Traveling from London to Harrogate

Get Away, but where?

Sometimes we all feel the need to get away from London and the stress of the city for a bit. We all feel the need of greener and possibly quieter pastures. But where to go? No one likes stressful journeys with multiple connections where so many things can go wrong. 

What if I told you, your next get away was easier than you think? Best of all you can travel direct by train! And that place is...Harrogate! 

The journey begins at London Kings Cross

I know that busy station! This is where your portal to peace and relaxation can be found. Direct trains are available through LNER and go once every 2 hours. Other services are available. 

Once you have found your seat, you can kick back and relax, or get some work done using the free Wifi service. I promise this is not an add! 

The train runs direct between London and Harrogate, however do check your tickets because sometimes the journey is split. The good news is you do not have to move or leave the train until you reach Harrogate, however this can be a little confusing the first time around. 

What to expect

The journey takes around 3 hours, which gives you plenty of time for reading, writing or finishing some last pieces of work before the weekend. The great thing about this journey is that you can order food and drink from your seat so you can get on with whatever you want to do. Last bit of free advertising I promise! 

Once you have London well and truly behind you and are finally in "God's own country" as we like to call it, on a clear day you can expect to see some beautiful scenery. The photo really does not do it justice. Of course having to do photography through glass is not particularly helpful. 

What awaits you in Harrogate 

Harrogate is one of the loveliest places to visit. There are stunning gardens to explore at the RHS Harlow Carr Gardens and the Valley Gardens. The Pump Room Museum, perfect for those who love learning local history. 

If it is your first time to Harrogate we recommend taking The Free Walking Tour. This is a great way to acquaint yourself with our terrific town and learn a little bit of history and culture along the way. 

For those who want something a little different, we also recommend the Harrogate Ghost Walk! Starting outside the Pump Room museum, see sign, you will hear about some of Harrogate's less fortunate guests as well as some of our more "permanent" residents. The ghost walk takes place the first and last Friday of every month so make sure you check the sign outside the pump room or their website to find out when the next one will be. 

If you are looking for something a little more active, then we recommend booking one of the tennis courts at the Valley Gardens. Do you enjoy playing golf? Head over to the driving range and short 9 hole golf course at Rudding Park Golf Club. If you enjoy walking, why not do the  Knaresborough, Nidd Gorge, and Old Bilton Circular? This medium walk usually starts at Knaresbough, however there is a road from Bilton, which takes you to the Nidd Gorge. Once you have returned to Bilton you have the option of continuing on to Knarebough or catching the next bus back to Harrogate. 

If you are happy to travel a little further a field, there are bus services to Knarebough, Harewood House, Leeds, Ripon and York. 

Traveling Back to London

Yes there are direct trains running from Harrogate too! 

Whilst you come to the sad realisation that you are having to leave Harrogate for London, rest assured, that you are about to experience what one ticket conductor described as “[her] favourite route throughout the season.”

I have to admit as I looked out of my window on the train this morning, on my way from Harrogate to London I had to agree with her. Definitely one of the most picturesque journeys I could remember. 

Well I had to get to London somehow! 

Accommodation 

If you feel there is too much to do in Harrogate in one day, you would be right! Make a weekend of it. Come and stay at one of our five wonderful cottages in Harrogate. If you want somewhere close to town, we recommend staying at Artists Cottage, Artists Corner or Artists Place. Need to get to Leeds, but do not fancy staying there? Stay at Artists Loft, just a 2 minute walk from the 36 bus service to Leeds. 

If you need a bit more space or are coming with friends or family then we recommend Artists House. 

Full details can be found on our website. Book your stay today! 

#lner #traveling #trains #journey #blog #harrogatetolondon #londontoharrogate