Christmas collaboration on track to bring more visitors to Harrogate
Visit Harrogate have teamed up with LNER to bring visitors from London and the South East to the district
Harrogate is on track to be one of the top destinations people visit over the Christmas period thanks to a new partnership.
It's as Visit Harrogate have teamed up with LNER to bring visitors from London and the South East of England for a festive break.
It's hoped the Christmas partnership with Harrogate and LNER will encourage more people to keep visiting the town.
On 10 December, passengers will be welcomed at the First-Class lounge at King’s Cross before their journey which will include a goodie bag of Harrogate treats. On arrival in Harrogate they will be able to enjoy the town’s attractions, food and drink options, retail experience and Christmas Fayre before staying overnight in the town.
Gemma Rio, head of destination management, said: "The economy does best when we attract overnight visitors. They spend more in our hotels, they go out for food so taking advantage of that direct route from London is the perfect opportunity to bring people up for an overnight visit.
"We want to ensure people have the most exceptional experience when they visit so they will go home and already start planning their next visit to Harrogate so they're again putting money into our local economy.
"We've got a giant snow globe at Kings Cross that people can go in and there is a backdrop that shows all of the wonderful things going on in Harrogate district, they can play in the snow and take selfies and its all about attracting more people into the district.
"A number of seats are available in the first class carriages for the journey, they'll get some Harrogate treats and it is going to be magical from the minute they step on the train to the minute they leave us."
With a regular direct train service between London and Harrogate the intention is to build on the relationship and bring more visitors to experience the town and beyond.
The LNER Harrogate Christmas Fayre service will depart from London King’s Cross at 09:33, Stevenage at 09:56 and Grantham at 10:42 on Friday 10 December 2021, arriving in Harrogate town centre less than three hours later.
Customers will enjoy First Class travel, complimentary refreshments and receive an exclusive goodie bag as they journey north on the East Coast route to explore Harrogate’s festive sights and sounds.
Kate McFerran, Director of Communications at LNER, said: “We are excited to announce that Harrogate will be the destination for our very first Christmas Fayre Event. It’s such a stunning location for a weekend visit, offering something for all the family and it promises to be especially magical this Christmas. We’re passionate about rail and our destinations and inspiring people to explore new places by train. We’re delighted to be working with Visit Harrogate to bring more visitors to the town to enjoy everything it has to offer, supporting tourism and local businesses.”
LNER runs six direct services per day in each direction between London King’s Cross and Harrogate. Customers taking part in the Harrogate Christmas Fayre Event can select their own return journey, offering the freedom to enjoy an overnight stay and are reminded to reserve their seats.
The LNER Harrogate Christmas Fayre Event tickets cost £140 per person from London King’s Cross, £100 per person from Stevenage and £80 per person from Grantham, including return First Class travel with LNER and a goodie bag.