For a hauntingly good Halloween, Harrogate is the perfect destination - treat the family and book your stylish, self-catering apartment!

Here is a glimpse at some of the ghostly goings-on you can experience in the area .

• Harrogate Ghost Walk – led by Paul Forster, a trained actor and mind reader, this fascinating, two-hour exploration of haunted Harrogate includes a unique blend of storytelling and theatrics that make the ghost walk unforgettable. It is accessible, however, there is a long, steep hill to contend with. Please wear suitable clothing, check the weather beforehand and, in October, be prepared for rain! Click here for further information and to book.
• Ripon Ghost Walk – With such a long history, it’s no wonder the streets of Ripon are filled with stories. Explore the darker side of Ripon’s history from the macabre to the mysterious. Discover ancient burial sites, curious bone finds and characters who lived and died hundreds of years ago, but who some say still linger… The walk will last around 1 hour 30 minutes, starting and finishing at the Market Square in time to see the Ripon Hornblower at 9pm. Click here to book.

Haunted Harrogate

From ghostly sightings to unexplained activity, these are, allegedly, some of the spookiest places in Harrogate…

Hales Bar

It is ‘the oldest pub in Harrogate’, so it will come as no surprise that Hales Bar has seen some ghostly manifestations over the years. Staff claim they have heard strange sounds and manic laughter in the pub, whilst others have reported bottles and glasses spontaneously falling from the shelves. And it’s not just the staff who have witnessed ghoulish activity, a paranormal team investigating the bar caught a black shape floating behind an internal door on camera…

Cedar Court Hotel

The Cedar Court Hotel has been in the same spot in Harrogate since 1672, so it’s no wonder there has been spectral activity on site. The hotel is said to have a ‘spooky corridor’,  home to some ghostly figures, where some hotel guests claimed to have spotted people dressed in old-fashioned clothes. One person even swears to have chased someone from their room, only for hotel staff to confirm the door hadn’t been opened all night…

Ripley Castle

A sad and lonely figure, said to be the ghost of Lady Alicia Ingilby, has been spotted walking the halls at Ripley Castle. Lady Alicia lost her only two children to meningitis in the 1870s, and people claim to have seen her ghost walking towards her children’s bedrooms before passing through a locked door…

Harrogate Theatre

The stalls at Harrogate Theatre are said to be home to Alice, the mysterious ghost of a woman hurt by a terrible love affair. Visitors claim to have seen orbs of hovering light, experience sudden chills and even a lingering scent of peppermint – yet there is no record of an Alice in the theatre’s archives…

Cavendish Hotel

The Cavendish Hotel on Valley Drive is now closed, but that doesn’t mean to say it’s empty… Passers-by have claimed to see a grey haired man sitting on the edge of a bed late at night, before he gets up, walks towards the window and then vanishes…

As autumn approaches, Harrogate is a perfect destination to enjoy the seasonally changing colours of beautiful parks, gardens and surrounding countryside.

The nightspace team has compiled their Top Five Favourite local walks, alongside their hand-picked selections of dog-friendly pubs, and recommended independent food stores – ideal to stock up on gourmet treats and ingredients for special meals to savour during your stay.

Top five walks:  

• Birk Crag – an enchanting mix of woodlands, open fields, rocky outcrops and the meandering Oak Beck stream create this scenic backdrop which changes with the seasons.
• Swinsty Reservoir - nestled in the stunning Washburn Valley, this three mile circular route provides breath-taking views across the water and the surrounding landscape.
• Harrogate Free Walking Tour – three times a day, from Wednesday to Sunday inclusive, join your guide, Harry, for a leisurely stroll through the spa town, and learn some of Harrogate's history along the way.
• The Valley Gardens – perfect for families, these English Heritage Grade II Listed gardens are situated at the very heart of Harrogate and, along with woodland known as The Pinewoods, cover 17 acres. The Valley Gardens provide a haven of natural beauty, and a host of recreational activities for all ages.
• Thruscross – those wanting to step up to more of a challenge should head to Thruscross for a walk which runs through a beautiful landscape of woodlands, moorland and pastures, as well as crags, ghylls and streams along the edge of the Washburn Valley's highest reservoir. 

Top five dog-friendly pubs:

• Hales Bar – the oldest pub in town established in the mid-18^th century, soak up its historic character in the gas-lit saloon bar, which serves a range of cask ales, wine and spirits, outside there is a ‘secret’ beer garden.
• The Old Bell – the history of this town centre tavern dates back to 1786, today it serves up a selection of craft and cask ales, plus boutique spirits and home cooked pub grub.
• The Tap on Tower Street – known for its cask ales, array of spirits, welcoming atmosphere, and board game library, The Tap is a favourite watering hole for locals and visitors alike.
• The Nelson Inn – just outside Harrogate, this pub/restaurant offers an impressive array of drinks to complement the menu of classic, British cuisine.  A leisurely three mile circular walk, starting from the inn, is a superbly scenic way to work up an appetite. 
• Three’s A Crowd – enjoying a central location with views across the Stray, this modern gastropub prides itself on high quality drinks, food and service.

Top five independent food stores:

• Weetons – situated in a prime location, overlooking the West Park Stray, this gourmet food store, known for its elegant interior, offers a wide range of high-quality fresh produce, artisanal foods, speciality ingredients, and prepared meals.
• The Cheeseboard - established in 1981, this is considered by many to be one of Yorkshire’s finest cheese shops, stocking over 200 types of cheese from local, British and Continental producers, as well as gourmet accompaniments.
• Tarbett’s Fishmongers – centrally located on Commercial Street, opposite The Cheeseboard, this small but special emporium stocks the freshest of fish and seafood. From salmon, plaice, lemon sole and halibut to tuna, sea bass and swordfish; there is also a deli counter with a selection of shellfish, sauces and seasonings.
• Cook – although not officially an independent, this award-winning purveyor of delicious, ready-made frozen meals is the perfect solution for indulgent self-catering!  Treat yourself from the Harrogate branch’s global menu – British, French, Italian, Moroccan, Indian, Thai and more.
• Vanilli’s Artisan Ice Cream – few towns are lucky enough to have an ice cream parlour as good as this. Amazing flavours are handmade on the premises using locally sourced milk and cream, including some vegan, dairy free and gluten free options, and all are available to take away.

Visitors to Harrogate are spoilt for choice when it comes to watering holes, eateries and entertainment in and around the town – which is why we have hand-picked a selection of places to enhance your stay in this beautiful part of the world. 

Read on for some of our recommended favourites - based on the nightspace team’s extensive local knowledge, along with official reviews – and watch this space for more recommendations to come.

Top five tea rooms and coffee shops:  

• Bettys – iconic, elegant and renowned for its traditional British charm, its delectable treats and, of course, its tea.
• Tilly Peppers –an independent which sets a high standard across beverage, food, service and ambience, resulting in consistently great reviews (dog friendly).
• Starling – a popular relaxed cafe bar with equal emphasis on specialist coffee and craft beer, alongside simple but great quality homemade food (dog friendly).
• Mama Doreen’s Emporium – breakfast, brunch and lunch are lovely, but it’s the afternoon tea that steals the show!
• Hoxton North – founded by a Yorkshire couple, inspired by their time in Hoxton London, and serving coffee and brunch in a contemporary, cosmopolitan space.

Top five for cool cocktails:

• Jesper’s – new on the scene with a globally inspired concept. Originally from Denmark, Jesper and his expert team mix creative cocktails and serve innovative cuisine.
• Barking George – another newcomer enjoying rave reviews. Located in The Harrogate Inn (formerly the George Hotel), sip your favourite drink al fresco on the tree-lined terrace, or relax in the impressive and spacious bar.
• Best Bar – an award-winning, stylish venue in the centre of town, mixing an eclectic array of cocktails in a vibrant, yet relaxing lounge and nightclub.
• Roland’s – a comfortable, convivial setting for cocktails, wines, craft beers and Detroit-style pizzas, all served with a warm welcome which includes four-legged friends.
• Bijou & Wylde – an independent speakeasy-style gem with an innovative cocktail menu; the décor is stylish, the music is good and the ambience is intimate.

Top five for family fun:

• Stockeld Park – this unique, family attraction just outside Harrogate has activities galore for all ages, whatever the weather! Outdoors excitement includes a magical Enchanted Forest, five themed adventure playgrounds, and a thrilling zip wire challenge. Indoors The Playhive awaits, one of Europe’s largest and most original play centres.
• Lightwater Valley - adventure with a capital 'A'! Lightwater Valley Family Adventure Park, has over 40 rides and attractions tailored to the under 12s, perfect for a full day of fresh air and family entertainment.
• Stump Cross Caverns – a unique and truly fascinating experience. Explore some of the best-preserved prehistoric caves in the UK, navigate twisting passageways, uncover incredible rock formations and learn of ancient mysteries hidden deep underground.
• Thorp Perrow Arboretum and Wildlife Park – enjoy 100 acres of beautiful woodland gardens, the UK's finest Bird of Prey & Wildlife centre, an adventure playground, seasonal trails and regular events.
• Everyman Cinema – this superb five screen cinema in the heart of Harrogate provides a luxury escape, perfect for bad weather days. Choose from the latest blockbusters, mainstream, independent and classic films, relax in the large, comfortable seats, and order a drink, hot food or snacks to enjoy in the stylish foyer, or delivered to your seat.