Yahoo News A visit to 'poshest' town in North Yorkshire - with just £20 to spend
After deciding to explore Harrogate for my weekly North Yorkshire town visit, I was warned by my editor, family and friends about the high costs of the town - advice I now wish I had heeded.
My first error was probably opting to park in a multi-storey car park rather than a public one, where I would only have needed to pay for a parking disc. However, not wanting to waste time searching for where to purchase one, I chose the former.
Like many other towns, I assumed Harrogate would offer a park and ride service, but after thorough research, it appeared it did not. Consequently, I selected the Victoria Road multi-storey car park, assuming it would be more affordable and offer ample spaces. With a busy schedule and limited hours, every minute was precious.
It wasn't until I returned to my vehicle that I discovered the cost for my 3-hour and 20-minute stay was £6.20, reports Yorkshire Live.
Post-parking, I made a beeline for Wetherspoon The Winter Gardens, a place I'd heard much about, particularly its unique appearance compared to other 'spoons' nationwide. Upon entering, I immediately understood the buzz and was taken aback by its impressive interior.
I secured my seat and ordered a pint of Pepsi Max and an 8oz Sirloin steak via the app, which cost around £13. The meal was delicious and of excellent quality. Despite feeling full and realising that my £20 budget had been exhausted, I decided to splurge a bit for dessert. Naturally, Betty's Tea room was the only option.
After a brief wait to get in, it felt like stepping back in time with seating areas adorned with elegant antiques and staff dressed in bow ties and aprons. A hot chocolate and eclair set me back around £12 - surprisingly less than I had anticipated.
The remainder of the day was spent wandering around Valley Park, where I could reflect on my spending while enjoying the free scenery. The park was filled with plants, flowers, fountains and offered plenty of activities including tennis courts, a skate park and a mini-golf area. I made a mental note of what activities to try when I return with my partner.
So, what did I learn from this experience? Perhaps it's best to visit Harrogate after payday or when you've saved up a bit more money. However, I believe this charming North Yorkshire town is worth a visit. My £20 budget didn't stretch far, but I have no regrets!
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