The Perfect Solo Staycation in Harrogate: Where to Stay, Eat & Things to Do

*This post features a PR stay at the hotel but I was under no obligation to post this blog. Sometimes you just need to get away. Not necessarily on a big holiday, not somewhere miles and miles away, but just somewhere you can have a change of scenery, switch off for a little while and do exactly what you want. That was exactly what I fancied, so I headed to Harrogate for a little solo staycation — and honestly, it was just what I needed.

I stayed at the Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate, had plenty of time to read my book, ate some lovely food, wandered around Harrogate and even managed to sit outside with a glass of wine in the sunshine. It was the perfect little reset.

Staying at Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate

I stayed at the Cedar Court Hotel Harrogate, which is in a really handy location for exploring Harrogate (around a ten minute walk from the train station). I was staying in a Superior Room and one of the first things I noticed was the lovely lounge bench area in the room. I absolutely loved this. It sounds like such a small thing, but having a proper little space to sit and read made the room feel really cosy. I could get back from exploring, have a coffee or glass of wine, sit on the bench with my book and just relax.

And for a solo staycation, that’s exactly what I want from a hotel room.

I wasn’t rushing around trying to fit loads into my day. I could actually enjoy the room and have some proper downtime. There is something quite lovely about travelling on your own because you don’t have to compromise on anything. Want to sit and read for an hour? Do it. Want to go out for a wander? Go. Want to get back into bed at 4pm? Also absolutely fine!

Snacks in the lounge

While I was at the hotel, I stopped in the lounge for some snacks. I always think having somewhere relaxed to sit in a hotel makes such a difference, especially when you’re travelling alone.

Sometimes you don’t want a full meal or to make a big occasion of eating. You just want something tasty, somewhere comfortable to sit and perhaps a bit of time with your book. It was a lovely little part of my stay.

Breakfast at Amber’s Restaurant

Breakfast was at Amber’s Restaurant, and I have to mention the design because it is so beautifully done. It’s stylish without feeling too formal, and it was such a lovely place to start the morning.

I really enjoyed sitting down for breakfast and taking my time. One of the nicest things about a solo trip is that there is no need to rush through breakfast because someone else is waiting for you. You can just sit there, enjoy your coffee and plan your day.

And if you’re staying at Cedar Court, I’d definitely make time to have a look at Amber’s properly because the restaurant itself is worth seeing.

Kota at Cedar Court

Something else I hadn’t expected to find at the hotel was Kota, their outdoor tipi. It’s such a fun addition and is used for events and different experiences throughout the year. I love finding little things like this at hotels because it gives you another reason to check what’s happening while you’re staying.

You can check the Cedar Court website before your stay to see what’s happening at Kota while you’re there.

A glass of wine at Papitos

One of my favourite parts of the trip was actually one of the simplest. I went to Papitos Harrogate for a glass of wine and, luckily, the weather was completely on my side. I found a spot outside, got my wine and sat there reading my book. And honestly, what more do you need?

It was one of those moments where I thought, yes, this is exactly why I came away.

There was no big plan. I was just sitting outside, enjoying the sunshine, drinking wine and reading my book. Sometimes those are the best moments when you’re away.

Things to do in Harrogate

Of course, if you’re visiting Harrogate, there is plenty to do if you want to get out and explore. But I actually think Harrogate is a really good place for a slower-paced trip because you can do as much or as little as you like.

Wander around the Montpellier Quarter

One of my favourite things to do in Harrogate is simply wander around the Montpellier Quarter. There are lots of independent shops, cafés, restaurants and little places to discover, and it’s a lovely area to explore without needing a strict itinerary.

This is also perfect for a solo trip because you can take your time browsing without anyone asking, “Are you ready to go yet?”

Visit the Turkish Baths

If you want to make your trip feel a little more luxurious, book yourself into Harrogate’s famous Turkish Baths. Something that I still really need to do!

Have a wander around Valley Gardens

If the weather is nice, head to Valley Gardens for a walk. It’s a lovely place to slow down, and I think Harrogate’s green spaces are one of the things that make the town so enjoyable.

Take your coffee, take your book or just have a wander.

Explore Harrogate’s shops

Harrogate is also a great place for a bit of shopping. I particularly like the mix of independent shops alongside more familiar names, and you can easily spend a few hours wandering around the town centre.

Even if you’re not a big shopper, it’s worth having a browse.

Stop for afternoon tea

And obviously, you can’t really have a Harrogate staycation without considering afternoon tea. There are lots of options around the town, including Amber’s at Cedar Court.

For a solo afternoon, I think it’s such a nice way to spend a couple of hours. No rushing, no schedule — just wine and cake.

What I’d recommend for a solo weekend in Harrogate

If you’re thinking about booking your own solo staycation in Harrogate, my biggest piece of advice would be don’t over-plan it. You really don’t need to.

I’d check into the hotel, get settled into your room and then head out for a wander around Harrogate. Have a look around the shops, stop for a coffee, explore the Montpellier Quarter and see where the day takes you.

Then perhaps head back to the hotel for a little rest before going out for dinner or drinks. The next morning, have a nice breakfast, explore some more or book something relaxing like the Turkish Baths. And make sure you leave yourself some time to do absolutely nothing.

Because that was probably my favourite part.

Why I loved my solo staycation in Harrogate

I think what made this trip so lovely was that it didn’t feel like I had to constantly be doing something. I had a really comfortable room at Cedar Court with that lovely little lounge bench that was perfect for reading.

I had snacks in the hotel lounge, breakfast in the beautiful Amber’s Restaurant, explored Harrogate and then sat outside at Papitos with a glass of wine and my book while the sun was shining. It was simple, but it felt like a proper break. And I think that’s what I love about a solo staycation. You get to make the trip completely your own.

You can explore all day if you want to, or you can spend an hour sitting in the sunshine reading your book. You can have a long breakfast. You can wander around the shops with nowhere else to be. You can have a glass of wine on your own.

And nobody is waiting for you.

For me, Harrogate was the perfect place for that. So if you’ve been thinking about booking yourself a little solo escape, I’d definitely put Harrogate on your list.