RHS Garden Harlow Carr announces plans for Harrogate Arms

Plans to develop the historic Harrogate Arms and its surroundings are now taking shape

Engraving showing the Harrogate Arms, Bath House and gardens, c. 1857
The development of the Harrogate Arms, bringing the beautiful Grade ll listed building back into use for the first time in years, has taken a step forward.

The RHS has applied for planning permission to re-establish the historic link between RHS Garden Harlow Carr and the Harrogate Arms, formerly a hotel. 

This exciting project will take place during 2023 with completion planned for early 2024. Visitors will explore newly designed landscapes that will offer beautiful vistas of the garden and enjoy access to an RHS café. The café’s menu will make use of fresh, seasonal produce grown in RHS Harlow Carr’s Kitchen Garden

Planning and listed building consent for the re-use of the Harrogate Arms as a café was granted in 2019. The new application to redevelop the landscape requires the diversion of a public right of way.

Harrogate Arms at RHS Garden Harlow CarrCelebrating the garden’s heritage

Originally built in 1844 by then-owner of the estate Henry Wright, the Harrogate Arms and the nearby Bath House were set in pleasure gardens, which are now part of RHS Harlow Carr. Reconnecting the landscape to the buildings represents an important link with the garden’s past and the local heritage of Harrogate as a spa town.

Head of RHS Garden Harlow Carr, Liz Thwaite said: “We are delighted to be at the final stage of seeking approval of our plans for the Harrogate Arms. This project has been a long time in the making, as we wanted to create something fresh and exciting for our visitors that celebrates our rich heritage. We hope that our members and visitors will lend their support to our application.”

A number of local stakeholders have been kept informed of the process, including the Harrogate Group of Ramblers, which has indicated no objection to the proposals to move the public right of way.

Read the full planning application details.

To discuss the project further with the RHS or to share your comments on the development please email: [email protected]

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