North Yorkshire spa town among world’s most welcoming places

Harrogate, which sits just outside of the Yorkshire Dales and is less than an hour’s drive from York, was named in Booking.com’s 14th annual Traveller Review Awards.

It comes just months after the area was revealed as one of the best places to live for 2026.

You can read more about that in our previous article.

This time, Harrogate featured alongside the likes of Montepulciano in Italy, known for its hilltop beauty, as well as Pirenópolis in Brazil.

See all of the top 10 most welcoming places in the world on our map below:

The awards are based on more than 370 million verified reviews from travellers across the world and the ‘Most Welcoming Places on Earth’ category celebrates destinations where guests feel genuinely cared for, with personal touches, warm interactions, and hosts who go the extra mile to make trips memorable. 

James Waters, chief business officer at Booking.com, commented: “From welcoming hosts who go above and beyond for guest stays to expert taxi drivers sharing ‘local-only’ tips, these personal touches can make a trip truly special for travellers.

“The Traveller Review Awards continue to shine a well-deserved spotlight on our partners who help create lifelong memories for travellers.

“It’s one of our ways of saying ‘thank you’ from all of us at Booking.com and the hundreds of millions of travellers around the world.”

Why is Harrogate among the world’s most welcoming places?

Among the global winners is Harrogate which was the only UK location to make it on this year’s top 10.

Booking.com shared: “Renowned for its elegant spa heritage, leafy gardens, and beautifully kept streets, the town offers a relaxed yet refined atmosphere, complemented by friendly independent shops, cafés, and a strong sense of community that makes visitors feel at home.

“Some of the recognised accommodation showing remarkable hospitality includes Hotel du Vin & Bistro, and Rudding Park.”

Hotel du Vin & Bistro is a “Yorkshire gem” situated close to the town centre of Harrogate and reveals guests can experience the “allure of Victorian charm infused with modern luxury”.

With 48 rooms and suites, it describes itself as a “distinctive hideaway” nestled in the heart of the picturesque spa town.

Its website continues: “Luxuriate in our spacious, custom-made beds, adorned with hand-sprung mattresses and soft Egyptian bed linen.

Hotel du Vin & Bistro says it’s a ‘Yorkshire gem’ (Image: Tripadvisor)

“Unwind amidst fluffy robes and towels, and choose to indulge in the refreshing bliss of a monsoon shower or a soothing soak in a deep roll-top bath.

“As the sun graces the Yorkshire sky, step into our outdoor bar area, the perfect spot to sip on an enticing aperitif, a delicious crafted cocktail, or a glass of sparkling bubbly.

“Inside, our fabulous bistro, abounding in warm leather sofas, crafts a cosy haven for sharing delectable seasonal dishes and exploring an extensive range of wines with the guidance of our expert sommelier.”

Additionally, being named of the world’s most welcoming destinations isn’t the only praise Harrogate has received recently, as The Independent highlighted it for being one of the UK’s best spa towns too.

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In 2025, the publisher wrote: “The elegant North Yorkshire town has a long history as a spa town, dating back to 1571 when sulphuric waters were first discovered in several natural springs.

“Now you can sip those waters at the Royal Pump Room Museum and bathe like a Victorian at the heritage Turkish Baths.”

Have you stayed in or visited Harrogate recently? Let us know in the comments below if you have any favourite spots to recommend.