Harrogate is situated in the county of Yorkshire in Northern England. It lies just north of the heavily industrialised area which include the cities of Leeds and Manchester.

The discovery of mineral water springs in the 18th century led to the the development of a Spa town. It retains that character now with its splendid Turkish Baths, its Kursaal building and a floral theme. The old Pump Room is beautifully preserved as a museum and still dispenses the sulphorous spring water but the town is now a premier conference centre.

The surrounding countryside is picturesque and includes the Yorkshire Dales and the smaller but older towns of Ripon and Knaresborough