Some of the best things to do and see in Harrogate
Harrogate is a picturesque North Yorkshire town known for its natural beauty and famous tea rooms. This charming town has so much to offer visitors, from beautiful gardens to historic sites.
Take 5… Homes for starting a new hobby
New Year resolutions: we make them and then we break them. Every year we seem to endure the same agonising ritual. In fact, creating resolutions has been a time-honoured tradition we’ve practiced for hundreds of years. It all started in 46BC when Julius Caesar ruled that New Year began on the first day of January and advised his subjects to set out personal improvements. But, far too often we set ambitious goals which are often doomed for failure. Have you already abandoned yours?
Is it time to officially label the New Resolution as an exercise in futility? First and foremost, after a festive period of excess and a busy social calendar, we hope you’ve indulged in some much needed relaxation. Once you’ve given yourself time to adopt a fresh mind set, it is time to consider what you want from 2023 – and most importantly make it enjoyable. One way to do this is to take up a new hobby, rather than vowing to ditch the biscuits! You could try a new sport, pick up a good book or even set out to create your dream home. Whatever you decide, it is important to be realistic and not make too many.
So, with this in mind, we’ve set out some of our favourite ideas and – because we have a thing for nice houses – properties that will help you do so:
Read more books
After the festive period, it is time to settle in to your cosiest nook and find a good book. It is the simplest form of escapism in what can be one of the dullest months of the year. After all, from biographies and non-fiction to Jane Austen and Steinbeck, there is nothing quite like getting lost in a bestseller. To get the most out of it, we recommend finding your favourite genre. If you’re unsure where to start, finding a book club can be lovely way to connect with others about the very best pages.
We think this spot in Middle Halsway could do nicely:
Plan a renovation project
Making a resolution that can benefit your whole family can put your home at the centre. It’s safe to say the past two years have ignited our love for interiors and we can’t see the home improvement boom ending yet. So, if you haven’t already started thinking about interiors, 2023 could be your year. Simply updating your walls, adding new fabrics or even just decluttering can transform your home. But, if you’ve set your sights on a fresh start, buying a renovation project could be just what you need.
This circular, weather-board property is certainly distinctive and needs someone to transform it into its full glory:
Take up a sport
2022 was truly an inspiring year for the sporting world. We watched the Lionesses claim victory in the Euros and England beat Pakistan to win their second ICC Men's T20 World Cup title. In the UK, we have a profound love of sport and, as a result, are fortunate to have clubs in every county. You could pick up a racket, put on your running shoes or learn a martial art. The benefits are endless too. It can have positive effect on your health and help you meet new people.
If you don’t want to travel far from home to participate, Charlton Place has its very own cricket pitch:
Brush up your culinary skills
Food is a central part to so many of our lives – from hosting family and friends to dominating plans when it comes to big calendar holidays. 2023 could be the year to improve your culinary skills. There are hundreds of cookery classes across the country to help you learn the basics, spark inspiration for your next dinner party or even improve your technical skills. If you’d rather learn from the comfort of your own kitchen, there’s plenty of online options too.
This kitchen in a four bedroom house in Belgravia will give you the space to start:
Go for a walk
Britain is full of beautiful walks. With over 140,000 miles of footpaths from the rugged Cornish coast to the mighty mountains of Scotland, the chance is you’ll find one to suit you. The popularity of walking has increased hugely, so much so, that in recent years we’ve become a nation of ramblers. Walking can connect us to wildlife and nature, help boost our moods and, importantly, switch off from everyday stresses.
So, if you’re ready to dust off your walking boots in 2023, a national park might be a great place to start. You’ll find Glan Y Mawddach on the edge of Snowdonia:
