Harrogate - Geography - Divisions and Suburbs

Divisions and Suburbs

• Central Harrogate is bounded by 'the Stray' to the south and west, and borders High Harrogate and the Duchy estate to the east and north respectively. It is a district centre for retail and the Victoria Shopping Centre houses a number of major chains. Pedestrianised Cambridge Street and Oxford Street are the main high streets, and Harrogate Theatre is on Oxford Street. Parliament Street, Montpellier and James Street offer designer shopping and upmarket department stores. An Odeon cinema is located on the edge of central Harrogate, as are Asda and Waitrose supermarkets. Marks and Spencer has a large food hall in its store on Oxford Street. A number of bars and restaurants can be found on Cheltenham Mount and John Street, while the Royal Baths and Parliament Street are at the centre of the town's nightlife. The southern end of central Harrogate consists largely of detached houses that have been converted to offices although Harrogate Magistrates' Court and Harrogate Central Library can be found on Victoria Avenue. Some upmarket boutiques are situated along the Stray in central southern Harrogate, including the food emporium 'Weetons'.
• Oatlands is a wealthy suburb in the south of Harrogate. The suburb includes two schools, Oatlands Primary School and Oatlands Infant School, and some allotments.
• Woodlands is a large area in south east Harrogate which adjoins Starbeck/Knareborough Road. It is home to Harrogate Town F.C., Willow Tree Primary School, Morrisons and Sainsbury's supermarkets as well as the Woodlands pub.
• Bilton, is a large area of Harrogate with many churches, stores and schools. It has several schools, Richard Taylor School, Woodfield and Bilton Grange. Poet's Corner is known for its 'poetic' street names and expensive housing. On the first May bank holiday each year the Bilton Gala takes place. The first gala was held in 1977 and the event raises money for local groups and organisations.
• Jennyfields is a large, modern area of Harrogate, it has one school, Saltergate Primary School. The town's main public swimming pool is located on the edge of Jennyfield, as is 'the Academy' health club and gym.
• The Duchy estate is an affluent area close to central Harrogate where most houses are large detached homes or large detached homes converted into flats. There are several private schools, notably Harrogate Ladies' College. There is a golf club and open countryside for walking.
• Starbeck is a large suburb to the east of Harrogate with a railway station with trains to Harrogate on to Leeds, Knaresborough and York. A frequent bus service links Starbeck to Harrogate and Knaresborough. A number of schools, churches and shops are situated in Starbeck.
• Pannal is to the south of Harrogate, off the A61 road. This suburb retains much of its village character. A commuter station links it to Harrogate and on to York, Knaresborough and Leeds.
• High Harrogate is an inner suburb to the east of the town centre. It is focused on Westmoreland Street and the A59 road, where a number of shops and cafés are located. Expensive terraced houses line the Stray, which stops in High Harrogate. The 4* Victorian Shannon Court Guest House is the only guest house in High Harrogate.
• Low Harrogate is an inner suburb to the west of the town centre. It is the focus of most tourist activity in the town, with the Royal Pump Room, Mercer Art Gallery and Valley Gardens.
• Harlow Hill is a suburb to the west of the town, accessed by Otley Road. It has a number of new developments and an office park. It is known for RHS Harlow Carr Gardens. Harrogate Spa bottling plant is on Harlow Hill, as is a water treatment centre.
• New Park is a small area to the north of Harrogate with a primary school. There are a number of terraced houses and some light industrial and commercial premises.
• Wheatlands is a wealthy suburb south of the Stray. It is residential and has two schools, St Aidan's and St John Fisher's.
• Knox, north of the town, is separated from Bilton by greenbelt. It straddles Oak Beck, which vehicles used to be able to cross via a ford. This route was blocked in the 1980s and the beck can now be crossed only by pedestrians and cyclists using the adjacent Spruisty packhorse bridge. Cars must go via the A61 (Ripon) road.
• Hornbeam Park is a small, recently developed area accessed only by Hookstone Chase. It was developed as an office park and retains many offices, but now contains Harrogate College (a campus of Hull University), a Nuffield fitness and wellbeing centre, Travel Inn and restaurant, hospice and some small warehouses. It is served by Hornbeam Park railway station to Harrogate and Leeds.