Harrogate has many claims to fame. It’s where Agatha Christie retreated to when she mysteriously disappeared for 11 days in 1926, it was the setting for the Eurovision Song Contest in 1982 and has been feted as a spa town with a Royal Pump room (now a museum). But is it good for dogs? Inspired by famed fictional sleuth Miss Marple, I went to investigate…
We were staying at the impressive-looking Crown Hotel, which is situated in Montpelier, right in the heart of the town. It’s a landmark building with a fantastic history. In 1784, for example, head waiter William Thackway made so much money, he actually took it over (how he became so rich does remain a mystery). Illustrious visitors include Lord Byron, composer Edward Elgar and ‘allegedly’ the Beatles!
It may now only have three stars, but the welcome I received was definitely five-star.
I loved my gift box, which was delivered to our room. ‘Evidence’ soon revealed that it was from local pet store HG Pets and was filled with goodies, including treats, a bone, toy and poo bags. It is probably the best hotel gift box I have ever been given. So, we went over to pay a visit to the owner, Jon, in his shop.
It’s just around the corner from the hotel and crammed with everything a doggy needs. The humans bought me a portable collapsible bowl and chatted a while to the friendly owner. “There are two sorts of dog owners who visit Harrogate,” he confessed. “The ones who have brought their dogs but have forgotten something, and those who haven’t brought their dog and feel guilty about it.”
But they should bring their dogs because Harrogate is a great place for walks. Close to the hotel is Valley Gardens, a beautiful park that’s perfect for a stroll and alfresco doggy stuff. The walk from Valley Gardens through the Pinewoods takes you to RHS Garden Harlow Carr, where dogs can run about off lead if you turn right and carry on along the road to Birk Crag.
There’s also an area called The Stray, where 200 acres of parkland around the town are an enticing prospect for energetic pooches like me.
A little out of Harrogate is the Bilton area and the gateway to Nidd Gorge, where you can wander over to
Knaresborough. So absolutely loads of alfresco opportunities. But after Valley Park, what did the humans do? They took me to Hales, which is Harrogate’s oldest pub, full of great old world-ness and a small beer garden at the back to soak up the sun. Here I was offered biscuits, and the friendly barman said I should just bark if I needed any water.
We also went to the Fat Badger, which is a buzzing bar and restaurant a few minutes’ walk away from where we were staying, and which also welcomes pooches.
So my investigations reveal that there is more than enough to keep everyone entertained for a great day and night out, especially your pet doggo, and I can’t wait to go back to unearth some more surprises!
Peppa was a guest of Visit North Yorkshire: visitnorthyorkshire.com
The Crown Hotel: crownhotelharrogate.com
By Janet Reeder | Images Paul Morgans
