A weekend in YORKSHIRE

Regal Harrogate and historic Ripon make for an exciting northern break

- LAUREN JARVIS

Why go?

The perfect Yorkshire holiday is a tale of two centres. Start in Victorian Harrogate, a gorgeous spa town, then move onto Ripon - an ancient cathedral hub, one of the nation's smallest cities. In some ways these two places couldn't be more different, and yet together they are the perfect pair for weekend explorers, easily connected by a half-hour bus ride. Enjoy spa and shopping in Harrogate, and religious history and fascinating museums in Ripon. There are also plenty of tea rooms, gardens and walks to fill your time.

Experience the best of Harrogate

Arriving into Harrogate, it's easy to be struck by its beauty: neat honey-hued architecture, fashionable shopping strips, a beautiful Grade-II listed Edwardian performance hall. The discovery of dozens of natural springs turned what was once two small villages into a hub for the elite during the Victorian era, attracting royalty and aristocracy to take the healing waters. Today, you can still see the old sulphur spring source by the Royal  Pump Room - once a water bar, now a museum - and plenty of beautiful landscaped gardens.