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Harrogate named among world's most welcoming places

Harrogate has been named as a 'welcoming' place by Booking.com.

Harrogate has been named in Booking.com's 'Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities for 2026' - and is the only UK destination to feature in the list.

The ranking, which comes as part of Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards, is based on more than 370 million verified traveller reviews submitted by users of the travel platform. 

The awards aim to recognise destinations where visitors consistently report feeling welcomed, valued and well looked after during their stay.

While officially a town, Harrogate was praised by Booking.com for its ‘strong sense of community, elegant spa heritage and friendly independent businesses,’ alongside consistently high standards of hospitality. 

The guide says:

“Quaint boulevards and ornate Victorian façades frame a town filled with modern and contemporary cafés, indie shops and scenic garden paths perfect for leisurely strolls. 

“Valley Gardens burst with colour, while the Montpellier Quarter delights with independent shops and lively wine bars tucked between historic terraces.”

“Captivating with its harmonious mix of culture and greenery, Harrogate invites travellers to unwind while discovering the quieter corner of northern England.”

Harrogate BID called it a "well-deserved achievement for Harrogate" on the world stage.

A spokesperson said:

"This international recognition is a fantastic endorsement of Harrogate’s visitor economy and the hard work of local businesses who help make the town such a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike."

Other destinations on the list span the globe, including:

  • Montepulciano (Italy)
  • Magong (Taiwan)
  • San Martín de los Andes (Argentina)
  • Fredericksburg (USA)
  • Pirenópolis (Brazil)
  • Swakopmund (Namibia)
  • Takayama (Japan)
  • Noosa Heads (Australia)
  • Klaipėda (Lithuania)

Read the full guide via Booking.com here.

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