Friday 8 May 2015

Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate, Day One

A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I were invited on a little adventure. My Aunt and Uncle know all the best places to go in Yorkshire, and when they happened to spot a good deal at one of their favourite hotels, they asked if Mike and I would like to go with them, spend a night there and have a look around the famous spa town of Harrogate. We didn't need asking twice! So we packed an overnight bag, jumped into the car, and arrived an hour or so later at Rudding Park.

Exterior, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

Spend a night at this place? Well, it's tough, but someone's got to do it.

Shall we go inside?

Entrance, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

Rudding Park hotel is just stunning, and I fell in love with it the moment I walked through the doors. Every inch of it has been decorated with an expert hand, reflecting the traditional style of the Georgian manor in which it's housed, but with a quirky, modern twist. It's probably one of the most beautiful hotels I have ever been to, both inside and out. 

Lobby, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

After receiving a very warm welcome from the reception staff, we were shown to our rooms. Given the splendid entrance, I was expecting great things, and I certainly wasn't disappointed. There are some hotel rooms you just want to curl up and luxuriate in, and this was definitely one of them. I was particularly enamoured with the monogrammed cushions. "R" and "P" may stand for Rudding Park, but they're also my parents' initials, so part of me felt that they should be staying here instead!

Bedroom, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

The bathroom wasn't bad either.

Bathroom, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

To be perfectly honest, I would have been quite happy to spend the whole day in the room, running a bubble bath, pampering myself and ordering room service, but the point of the trip was to explore Harrogate. So, after having a good nose around (and making sure my Aunty's room wasn't better than ours), we quickly freshened up, and off we went.

I'd been to Harrogate before, years ago, and remembered it as a pretty place, but as soon as we arrived in the town centre, I realised that it was even lovelier than I recalled. There was so much beautiful architecture around every corner that we couldn't help but get a little trigger-happy with the camera. It is definitely one of the most picturesque towns I have ever visited.

Architecture, Harrogate

Architecture, Harrogate

Architecture, Harrogate

Architecture, Harrogate

Architecture, Harrogate

Architecture, Harrogate

OOTD featuring Zara, H&M, Topshop and River Island

Coat - Zara, Jumper - H&M, Jeans - Topshop, Boots and sunglasses - River Island

There were open spaces bursting with flowers, right in the heart of the town.

Flowers, Harrogate

Flowers, Harrogate

Flowers, Harrogate

Not to mention some very interesting shops, including many independent boutiques, jewellers, art and antique shops. Much gazing through windows was done.

Shopping, Harrogate

We may or may not have made a few purchases in this one. I couldn't possibly comment.

Shopping, Harrogate

Sweet Shop, Harrogate

And of course, no visit to Harrogate would be complete without dropping in to Betty's Tea Room. It's been here since 1919, which I think is just wonderful. I love the idea that someone in the 1920s might have enjoyed a cup of tea in the exact same spot as me, gazing through the same window at the hustle and bustle on the same street outside. Today, Betty's is as popular as ever, with locals and tourists alike, and queuing for a table is not unusual. We weren't here long enough to really do this place justice, and it definitely deserves a blog post of its own, so I'll just have to come back here one day soon for a full on afternoon tea. Oh, the sacrifices I make!

Betty's Tea Room, Harrogate

Betty's Tea Room, Harrogate

After a nice pot of tea (and a sneaky macaroon) we headed back to the hotel, where the early evening sunlight was falling beautifully across the patio. It was so warm and inviting out there that it felt only right to order a bottle of crisp white wine and while away another hour in idle conversation before it was time to get ready for dinner. Torture, really.

Patio, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

That night, we dined in the hotel restaurant. This post is getting pretty long so I won't go into great detail about the meal, but in brief, this is what I had:

Scallops and prawns in a satay sauce to start. This was delicious - my favourite dish of the night.

Restaurant, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

Followed by steak and chips (because, you know, when in a classy establishment...)
Restaurant, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

And for dessert, I chose a chocolate and salted caramel delice with blackberry ice cream.

Restaurant, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

Everything was wonderful... except the steak, which was unfortunately quite tough. In all honesty, I think I was just unlucky with it. Everything else I had to eat was fantastic and the others all thoroughly enjoyed their meals. And the truth was, it really didn't bother me. I was loving the hotel and the whole experience far too much to worry about it. I also came to the conclusion during that meal that I need one of these pink chandeliers for my bedroom. (I haven't told Mike yet, but I'm sure he'll be fine with it.)

Pink Chandelier, Restaurant, Rudding Park Hotel, Harrogate

With the meal over, it was finally time to turn in for the night. We said goodnight to my Aunt and Uncle and settled down in our room. Mike found a film to watch and I headed straight for that bubble bath. We had lots more adventures to look forward to in the morning... and I'll tell you all about them in the next post!

Anyone ever visited Harrogate?

Kate x
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36 comments

  1. I wouldn't have said no to that opportunity either. Looks like a perfect day off!

    LindaLibraLoca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

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  2. What a stunning looking place! I love mini breaks away like this (who doesn't?!), they're the perfect way to escape and wind down :). That dessert - yum! & got to love Betty's! :)

    Style Sunrise ☀

    :)
    x

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    Replies
    1. Yep, everything about this trip was a winner, it has to be said! x

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  3. That hotel looks so lush, I could easily spend all day there too - especially in that bath tub! I went to York years and years ago, I'm sure my sister took me to Bettys! Glad you had a lovely stay Kate :)

    Hanh x | hanhabelle

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    Replies
    1. Thanks Hanh! Yes, I believe there is a Betty's in York though I've not been to that one. x

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  4. Wow, this looks incredible! I really want to visit!

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  5. Wow looks wonderful, room looks lovely and the food delicious - hope you had a fab time!

    I have a new post up on my blog, would love to know your thoughts:

    * Electric Sunrise - Fashion and Lifestyle Blog *

    x

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  6. This really is a beautiful hotel, and the salted caramel slice looks fab! I honestly didn't know Harrogate was such a beautiful town! I live in Leeds so will definitely have to visit, possibly purely for Betty's Tea Room... Sounds like a lovely few days :)

    India | Touchscreens & Beautyqueens

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    Replies
    1. It was great! Leeds is also a beautiful place. I recently moved to Yorkshire and I'm loving exploring! x

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  7. This town looks beautiful! And the hotel, OMG, how gorgeous! x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

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  8. This sure looks like a great hotel to stay at!

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    Replies
    1. It was wonderful - I didn't want to leave! x

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  9. Everything about this post is stunning Kate. The food, the hotel, the scenery... I definitely need to check out Harrogate, looks like the perfect weekend getaway :)

    Elle
    www.theellenextdoor.com
    xx

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  10. Wow, Harrogate is definitely a beautiful place and nothing beats Betty's! Thanks for sharing these amazing pictures!

    Sarah

    https://everydayconcepts.wordpress.com/

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome, thanks for stopping by! x

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  11. Looks like you had an amazing time. I absolutely love the hotel and the meal, have a great day :)
    www.fashionphases.com

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  12. I'm sure you had and wonderful time!
    xx

    www.mybeautrip.com

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  13. fantastic photos! looks like it was fun! :)
    Emma xx
    http://iemmafashion.com/

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  14. Thank you Kate for sharing this deluxe experience!!
    Baci,
    Coco et La vie en rose fashion blog - Valeria Arizzi

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  15. Not only does the hotel look stunning, so does the location. I've always wanted to visit Harrogate, I live in Tunbridge Wells and everyone says how similar they are!

    Annabel ♥
    Mascara & Maltesers

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  16. That hotel looks gorgeous! Me and my boyfriend want to go away for the weekend soon and Harrogate looks like such an amazing place to visit so I'll have to have a look at prices! :)

    Natalie Ann xo // Petal Poppet Blogs ♥

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  17. Looks and sounds like the perfect night away. The hotel is so luxe and the surrounding area is beautiful x

    Beauty with charm

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  18. How beautiful is that hotel! Sounds like you had a lovely time, such great photos :)

    X Emma | www.missemmacharlotte.com

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  19. Your stay there looks tremendous, what a hotel! I love the monogrammed cushions placed on the bed in your hotel room - the floor almost looks as though it's been tiled, is that the case or is it carpet? Harrogate looks like a beautiful area, from the macaroons to the flowers! :)

    Gabrielle | A Glass Of Ice

    x

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    Replies
    1. It was actually carpet! I loved the grid pattern. It was such an interesting, modern room. X

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  20. Beautiful photos! This place looks so amazing *u* Thank you so much for sharing!
    ~Kiyomi from kokorosasa <3

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  21. I need to visit Harrogate, the chocolate and salted caramel dessert looks beyond tasty! And I'm in love with the pink Chandelier that has inspired a DIY project 😜 Loved this post sweetie! Glad you enjoyed your time!
    Serene xoxo

    http://www.imserenel.wordpress.com

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  22. Lovely photos! It looks amazing! :) xx

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