Column: Welcoming everyone back to our district

The latest column from Visit Harrogate looks at how the district is welcoming back visitors to its town and surrounding countryside.
Harrogate is Good to Go as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Photo by Paul SkirrowHarrogate is Good to Go as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Photo by Paul Skirrow
Harrogate is Good to Go as the Covid-19 restrictions are lifted. Photo by Paul Skirrow

As the Harrogate district slowly starts to re-open we are proud to be able to welcome back residents and visitors alike to enjoy our wonderful part of Yorkshire.

Visitor attractions, gardens, shops, pubs, restaurants and hotels are beginning to open their doors to welcome everyone back to embrace what will be the ‘new normal’ at least for the time being.

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As you will already know businesses are operating in new ways to maintain social distancing with enhanced hygiene measures to ensure everyone is safe, therefore it is critical that you plan ahead before your day trip or your family staycation and make sure you ‘Know Before You Go’.

Visit Harrogate is working very closely with Visit England and fully support their new campaign ‘Know Before You Go’ which provides an in-depth guide to domestic travel, along with the latest Government advice.

When heading out and about across the Harrogate district, there are a few rules to remember. Firstly stay safe, look after yourselves and one another. Secondly respect the environment and the local communities who live there. And last but not least, enjoy yourselves.

Plan ahead and as we said ‘Know Before You Go’. Check whether important facilities such as toilets and car parks are open.

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The majority of visitor attractions and gardens in the area now require you to pre-book a time slot online, so please don’t just turn up.

Make sure you take a bank card with you - many businesses are only accepting cashless payments and you don’t want to miss out on that coffee or ice cream.

Take hand sanitiser just in case there is nowhere to wash your hands and if at all possible leave the car behind and head out on foot or get on your bike.

It’s encouraging to see that more and more businesses are starting to display the new Industry Standard launched by Visit England called ‘We’re Good To Go.’

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This new consumer mark is Government backed and means that businesses are adhering to Government and Public Health guidance, have carried out a Covid-19 risk assessment and have all the required processes in place so that you feel reassured and can enjoy your day out or staycation with confidence.

So look out for the new seal of approval on site, websites and social media.

Visit Harrogate recommends that all visitor and public facing businesses look into becoming ‘We’re Good To Go’ accredited.

As our district re-opens, Visit Harrogate will continue to bring you up to date information, provide travel inspiration and share some of the interesting stories which make the Harrogate District a ‘must visit’ destination for your day trip or staycation.

So make sure you follow us through our social channels and keep an eye on our www.visitharrogate.co.uk website.