Our final Inspirational Venue Roadshow of 2023 will take place on 20 November at The Old Swan Hotel, Harrogate. As always, our IVRs are about creating an informal and relaxed environment to connect hotels, venues and event professionals, all whilst experiencing the wonderful hospitality of our host venue (with an added touch of festive spirit!)

Our guests will enjoy meeting twenty unique venues, followed the opportunity to experience The Old Swan so you can recommend to your clients or business with confidence. Expect to enjoy a delicious 3 course evening meal, drinks and plenty of time to network with fellow event profs in a relaxed environment. 

Introducing The Old Swan Hotel

The Old Swan is a beautiful hotel located in the heart of historic Harrogate. It combines Victorian splendour with elegant contemporary style, and is just a short walk from the town centre and Harrogate Convention Centre. The hotel is one of the most famous in Harrogate, known for its romantic past as a popular spa and the hideaway haven for crime queen, Agatha Christie, when she famously disappeared here in 1926.

The hotel boasts stunning period features, including revolving doors and polished wooden floors. In winter, you can cosy up in front of the roaring fire in the lobby. The hotel has elegant reception rooms, including the magnificent Wedgwood restaurant, with its original glass ceiling, or the Swan Lounge & Bar. Here, you can relax with a drink or a snack overlooking the lawns and views of the town centre.

The Old Swan offers a variety of characterful accommodation in the centre of Harrogate. It has 136 traditionally styled bedrooms overlooking the town or the peaceful hotel gardens, many of which feature the elegant proportions of this Victorian hotel. With a choice of rooms that can cater for small board meetings up to conferences, product launches, annual general meetings and award dinners for 450 delegates, the hotel is a great choice for your next business event.

Destination Harrogate 

Why not make the most of your time in Harrogate and take opportunity to extend your stay? Enjoy some of the incredible sights and activities that this historic spa town has to offer.  Here are some of our favourite things to do in Harrogate:

Head out after dark to enjoy the Christmas Lights

From the famous tree lights on the Stray in Harrogate to the Christmas decorations above the high streets, you will be in awe of the towns stunning displays. Mixed with the town’s stunning historic architecture it is a truly beautiful place to visit at this time of year and will be sure to get you in the festive spirit. 

Get ahead on your Christmas shopping in the town’s boutiques

Once a popular destination for European high society, nowadays Harrogate shopping is just as fashionable and you can find all the leading high-street names with their quality brands sitting alongside stylish independents. 

Specialist shops around Harrogate and its surrounding towns and city have a unique range of home accessories and gift items so if you are looking for something a little bit different for a Christmas gift, you will be spoilt for choice.

Relax and Rejuvenate at the Turkish Baths

In its heyday, Harrogate was known as ‘the English spa’ and a leading destination for European high society. The town’s iconic Turkish Baths opened in 1897 and offer visitors an unforgettable experience. 

Take some ‘you’ time at the Baths and follow the ritual of heating, cooling and cleansing, you will move through the varying heat chambers including the Tepidarium (warm), the Calidarium (hot) and the Laconium (hottest).  Then you can complete the experience by cooling down in the Plunge Pool, visiting the Steam Room or relaxing in the Frigidarium.

Indulge in afternoon tea at Betty’s Tea rooms 

A Harrogate icon and the home of afternoon tea which has been a part of the town’s landscape for over 100 years. Pop in and enjoy a luxurious afternoon tea or a seasonal bite to eat and watch the world go by. Betty’s is also a great place to pick up chocolate, biscuits and gifts for your loved ones. 

Explore the outdoors in one of the regions many parks and gardens

Get some fresh air and explore the outdoor spaces in Harrogate and beyond. With outdoor spaces and gardens at the heart of the regions towns and the Yorkshire landscape stretching out between them, you’ll be spoilt for choice.  With a choice of popular routes and waymarked paths, or remote moorland tracks and isolated landmarks you can enjoy exploring and discovering all that this stunning region has to offer. 

If you’d like to get more information this Inspirational Venue Roadshow head to our Inspirational Venue Roadshow page or alternatively email our Engagement Manager, Jenny Cross at [email protected]

If you are a venue or hotel and would like to get more information about exhibiting on our next IVR 3 Series or future programmes please head to our exhibit page and complete the enquiry form.


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