music throughout the week, including three performances on a Sunday at 3pm, 6pm and 9pm. As the name of the bar suggests, the musicians perform blues, acoustic and rock music. There are regular and recurring musicians, local bands and guest performers to see, and with music throughout the afternoon, you won’t be missing out! Upstairs is The Green Room, serving Yorkshire tapas, a modern, British take on the Spanish dish influenced by excellent produce sourced locally. There are also plenty of real ales on tap if you want a refreshing pint!

Petanque in Harrogate

It may be a French pastime, but petanque is proving increasingly popular in Harrogate. A version of the traditional game boules, it sees teams compete to get their metal balls closest to the small wooden jack or “coche”. There are four petanque terrains at the top of Montpellier Hill, just next to Bettys and behind the bus stops. You can hire sets of boules from Oxfam, just 50 metres away by Bettys, where you can also buy a drink to take with you to the terrains. Harrogate Montpellier Petanque Club practises on a Sunday morning from 11am and always welcomes visitors to join in, and members are also happy to explain the rules and get you up and running on your own. If you know what you’re doing, the terrains are open and free to use any time – just grab a few friends and get started!

Valley Gardens

One of Harrogate’s most popular destinations is Valley Gardens; the historic pleasure gardens are enticing for visitors of all ages. From peaceful flower-lined paths to a huge children’s play area, there is something for everyone – and there are often events here, too. Enjoy crazy golf, pitch and putt or disc golf with equipment from the games pavilion, stroll up to the cool Pine Woods at the top of the hill or settle yourself on the grass to enjoy live music from the bandstand on Sundays in the summer. Don’t forget to have a look at the charming Sun Pavilion and wander down the wisteria-lined colonnade before you leave.

Crimple Hall Antiques and Garden Centre

If you are looking to add a unique piece of furniture or pick up some stunning plants for your home, take a trip south of the town to Crimple Hall Antiques and Garden Centre. At the garden centre, there is a superb collection of plants and gardeners on hand to offer horticultural tips. Next door is the antiques centre filled with everything you could imagine. From ornaments and books to furniture, the aisles are packed with treasures you’ll want to take home with you. There is parking at the centre, too, so you can take your car to transport all the goods you buy.

Mercer Art Gallery

Immerse yourself in the exhibitions at the Mercer Art Gallery, which is open Tuesday to Saturday and for a few hours on Sunday. A lovely venue, there are permanent exhibitions exploring photography and painting, showcasing work from Yorkshire artists both contemporary and historical. The gallery’s shop is the perfect place to pick up some unique gifts and jewellery, reflecting the fantastic work displayed throughout the gallery.

Brimham Rocks

Enjoy the simple pleasures of fresh air, spectacular views and beautiful heather moorland at Brimham Rocks, a weird and wonderful collection of natural rock formations. The area is popular with families and climbers, and there are several walks in the area, giving you a glimpse of the gorgeous North Yorkshire countryside. The area is owned by the National Trust and parking is available.

Nidderdale Llamas

If you want to do something a bit different on your Sunday, why not take a llama for a walk? Nidderdale Llamas offers a unique experience for all, where you can trek through stunning countryside with a llama or alpaca as your companion. Treks and experiences are available year-round Tuesday to Sunday, but must be booked in advance and children under seven are not permitted on the farm.

Harrogate is a lovely destination for a weekend away, and our guests can take pleasure in knowing our apartments have everything you need for your time here. There is Wi-Fi and off-road parking and all of Harrogate’s top attractions, shops and restaurants are within easy distance from the apartments. For more information about our accommodation and to book your stay, get in touch with us today!