York, Harrogate and Leeds. Sightseeing recommendations, please.
 

We're spending 10 nights in Harrogate next month. We'll have plenty of time for sightseeing around that area. Already scheduled a trip to Yorkshire Dales, Fountains Abbey and Ripley. Any suggestions for charming villages, interesting museums and "hidden spots"? We'll have to rely on public transportation. We're flying into Manchester and out of Leeds.

I assume you will definitely have at least a day in York? The Minster is not to be missed; a walk along the walls is terrific; the Shambles can entertain for several hours even if you don't spend much money! We also enjoyed Clifford's Tower.

Go to Betty's Tea - wonderful experience. I agree with texasbookworm - York is certainly worth a day or two. I went to Haworth which some people might not find as inspiring as I did but if you are a Bronte fan, you could do that easily from Harrogate. Back to York - the walks are very good. I always had very good guides. I also went on the tour of the Minster - very interesting. Enjoy your trip!

I agree with texasbookworm and kelsy22's suggestions for York. Don't waste your time and money on the Jorvik Viking Centre - it's beyond corny.

Hi I'm sure I can help with some suggestions but please let me know more about your interests. I'm a local, and I lived in Harrogate for many years so know the area very well.
Public transport will limit you a lot. Someone above says Haworth is easily visited from Harrogate - I disagree about the 'easily' bit!!. It's a bus and/or train trek involving changes wich will take some time. It can be done but needs some careful planning to sort out the timings.
Also, have you worked out how you will visit the Dales and Fountains by public transport? I know there is a bus from Harrogate to Pateley Bridge (Nidderdale) which would be worth investigating.
York is easily visited by train from Harrogate (there is currently no bus from Harrogate to York although occasionally a bus company resurrects the journey).
You will find the 36 bus service very useful.
http://www.harrogatebus.co.uk/?subSiteID=12
From Harrogate it travels in two directions -
1) First direction is Harrogate to Ripon - the bus stops in Ripon which I know you plan to visit. But then it continues to Ripon itself which is well worth a visit (amazing cathedral). If you are keen walksers you can visit Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal on foot (mainly public footpaths) from Ripon itself but it's a fair hike and I'd pick a dry day.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/de...Yorkshire.html
Alternatively a taxi from Ripon to Fountains would be much cheaper than one from Harrogate.
2) Second direction - Harrogate to Leeds - this journey takes you past the gates of Harewood House where there's a bus stop (request stops, you ring the bell). Harewood is wonderful and well worth visiting. If you ask the bus driver he'll have vouchers to get you into the house half price.
www.harewood.org
Leeds itself is a big, busy city with superb shopping, some great restaurants, museums and art galleries. You will need to pass through Leeds if you decide to visit Haworth.

A correction to above - I should have said the bus to Ripon stops at RIPLEY which you plan to visit.
And yes, I know any amount of 'hidden spots' but unfortunately they aren't on public transport routes!

Very grateful for your replies. Morgana, the bus information is spot on. We're doing a choral exchange with the Fisher Singers in Harrogate so we'll be driven to Fountains and several other venues. The trip to the Dales is all set. We have reserved a bus and a guide. We have quite a few free mornings and afternoons to meander around the area. Harewood is definitely on my list. If the weather is decent my plan is to hike and explore. If it's raining then we can check the museums and pubs! If we can add some Normans and Romans I'll be happy. Thanks again.

Also, Betty's seems to be very special. I have had several people recommend the establishment.