New research rates Harrogate as UK's top place for travellers seeking a warm welcome and a proper cup of tea
Harrogate has been named the town most associated with tea in the UK.
New research by Booking.com’s reveals nearly a quarter of Brits (24%) associate Harrogate with a great cup of tea.
Famed for its cafes and tearooms in general, the town’s national reputation as the home of tea is mainly the result of its close association with Bettys & Taylors Group, which owns the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms and Yorkshire Tea.
Harrogate’s blend of hospitality, heritage and tea-room charm also helped it stand out as a favourite destination among international visitors with searches up 127%.
The findings came as part of Booking.com’s 2026 Traveller Review Awards and its search in which Harrogate was crowned the UK’s most welcoming town.
Ryan Pearson, Regional Manager for UK & Ireland at Booking.com, said: “Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards celebrate destinations that consistently deliver exceptional hospitality and Harrogate has earned recognition as one of the UK’s most welcoming towns for this specific reason.
"Guests frequently praise the town’s friendly, attentive hosts and genuinely warm atmosphere.
"While Harrogate charms with its historic spa buildings, elegant streets, and beautiful surrounding countryside, it’s the town’s personable hospitality that inspires repeat visits and rave recommendations.”
Methodology
Destinations had to have at least 50 eligible accommodations.
Searches between February 4 and March 9 by international travellers for stays taking place between April and June 2026 in Harrogate.
Research was conducted by Opinium of 2,000 people aged 18+ in the UK, in February 2026.
For more information, visit: https://partner.booking.com/en-gb/click-magazine/bookingcom-news/traveller-review-awards-2026-winners