Harrogate, Knaresborough, & Lincoln

It's been an absolute whirlwind since I first arrived in the UK. I flew in last Saturday and haven't stopped traveling since then. I went to a friend's wedding on Sunday in the beautiful spa town of Harrogate, which is famous for its famous baths, and Betty's Cafe. While we were up north in Yorkshire we decided to stop by Knaresborough on our way before heading to Lincoln in Lincolnshire.

Harrogate
In the old days when the English gentry were feeling poorly they used to come to Harrogate to take the waters, relax, and recover from their various ailments. Although it doesn't taste very nice, you can still drink the famous sulfur water Harrogate is known for and go to the baths. We didn't have much time in Harrogate so we decided to skip the baths in lieu of going to Betty's Cafe in Harlow Carr. Being a big foodie, having afternoon tea definitely trumped drinking sulfur water! There are two Betty's in town but some of our friends who are locals recommended going to the gardens in Harlow Carr and going to the Betty's there because the lines were shorter and the setting was nicer.

               

   

Knaresborough

After we were fed and watered from all the delicious food at Betty's Cafe, we decided to take a trip to Knaresborough which is a small town close to Harrogate. Knaresborough is a very picturesque town with the ruins of a castle overlooking the River Nidd. Although you can see all the sites in Knaresborough by foot, you can also hire a boat for a romantic view of the town.

Lincoln
The city of Lincoln makes you feel like you have been transported back to medieval England with its winding cobbled streets and an imposing cathedral dominating the skyline from all directions. You might be huffing and puffing as you make your way up to the old city center but breathtaking views await you once you're there. Lincoln Cathedral is a must see with its stained glass windows and one of the three remaining copies of the Magna Carta. Opposite to the cathedral is Lincoln Castle which was under renovation when we visited but still open for a quick look and a walk around its walls.