Season to be jolly supportive of local business

Lockdown may have been lifted, but restrictions are still in place across the county.
James Mason urges us to support local tradeJames Mason urges us to support local trade
James Mason urges us to support local trade

So it’s now more important than ever to spread a bit of Christmas cheer and support local businesses in the run up to the ‘big day’.

Harrogate sparkles all year with its lit up twinkling tree-lined lanes and the Stray shines bright whatever the season, tempting tourists and residents alike to enjoy the town and all it has to offer.

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However, after a particularly tough 2020 for all, and as the hospitality and retail sectors enter what should be their busiest business time, do check-in and check out what’s happening in Harrogate and the surrounding area in December.

With a double-helping of Bettys Café Tearooms in town, tuck in to tempting top tucker after marvelling in awe at the wonderful winter wonderland window displays, where there is an amazing artistic array that is good enough to eat and then you can stroll around inspiring independent shops for that gorgeous gift for a special someone.

Plus, just a short drive away you can see exciting Christmas things planned at Harewood House and Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden – a UNESCO World Heritage site, where it is worth experiencing what there is to see, but check the appropriate websites first including yorkshire.com for the latest what’s on news.

With pretty parks and gorgeous green spaces, including RHS Harlow Carr Gardens to explore, there are plenty of pathways to enjoy the great outdoors and there is a wealth of fantastic hotels in and around Harrogate too, if you want to stay.

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It is time for a treat, so you can ask about availability for an overnight outing or, if you are local, then delve into what delicious deliveries are being offered and make the most of a ‘drop off at your door’ dining experience.

This year’s prestigious White Rose Awards, the UK’s largest tourism awards event, which in November was held online for the first time ever because of COVID-19 restrictions, celebrated Yorkshire’s best.

This included Harrogate hotels and many nearby attractions.

Harewood House Trust was awarded both the Gold Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and also the Silver Arts & Culture Award.

It was also a double win for the spectacular Grantley Hall, which is located not far from Harrogate.

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The hall received two gold awards with one in the Large Hotel of the Year category and another in the New Tourism Business Award category.

The Yorkshire Hotel, nestled in the centre of town, was given a silver award in the Large Hotel of the Year category, with nearby Mother Shipton’s in Knaresborough being awarded a silver and Studfold Adventure Trail at Lofthouse winning a bronze in the Small Visitor Attraction of the Year Award section.

So why not spoil yourself and also your loved ones and don’t let the tier restrictions spoil the season, as there is still lots to enjoy even with government restrictions in place.

You can also purchase a vast variety of perfect pressies and also some gorgeous gifts from Yorkshire independent retailers online at the Yorkshire Marketplace by visiting yorkshire.com/yorkshire-marketplace and you can purchase Welcome to Yorkshire goodies by visiting the shopyorkshire.com website.

And remember that Yule be spoilt for Yorkshire choice this Christmas!