Harrogate gardens and parks at a glance
People often say "Harrogate park" or "Harrogate gardens" and mean two different places. Valley Gardens is a formal park of 17 acres (about 6.9 ha) close to the centre. The Stray is 200 acres (about 80.9 ha) of open grass to the south of the centre. RHS Harlow Carr is a third place and has its own page.
Entry to both parks is not charged. The numbers are not added together: the Pinewoods next to Valley Gardens are extra woodland and are not part of the 17 acres.
Valley Gardens
The park behind the spa buildings.
What you find
Flower beds, paths and several historic buildings. The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room dates from 1858 and the New Magnesia Well Pump Room from 1895. The Sun Pavilion, Sun Colonnade and Bandstand date from 1933. Some of these buildings stand today, but do not expect to go inside each one on a normal day.
Who looks after it
The park is council land. It is a public park, so there is no ticket.
Next to the Royal Pump Room
The park lies beside the museum that tells the story of the spa town. Read more on the Royal Pump Room page. For the baths themselves, see the Turkish Baths page.
The Stray
The Stray is public grass parkland south of the centre. It dates from 1778, when it linked the areas around the springs. People use it for walks, games and picnics.
An annual bonfire is held in November, so check local notices for the 2026 date. Looking for a way to see more of the area? Day trips into the Dales are covered on our Yorkshire Dales tours page.
Day trips from Harrogate
Yorkshire Dales and York day trips, with live prices and availability.
Walk from Valley Gardens to Harlow Carr
The best-known route out of the park.
A footpath runs from Valley Gardens through the Pinewoods to RHS Harlow Carr. It is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) long. That is the distance between these two places, not from every hotel or the station. Plan extra time to reach the park first. The garden at the end charges entry; the path does not. Prices are on the RHS Harlow Carr page.
Other town trails and the Nidd Gorge are on the Harrogate walks page.
Winter events in Valley Gardens 2026
Seasonal dates for the festive weeks.
Christmas market
A Christmas market takes place in Valley Gardens on 5 and 6 December 2026. Check opening hours and entry before you go.
Ice rink
The Harrogate Ice Pavilion is planned in Valley Gardens from 17 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, except 25 December. Check session times and prices before you go.
More on winter
See the Christmas in Harrogate page for the full picture, including what is not running in 2026.
Valley Gardens and The Stray: frequently asked questions
Is it free to enter Valley Gardens?
Yes, it is a public park without a ticket. The garden at Harlow Carr, a separate place, charges entry.
How big is The Stray?
The Stray is 200 acres, about 80.9 ha. Valley Gardens is 17 acres, about 6.9 ha, and the Pinewoods are extra woodland.
Can I walk to Harlow Carr from Valley Gardens?
Yes, through the Pinewoods. It is about 1.5 miles (2.4 km).
Is there a Christmas market in Valley Gardens?
One takes place on 5 and 6 December 2026. Check the hours and entry before you go.
When were the pump rooms in Valley Gardens built?
The Old Magnesia Well Pump Room dates from 1858 and the New Magnesia Well Pump Room from 1895.