The Visit Harrogate column with Tracy Morgan: We want this district to be a ‘must visit’ destination

The Coldstones Cut. Photo taken by Tony Dallimore.

First and foremost, Happy New Year! Well this isn’t quite the way we were expecting to start 2021 as we face the challenges of yet another lockdown across the nation.

However, in all this uncertainty, the one thing we can be sure of is that there will come a time when we will be able to welcome visitors back to the Harrogate District.

With that in the forefront of their mind, the Visit Harrogate team is busy planning ahead and looking forward to the time when restrictions are lifted and we can all travel safely again.

So for those planning a future staycation, weekend away or even just a day trip, we want the Harrogate District to be top of mind and considered a ‘must visit’ destination.

Glorious Gardens and The Great Outdoors

When it comes to the outdoors, we are very lucky to be able to offer a rich variety of experiences for anyone planning a future visit to the Harrogate District.

From the great outdoors of the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty where you can enjoy walking, cycling and many adrenaline fuelled adventure sports with the team at How Stean Gorge to our glorious gardens including the RHS at Harlow Carr, the World Heritage National Trust site at Fountains Abbey and the award-winning gardens at Newby Hall, we have something for everyone.

It has been well documented that spending time outdoors, exercising, embracing nature and enjoying gardens are all key to improving our wellbeing, something which is of the utmost importance at the moment given the restrictions we are facing.

We need to be mindful that current Government advice is to stay at home and to only leave home once a day for exercise within your local area.

Therefore as soon as it is safe and Government advice permits, Visit Harrogate will be running campaigns to showcase our glorious gardens and the great outdoors, inviting visitors, journalists and influencers to experience our district and engage with local businesses to help support economic recovery.

Visit Harrogate will also be working with Welcome to Yorkshire to promote Yorkshire as the walking capital of the world.

The #Walkshire campaign launched on 1st January and will run throughout 2021.

#Walkshire showcases not only the breath-taking countryside walks we are so familiar with, but also walks around our towns and cities, for groups, individuals, families and colleagues.

It demonstrates the physical and mental health benefits of walking as both a recreational activity and taking time out from your day at work.

Keep Up To Date

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.

So make sure you follow us on social media and keep checking our www.visitharrogate.co.uk website.