There are many ways to get to Harrogate College. Whether you choose to travel by foot, on wheels or you just want to get here by spending as little as possible, there are options for everyone.
We’ve summarised the main transport choices you have below.
Walking
Stretch your legs with a walk over the famous Stray!
The walk to/from Harrogate town centre will take you approximately 20 minutes – if you walk this briskly then it counts as exercise. The route has blue signs (cycling way-markers) that you can use to help find your way, or take a look at our very own travel leaflet.
Walking is an enjoyable way to travel and will leave you feeling alert, give you time to chat to friends and make you feel good. You’re also exposed to less air pollution than if you were in a car and it doesn’t cost you a penny on fuel.
Infographic of Harrogate College Travel Information
Cycling
Pedal power! Using your bicycle is a cheap, enjoyable and healthy way to travel to college, and is also great for the environment.
There are multiple routes to cycle to Harrogate College which are highlighted in the ‘Active Travel Harrogate Map’. We encourage our staff, students and visitors to cycle where possible to help reduce congestion and pollution near the college.
The cycling route to/from Harrogate town centre, via the Stray, should take around 10 minutes or less.
The bike shelter at college is reached via the main car park entrance (as shown on our travel map) at the end of a marked cycle lane. Showers are also available.
Cycle Safety
- Always use the ‘Toucan’ crossings where the routes cross busy roads, and wait for the green signal to cross.
- Where there are ‘Cyclists Dismount’ signs, dismount and walk the short distance involved.
- In wet weather, off-road paths may be slippery, e.g. with wet leaves. Take extra care and, if necessary, avoid using these paths in poor conditions.
- Where paths are shared with pedestrians, cyclists must give priority to pedestrians.
Bus
Harrogate College is served by an extensive public bus network, here are just a few examples of how you can get to us:
- Wetherby – 7 bus or X70 bus
- Boroughbridge – 21 bus to Knaresborough then 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D
- Leeds & Ripon – 36 Bus
- Knaresborough – 1, 1A, 1B, 1C, 1D
- Pateley Bridge – 24 Bus
Route 36 runs from Ripon, Harrogate or Leeds to Oatlands Corner (Leeds Road), which is approximately a 10-minute walk from the college – see our travel map for the route.
The routes listed are not exhaustive and other routes are available; however these may include multiple service transfers. For further information on routes and times see:
Train
The college is just a two-minute walk from Hornbeam Park train station, which is on the York to Leeds line. In just three minutes, students boarding a train from Harrogate station will arrive at Hornbeam Park station.
There are direct train services to Hornbeam Park railway station from Harrogate, Leeds, Knaresborough and York. National Rail offer a journey planner.
Many students are entitled to apply for a 16-17 saver railcard offering 50% off most rail fares or a 16-25 or 26-30 railcard offering a third off most rail fares. A similar disabled persons railcard is also available. See the Railcard website for more information.
Printed copies and an enlarged version of the map are also available at the college reception.
Download the PDF of Active Travel Harrogate Map here.
Car Share
Car sharing is a great way to travel when no alternative option is available. Not only will it save you money and help the planet, but it will also help ease congestion around the college and create a safer environment. We encourage staff, parents and visitors to car share wherever possible to reduce single-occupancy car use.
To find a car share partner, sign up to Harrogate’s dedicated Liftshare scheme: Harrogate Car Share.
Roads
The college is easily accessible by car, being centrally located for access from surrounding towns and cities. Free parking is available, for staff, students and visitors on-site.
For information on financial assistance with travel, please visit our financial assistance page.
Other useful information:
Open Harrogate – a specialised website designed to provide all the information you need to travel sustainably in and around Harrogate and Knaresborough. With its own journey planning tool, you’ll be able to make that trip easily, just visit the Open Harrogate website for more information.
Wheels 2 Work – a scheme that provides affordable transport to individuals who are unable to access public or private transport for employment, and in some cases training and/or education. Mostly this is either mopeds or scooters, but some schemes can also offer bicycles or other transport solutions. To find out if you can benefit, visit the Wheels 2 Work website.