Vehicle Wrapping Harrogate.

Unlike most towns and cities throughout Yorkshire, Harrogate has never been one of heavy industry, as since the discovery of the Harrogate mineral well in 1571, it has relied more or less on its spa reputation for its economy.

The spa waters were likened to that of Belgium, and were reputed to provide consumers with a plethora of healing properties. By 1596 Harrogate was forever dubbed, “The English Spa.”

Partly thanks to the healing effect lauded by prominent doctors of the time, and partly thanks to the many bath houses that sprang up in and around the Harrogate area, the town enjoyed a boom in local tourism and trade.

In the late 17^th century the first inns and taverns were built to support travellers and those who intended to stay for long periods of time.

Between 1830 and 1841, however, local hotels began profiting directly from the wells by ciphering off the water into their own purpose built wells. So great was the loss of water that locals petitioned for an Act of Parliament to protect the wells that Harrogate needed for its survival. By the end of the 18^th century the town was home to 18,000 people.

At the dawn of the 20^th century the town was favoured by the upper classes and elites of Europe as it grew in both size and reputation. Although during much of its history, Harrogate experienced a largely unaltered trend of upward prosperity, upon the brink of World War One, the town waned in popularity as the nation, much like the rest of the world, had other priorities to fulfil.

Despite the same decline occurring throughout World War Two, Harrogate was boosted partly by the fact that the British Government used it as a base in the north, where the town’s large hotels accommodated offices evacuated from bombed out London.

THINGS TO DO IN HARROGATE TODAY.

After suffering from a mild economic recession during the 20^th century, Harrogate is once more a flourishing town of tourism – offering a wealth of activities and attractions.

Aside from the wide range of boutiques and high street shops that adorn the town centre, Harrogate is also well known for its high number of quality and respected restaurants.

For those that merely want to enjoy the natural beauty that the area has to offer, the Gouthwaite Reservoir Nature Reserve, the Bewerley Industrial Heritage Trail, and Studfold Adventure Trails all provide perfect experiences of life in natural Yorkshire.