The Harrogate Hideaways

Rooms

Each apartment has a different look and feel: we rather liked second-floor Rajasthan. All are spacious and homely, with an eclectic mix of recycled, antique and second-hand furniture. The three largest have sofabeds in the living room (so they will sleep 2 couples or a family), 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 Gallic 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!

For ‘exotic’ head upstairs to Rajasthan, inspired by Janet’s daughter’s travels in India. With its warm grey palette, Oriental lanterns and antique wooden doors, this second-floor apartment feels calming and a touch exotic. 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 stainless steel kitchen.

We've yet to see the latest addition, Print, a chic mezzanine studio apartment with a kitchenette, ensuite shower room, and space for a fold-out bed and baby cot.

Features include:

• Central heating
• DVD player
• Extra beds
• Family friendly
• Hairdryer
• Ipod dock
• Toiletries
• TV
• WiFi

Eating

For a sense of luxury, wake up to your pre-ordered breakfast hamper (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. The apartments are very centrally positioned so all shops and supermarkets are within walking distance. Weeton's on West Park is a particularly good for picking up tasty local produces, cheeses and wines.

When eating out, you’re spoiled for choice. 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 more contemporary vibe, head down Parliament Street to the tiny but sophisticated Hoxton Kitchen café, whose freshly ground coffee and brunches are amazing.

For dinner, the highly acclaimed Orchid Restaurant (Thai) is just a couple of minutes' walk away. Also close by is Drum & Monkey (fish and seafood) and La Feria (Spanish tapas). Families may prefer Gianni's Brio for real Italian cooking including pizza. Many local restaurants offer a takeaway service.

Features include:

• Breakfast
• Coffee / tea making
• Dishwasher
• Drinks on arrival (on request)
• Family friendly
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Oven
• Toaster

Activities

• Dip into the waters, and Harrogate’s history, at the beautifully tiled Turkish Baths – a wonderful cross between Victorian and mock Moorish – and spa
  
• Pop across the road to the Pump Room Museum, built in 1842 over what claims to be the strongest sulphur well in Europe. At its peak, the Pump Room attracted 15,000 visitors each summer
  
• Explore the cobbled alleyways of the Montpellier quarter and its antique shops, arts and crafts shops and pavement cafés
  
• The fabulous Valley Gardens opposite cover 17 verdant acres; a little further is the 58-acre Harlow Carr Botanical Gardens, run by the Royal Horticultural Society
  
• Harrogate’s famous flower shows are in the Great Yorkshire Showground spring and autumn
  
• Don walking boots and explore Nidderdale, one of the loveliest dales in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Then treat yourself to dinner (book in advance) at the renowned Yorke Arms in Ramsgill
  
• Explore Yorkshire’s many historic houses, castles and abbeys, including the stunningly evocative 12-century ruins of Fountains Abbey, due north, or Harewood House and its Capability Brown gardens, to the south

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Museums / galleries
• Nightlife
• Plantlife / flora
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming

Kids

Harrogate is a charming child-friendly town, and the apartments' well-equipped kitchens make staying with kids a doddle! The apartments are very centrally placed, close to all attractions

Best for:

Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)

Family friendly accommodation:

Each apartment has a double bedroom and a double sofabed, apart from studio apartment Print which can take a fold-out bed and baby cot

Distances:

• Airport: 20 minutes (Leeds Bradford)
• Hospital: 4 minutes
• Shops: 1 minute

For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection

Location

The apartments are in the heart of Harrogate, a pretty spa town near Leeds, in Yorkshire, northern England.

By Air:
Leeds-Bradford International (20km) is the closest airport, but you could also fly into Doncaster Robin Hood (82km) as both have links to Europe and beyond. For a list of airlines serving them, click on the links below.

From the Airport
You can hire a car (see below) or, from Leeds airport, catch an indirect train to Harrogate.

By Train:
Taking the train from London to Harrogate takes approximately 3 hours - see Seat 61 for more details. It's an easy 5-minute walk from the station to The Harrogate Hideaways.

By Car:
If you want to hire a car, see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.com

More on getting to the UK and getting around