“Three eco-chic apartments for 2-12 in the heart of Yorkshire spa town Harrogate, a swish of a towel from its famous Pump Room”
Each apartment has a different look and feel, so choose the one that suits your taste and temperament. The higher you go, the better the views. On the other hand, Royale, on the first floor, is many people’s favourite. All apartments have an eclectic mix of recycled, antique and second-hand furniture. As well as the double bedroom, all have sofabeds in the living room (so they will sleep 2 couples or a family if wished), modern, compact shower rooms (with underfloor heating), and good kitchens. You'll also get TV/DVD/iPod docking stations for rainy days and family nights in.
Step into Royale, with its calming grey and lime-green palette and skilful blend of antique and contemporary furniture, and you could be in Paris. High ceilings, ornate cornices, and antique French doors, gilt mirrors and chandeliers all contribute to the French mood. We loved the Jim Thompson silk cushions on the fabulous four-poster in the bedroom, and in the living room the iron coffee table made from a recycled ship’s hull! There’s a gas-effect fire too, to make you feel at home.
For ‘exotic’ head upstairs to Rajasthan, inspired by Janet’s daughter’s travels in India. With its vibrant colours, sumptuous fabrics, oriental lanterns and antique wooden doors and furniture, this second-floor apartment is a wonderful fusion of East and West. At the top is Brooklyn (inspiration: Manhattan and Shoreditch), an open-plan loft-style apartment furnished with a confident mix of vintage, retro and flea-market finds. As ever, Janet marries original features such as a Yorkshire stone wall and original fireplace (fitted with a gas-effect fire) with retro lighting, decadent leather sofas and a state-of-the-art stainless steel kitchen.
For a sense of luxury, wake up to your pre-ordered breakfast hamper prepared by local Cordon Bleu-trained cook Susie (additional charge). Choose between continental, including croissants and rolls (which you can heat up in your oven), homemade preserves and fruit; or a more luxurious meal of eggs and smoked salmon. Each apartment has a stylish kitchen for self-catering - oven, hob, dishwasher, fridge-freezer, sink, kettle, toaster, tea, coffee - so guests planning longer stays or visiting with children can easily whip up some simple snacks and suppers. Harrogate has several supermarkets for stocking up on ingredients, Weeton's on West Park is a particularly good for picking up tasty local produces, cheeses and wines.
When it comes to eating out, you’re spoiled for choice. For a light bite, grab a rye-bread open sandwich at Baltzersens. Ingredients are the best of Yorkshire, but the inspiration is owner Paul Rawlinson’s Norwegian grandmother and her cooking. The must-visit afternoon tea destination is Bettys, famous for its ‘Fat Rascals’ (a cross between a rock cake and a scone). If you prefer a contemporary London-style vibe, head down Parliament Street to the tiny Hoxton North café, whose freshly ground coffee and cakes are amazing.
For dinner, top choice has to be Van Zeller’s in cobbled Montpellier, a few minutes’ walk away. Chef Tom Zeller is as at home with vegetables as with meat and fish, and ‘Tom’s Hare’ cooked 2 ways, in a flavoursome cloak of chocolate and red cabbage and served with parsnip roasted whole and pureed, was the best main we’ve eaten this year. For a more informal dinner head to Sasso, a bustling Italian in a basement on Prince’s Square, which serves traditional Italian classics with a modern twist.
Harrogate is a charming child-friendly town, and Royal Parade Apartments' well-equipped kitchens make staying with kids a doddle!
Children (4-12 years)
Each apartment has a double bedroom and a double sofabed.
Babysitting is available on request.
High chairs and baby cots are available on request.
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
