Harrogate Flexible Plan: 6 July 2025 (15:30–18:15)

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This appendix outlines flexible sightseeing options for 15:30–17:34 on 6 July 2025 in Harrogate, after checking into Crowne Plaza Harrogate. Choose activities based on weather and energy levels, visiting one or more of the following attractions, all within a short walk from the hotel. All are free, with optional tea/snacks (~£5–10). Max duration is ~1 hr 45 min, leaving time to relax before driving to FiftyTwo for dinner.

Attractions

Mercer Art Gallery (Swan Rd, HG1 2SA, ~10-min walk from Crowne Plaza, ~30–45 min, free, indoor): Victorian and 20th-century art in the 1808 Promenade Rooms. Compact, ideal for a cultural experience.
Montpellier Quarter (Montpellier Hill, HG1 2TG, ~5-min walk from Mercer, ~30–45 min, free): Georgian area with boutique galleries and cafés. Light browsing or tea (e.g., The Tannin Level, ~£5–10).
Valley Gardens (Valley Dr, HG1 2SZ, ~7-min walk from Montpellier, ~30–60 min, free): 17-acre park with spa-era flowerbeds and 36 mineral springs. Includes the Japanese Garden.
Japanese Garden (within Valley Gardens, ~15–30 min, free): Serene Shijima no niwa with sculpted paths, restored in 2017. A tranquil highlight.

Walking Distances

Crowne Plaza (King’s Rd, HG1 1XX) to Mercer Art Gallery: ~10 min (~700m).
Mercer to Montpellier Quarter: ~5 min (~300m).
Montpellier to Valley Gardens: ~7 min (~500m).
Valley Gardens to Crowne Plaza: ~12 min (~900m).
Total loop (all sites): ~34 min walking.

Modular Scenarios

Pick activities on the day based on weather and energy. Below are suggested combinations, each leaving a buffer to return to Crowne Plaza by ~17:34.

1. Sunny Day, High Energy (~1 hr 30 min)

Activities: Valley Gardens (~45 min, including Japanese Garden) + Montpellier Quarter (~30 min).

Why: Enjoy July’s mild weather in the scenic park, then soak in Montpellier’s Georgian charm. Complements the Free Walking Tour’s spa history.

Schedule:

15:30–15:42: Walk to Valley Gardens (~12 min).
15:42–16:27: Explore Valley Gardens/Japanese Garden (~45 min).
16:27–16:34: Walk to Montpellier Quarter (~7 min).
16:34–17:04: Stroll Montpellier, optional tea (~30 min).
17:04–17:11: Walk to Crowne Plaza (~7 min).
17:11–18:15: Relax at hotel (~1 hr 4 min).

Notes: Visit Valley Gardens Café (~£5) or The Tannin Level (~£8–10) for tea. Bring sunscreen and shoes.

2. Rainy Day, Low Energy (~1 hr)

Activities: Mercer Art Gallery (~30 min) + Montpellier Quarter quick browse (~15 min).

Why: Indoor gallery protects against rain; short Montpellier stroll keeps energy low, ideal if tired post-walking tour.

Schedule:

15:30–15:40: Walk to Mercer Art Gallery (~10 min).
15:40–16:10: Explore gallery (~30 min).
16:10–16:15: Walk to Montpellier Quarter (~5 min).
16:15–16:30: Quick Montpellier browse (~15 min).
16:30–16:37: Walk to Crowne Plaza (~7 min).
16:37–18:15: Relax at hotel (~1 hr 38 min).

Notes: Stop at The Tannin Level (~£5–10) if rain intensifies. Gallery is compact.

3. Mixed Weather, Moderate Energy (~1 hr 15 min)

Activities: Mercer Art Gallery (~30 min) + Valley Gardens/Japanese Garden (~30 min).

Why: Balances indoor (gallery) and outdoor (gardens) for variable weather. Art and spa history align with your interests.

Schedule:

15:30–15:40: Walk to Mercer Art Gallery (~10 min).
15:40–16:10: Explore gallery (~30 min).
16:10–16:25: Walk to Valley Gardens (~15 min).
16:25–16:55: Explore gardens/Japanese Garden (~30 min).
16:55–17:07: Walk to Crowne Plaza (~12 min).
17:07–18:15: Relax at hotel (~1 hr 8 min).

Notes: Umbrella for gardens. Skip café to save time.

4. Sunny Day, Very High Energy (~1 hr 45 min)

Activities: All four: Mercer Art Gallery (~30 min), Montpellier Quarter (~30 min), Valley Gardens/Japanese Garden (~30 min).

Why: Maximizes Harrogate’s highlights if energized. Covers art, Georgian charm, and spa history.

Schedule:

15:30–15:40: Walk to Mercer Art Gallery (~10 min).
15:40–16:10: Explore gallery (~30 min).
16:10–16:15: Walk to Montpellier Quarter (~5 min).
16:15–16:45: Stroll Montpellier (~30 min).
16:45–16:52: Walk to Valley Gardens (~7 min).
16:52–17:22: Explore gardens/Japanese Garden (~30 min).
17:22–17:34: Walk to Crowne Plaza (~12 min).
17:34–18:15: Relax at hotel (~41 min).

Notes: Skip tea stops; high energy needed. Umbrella for outdoor segments.

Practical Tips

Choosing on the Day: At ~14:50 during check-in, check weather (e.g., BBC Weather app) and energy. Sunny: prioritize Valley Gardens (Options 1/4); rainy: start with Mercer (Options 2/3). Low energy: one attraction (~1 hr); high energy: combine (~1.5 hrs).
Navigation: Use Google Maps/OpenStreetMap for routes. All sites are signposted; Welcome Harrogate maps at Crowne Plaza.
Timing: Keep visits short (~30 min each) to return by ~17:34. Rest ~45 min before 18:15 drive.
Costs: Free entry; bring ~£10–20 cash for tea (e.g., Valley Gardens Café, The Tannin Level) and walking tour tips (~£5–10).
Weather: July’s mild (~15–20°C), but rainy. Umbrellas for Montpellier/Gardens; Mercer is indoor.
Energy: Walking tour (~1 hr 20 min) and Piece Hall (~1 hr) are moderate. Limit to 1–2 attractions if tired.
Crowne Plaza: Confirm parking (+44 1423 849988). Drop bags at check-in to lighten walks.
FiftyTwo: Leave by 18:15 for ~10-min drive to Rudding Park (HG3 1JH). Confirm reservation (+44 1423 871350).

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