Located just 30 minutes from Leeds, Harrogate is a perfect destination for a day trip. The beautiful spa town has preserved all of its old-fashioned charm and the true essence of Yorkshire.

The cobbled roads, the intricate arcades and the abundance of impressive architecture makes Harrogate one of the top UK towns to visit. Whilst it is a relatively small town, it is packed with history and culture, and offers a variety of shops and restaurants for any kind of retail or gastronomical therapy.

One of the top things on your Harrogate to-do-list should be visiting the famous Betty’s Tearooms. Being one of the most popular tourist attractions, Betty’s is always quite busy, so be prepared to wait a little. With an incredible selection of teas and coffees, and a vast array of fresh cakes and deserts, it is a treat that everyone should allow themselves. They also offer the traditional high tea, with a selection of miniature pastries, scones and sandwiches for £18. Whilst it may be a little on the pricier side, what you get is more than just tea – it’s an all around wonderful experience. Not for your average day trip, perhaps, but sometimes we deem ourselves worthy of self-indulgence.

Harrogate is also known for its Turkish baths and Health spa. With a session costing as little as £17 on weekdays, it could be a lovely treat for yourself or your loved ones. They also offer a variety of treatments as well as package deals, for those who want to fully unwind and get well and truly pampered.

For those wanting a cultural insight into the history of the town, there is a number of museums on offer. The Royal Pump Room museum will send you back in time, allowing you to discover the history behind the spa town that is Harrogate. There are also a number of ancient castles in the area, some of which date as far back as the 11th century – definitely worth a visit for those interested in British history.

The town has so much to offer, and with return train tickets being as cheap as £8, your student budget won’t be eaten into so drastically. So, go check it out for yourself, bring some friends and make a day of it. It may be cold outside, but that all adds to a day out in the heart of Yorkshire.

Sofia Dedyukhina