Harrogate rose to fame as one of the UK's favourite spa towns and it still retains much of its 19th century elegance and heritage. You can 'taste the waters' at the Royal Pump Room Museum in Low Harrogate, or pamper yourself in the recently refurbished Victorian Turkish Baths

There's a great selection of exclusive shops as well the familiar range of High Street stores.

Spend some time in the the glorious parks, gardens and public areas - it's easy to see why Harrogate is regarded as one of England's premier floral towns. Don't miss a walk through the renowned Valley Gardens, follow the Floral Trail around the town centre or perhaps visit RHS Garden Harlow Carr just to the west of the town.

There are hotels and guest houses to suit every budget as well as a huge choice of restaurants, pavement cafes, trendy wine bars and traditional pubs.

Knaresborough is a medieval market town, with steep winding streets and cobbled walkways. Explore Knaresborough Castle and its gardens to take in the spectacular views of Nidd Gorge and the majestic viaduct over the river. Or visit Mother Shipton's Cave with its petrifying well where the waters turn objects to stone!

A little further afield...

For historic buildings and great gardens there's a fantastic choice within a short drive:

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal gardens; Newby Hall & gardens; Harewood House and gardens; Ripley Castle; Thorp Perrow Arboretum; and that little local gem, York Gate, near Adel, Leeds, run by Perennial, the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Society.

Take a trip into the Yorkshire Dales: Brimham Rocks and How Stean Gorge for dramatic natural landscapes or try Grassington and Bolton Abbey for some wonderful scenic walks. Stroll around Ripon, Pateley Bridge, Wetherby and Darley - a few examples of local towns and villages, all with their own active In Bloom groups too. Don't forget to stop for a pint at Masham, home of the famous Black Sheep and Theakston breweries.

York is a mere 21 miles to the east of Harrogate, easily accessible by rail, and one of England's most famous historic cities. York Minster, the Shambles, Jorvik Viking Centre and the National Rail Museum ...something for everyone.

Last but not least Leeds, 16 miles to the south, has blossomed into a lively cosmopolitan centre, with fantastic shopping and nightlife.