Harrogate Town – Wetherby Road

 

⚽ WETHERBY ROAD ⚽

Harrogate Town AFC – Your Complete Travel Guide for 2025-26

ℹ️ 2025-26 Season Guide: All information has been researched and verified for the current season. Always check harrogatetownafc.com for the latest ticketing, parking and matchday updates before you travel. Key notes: Away fans access via the South Turnstile on Wetherby Road (A661). A new away supporters’ bar is available underneath the stand behind the goal. The Number 7 bus stops directly outside the stadium — show your match ticket for a discounted £2 return fare. There is no parking at the ground; street parking nearby has a 2-hour disc zone.

⚽ ABOUT WETHERBY ROAD

The EnviroVent Stadium, still widely known by its traditional name, Wetherby Road, is one of the most charming compact grounds in the English Football League. Set on the A661 adjacent to Harrogate District Hospital in the east of the town, it has a capacity of 5,000 with 2,000 seats. It’s a proper modern lower-league ground with covered accommodation on all four sides.

Away fans are housed in the EnviroVent Stand, a covered terrace running roughly two-thirds of the length of the pitch, plus a small covered seated section of around 150 seats adjacent to it. Total away allocation is up to 850. The low roof is a real bonus, helping voices carry and creating a genuine cauldron atmosphere when visiting supporters get going. Both sections are largely pillar-free (though floodlight pylon bases are present). Access is via the South Turnstile off Wetherby Road.

Harrogate Town were formed in 1919 — the founding meeting was held at what is now Bettys Café Tea Rooms on Cambridge Street — and moved to Wetherby Road in 1920. Their nickname, The Sulphurites, comes from Harrogate’s famous sulphurous spa waters, which are naturally yellow — hence the club’s iconic amber and black colours. They’re one of the Football League’s newest members, winning promotion from the National League via a Wembley play-off final win over Notts County in 2020.

The Wembley play-off final in 2020 — won 3-1 against Notts County behind closed doors due to Covid — was the club’s greatest moment and first-ever Football League season, followed in 2020-21. They also won the 2019-20 FA Trophy, completing a remarkable double. Harrogate’s rise from the eleventh tier of English football to the Football League in a little over a century is one of the game’s great stories of ambition and community ownership.

In 2025-26, Harrogate continue to hold their own in League Two — an extraordinary achievement for a spa town of this size. The ground has seen significant investment, with new covered terraces built in 2019 alongside the new away bar. Rivalries are keenest with York City and Bradford City. Away fans consistently rate EnviroVent Stadium as a friendly, welcoming destination with quality food — particularly the pies from Mr D’s Pie Machine. This is a genuinely enjoyable day out.

📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS – 2025-26

Capacity 5,000 (2,000 seated, 3,000 standing)
Opened 1920 (extensively redeveloped 2014–2019)
Address Wetherby Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG2 7SA
Away Section EnviroVent Stand (covered terrace) + adjacent covered seated section (~150 seats). Enter via South Turnstile on Wetherby Road (A661).
Away Allocation Up to 850 (terrace + seating combined)
Record Attendance 4,280 – Whitworth Cup Final vs Harrogate Railway, 1949–50
Nickname The Sulphurites / Town
Division Sky Bet League Two (2025-26)
Club Website harrogatetownafc.com
Ticket Office 01423 210600 | harrogatetownafc.com/tickets
Matchday Programme Monthly programme, £5.00, available from the away cabin next to the South Turnstile. Also available to read FREE online 24 hours before kick-off.

🚗 GETTING TO THE ENVIROVENT STADIUM

EnviroVent Stadium is one of the most accessible League Two grounds in the north of England. It sits just off the A661 Wetherby Road, a 20-25 minute walk from Harrogate railway station or a quick hop on the Number 7 bus. The A1(M) at Junction 47 gives straightforward road access, making Harrogate an easy drive from a large catchment area across Yorkshire and the North East.

Whether you’re coming from Leeds, York, Bradford, Knaresborough or further afield, the transport links are solid. The train is the recommended option for most away fans. Harrogate sits on the line between Leeds and York, with regular services from both. The Number 7 bus partnership with Harrogate Bus Company makes the final mile from station to stadium very straightforward and excellent value with your match ticket.

🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP

EnviroVent Stadium: Wetherby Road, Harrogate, HG2 7SA  |  Away entrance: South Turnstile on the A661 Wetherby Road — look for the Woodlands pub nearby as a landmark.

🚂 BY TRAIN – Train to Harrogate, Then the No. 7 Bus or a 20-Minute Walk

👍 Train is the Best Option: Harrogate station is served by Northern Trains from Leeds (every 30 minutes, around 35 minutes) and from York (hourly, around 30 minutes). From the station, it’s a 20-25 minute walk across the Stray, or catch the Number 7 bus direct to the stadium — show your match ticket for just £2 return (£1 for children). The bus runs every 30 minutes and stops right outside the ground.

Journey Times to Harrogate Station:

🔴 Leeds: approx. 35 mins – trains every 30 minutes on the Harrogate Line (Northern Trains). The most frequent service is ideal for fans from West Yorkshire.

🔴 York: approx. 30 mins – trains hourly on the same Harrogate Line. Ideal for fans travelling from the East Riding or North/East Yorkshire.

🟡 Knaresborough: approx. 10 mins – one stop before Harrogate. A brilliant spot for a pre-match pint if you’re making a day of it (see attractions).

🟢 London King’s Cross (via Leeds): approx. 3 hours – change at Leeds. Doable for a day trip for southern fans.

🟢 Bradford Interchange: approx. 50 mins – change at Leeds or direct on some services.

Station to Ground – Walking Directions (20-25 minutes across the Stray):

1. Exit Harrogate station and turn right onto the main road.
2. Cross over at the pelican crossing and continue south.
3. At the roundabout, turn into Station Avenue, continuing onto North Park Road.
4. Follow this until you reach the A661 Wetherby Road and turn right.
5. The EnviroVent Stadium is on your right, past the Woodlands pub. The South Turnstile (away entrance) is on Wetherby Road.
💡 The walk takes you across the beautiful Stray parkland — well worth it on a fine day.

🚌 Number 7 Bus – The Easy Option: From Harrogate Bus Station (turn right out of the railway station — it’s a very short walk), catch the Number 7 towards Wetherby/Leeds. It stops directly outside the EnviroVent Stadium. Journey time approximately 10 minutes. Show your match ticket to the driver for £2 return (adults) or £1 return (children) — a great deal. The bus runs every 30 minutes. harrogatebus.co.uk

🚕 Taxi: A taxi from Harrogate station to the stadium costs around £5-7 and takes approximately 5 minutes. A genuinely convenient option if time is short or the weather is poor.

🎫 Train Times & Tickets: nationalrail.co.uk | northernrailway.co.uk | thetrainline.com

🚗 BY CAR – Easy off the A1(M), but Parking is Limited Near the Ground

⚠️ KEY WARNING: There is no parking at EnviroVent Stadium. The residential streets immediately around the ground are subject to a disc zone parking restriction (maximum 2 hours) — not suitable for a full matchday. Use the options below and please respect local residents when parking on nearby streets.

Driving Directions:

From the A1(M) (main route from North, South and Midlands): Leave the A1(M) at Junction 47 and take the A59 towards Knaresborough. Then take the A658 towards Bradford/Harrogate. At the second roundabout, turn right onto the A661 towards Harrogate. Pass the Sainsbury’s superstore and continue straight on at the lights (the Woodlands pub is on one corner). The entrance to the ground is just a short distance further on the right. Be aware that traffic on the A661 can be congested on matchdays — allow extra time.

Sat Nav: HG2 7SA

Parking Options:

🅿️ Kingswood Surgery Car Park – Wetherby Road (HG2 7SA) – approx. £5

The most convenient paid parking option is near the ground, right on Wetherby Road. Check on arrival for current charges and availability. Very close to the South Turnstile (away entrance).

🅿️ Cedar Court Hotel Car Park – approx. £6 (15 min walk)

The club’s official recommended parking option. Pay on arrival at the Cedar Court Hotel reception. Approximately 15 minutes’ walk from the stadium. A reliable, organised matchday parking option that avoids the residential restrictions near the ground.

🅿️ Harrogate Town Centre Car Parks (20-25 min walk)

Multiple council car parks are available in Harrogate town centre. Approximately 1 mile from the stadium. A good option if you’re planning to spend time in the town centre before the match — park up, enjoy the pre-match pubs on Parliament Street or the Montpellier Quarter, then take the Number 7 bus or walk to the ground. The Sainsbury’s on Wetherby Road also has free parking (up to 3 hours) — check signage carefully.

🅿️ Street Parking Further from Ground (free)

Some street parking is available on roads further away from the stadium, outside the disc zone restrictions. Always check signage carefully and be respectful of local residents. Blue Badge holders: disabled bays are available on Lancaster Park Road (the road parallel to the hospital) on a first-come, first-served basis.

💡 Top Tip: Park in the town centre, enjoy the pubs and the gorgeous spa town surroundings, then take the Number 7 bus direct to the stadium. It’s the most relaxed and enjoyable approach to the EnviroVent Stadium on matchday.

🍺 PUBS & DRINKS NEAR ENVIROVENT STADIUM

ℹ️ AWAY FAN ADVICE: Harrogate is famously one of the most pleasant away day destinations in the Football League — it really is very posh. There’s no single designated away pub, but away fans are generally welcomed across the town centre. The Woodlands pub is the closest to the ground. The Nineteen Nineteen Bar inside the stadium is for home fans only when matches are segregated. A new away supporters’ bar is available inside the ground underneath the Kitching Plant Hire Stand — capacity around 100, accessible once through the turnstiles. The town centre (20 minutes’ walk or the No.7 bus) has the widest selection of pubs and restaurants.

🍺 Nearest to the Ground

🍺 The Woodlands – Wetherby Road, HG2 7AB (under 10 mins from stadium) ⭐ CLOSEST PUB ⭐

The Woodlands is the nearest pub to the EnviroVent Stadium — on the corner of the traffic lights on Wetherby Road as you approach the ground from the A658. A traditional pub that has been welcoming to away fans in the past. Good for a pre-match pint if you arrive by car or on foot from the town centre. Visible from the road and hard to miss on matchdays.

🍺 Away Supporters’ Bar – EnviroVent Stadium (inside ground)

A new away supporters’ bar is now available inside the ground, situated directly underneath the Kitching Plant Hire Stand behind the goal. Capacity is limited to around 100, so arrive early if you want a drink. Access once through the South Turnstile. A welcome addition for away fans at this ground.

🍺 Town Centre Pubs (20 mins walk / No.7 bus)

🍺 Winter Gardens – Royal Baths, Parliament Street HG1 2WH

Harrogate’s Wetherspoons, set inside the magnificent Royal Baths building on Parliament Street — a grand Grade II listed Victorian building with extraordinary architecture. An obvious choice for away fans wanting cheap, reliable drinks and food in a famous Harrogate landmark. Open from early morning. Parliament Street and the surrounding area have the highest concentration of pubs and bars in the town centre.

🍺 Harrogate Brewing Co. – approx. 20 mins walk from the ground

A local craft brewery and taproom that comes highly recommended by away fans who’ve made the trip. Harrogate Brewing Co. produces a range of quality ales with genuine North Yorkshire character. Well worth seeking out for real ale lovers, particularly if you’re making a day of it. One of the most authentic drinking experiences in the town.

🍺 Albert Street & Parliament Street – multiple options

Harrogate’s town centre has a strong range of bars and pubs around Parliament Street, Albert Street, James Street and the Montpellier Quarter. The Slug & Lettuce and various independent bars have welcomed away fans. The town’s posh reputation is well-earned — this is genuinely one of the most attractive town centres in League Two football. Come early, explore properly and enjoy it.

🍺 Pre-Match at Knaresborough – one stop on the train (10 mins)

One stop before Harrogate on the train, Knaresborough is a stunning market town with a castle, a dramatic gorge and excellent pubs. The Travellers Rest at Follifoot and various riverside pubs are popular with away fans, making a full day of the trip. Get to Knaresborough early, enjoy the views over the River Nidd and the castle, have lunch, then take the 10-minute train to Harrogate for the game.

🍔 FOOD NEAR ENVIROVENT STADIUM

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🍔 At the Ground – Mr D’s Pie Machine

Stadium Concourse – Mr D’s Pie Machine ⭐ TOP PICK ⭐

One of the genuine highlights of visiting EnviroVent Stadium is the catering, which is provided by Mr D’s Pie Machine. Away fans consistently rave about the pies — a proper range of fillings available, not just the standard football pie. It’s the kind of match food that makes you genuinely look forward to half-time. Alongside pies, the usual football fare of burgers, hot dogs and hot drinks is available. Highly recommended — don’t miss it.

🍔 Near the Ground

Sainsbury’s Superstore – Wetherby Road (en route from town)

A large Sainsbury’s superstore sits on the Wetherby Road between the town centre and the stadium. Perfect for picking up snacks, drinks and pre-match supplies before making the final walk to the ground. The café inside offers a warming sit-down option if you arrive early. Useful landmark on the route from the town centre.

Albert Street & Parliament Street – Town Centre Food

Harrogate’s town centre is excellent for food, with everything from independent restaurants and bakeries to chain options around Parliament Street, Oxford Street and the Montpellier Quarter. For a proper pre-match meal, the town centre is the standout option. Arrive early, eat well, then take the No.7 bus to the game.

Bettys Café Tea Rooms – Parliament Street HG1 2BB

An iconic Yorkshire institution and one of England’s most famous cafés. Founded in 1919 — the same year Harrogate Town was formed (their founding meeting was literally held here) — Bettys serves Yorkshire Fat Rascals, afternoon tea and exceptional pastries. A queue is normal but worth it. An indulgent pre-match treat that makes a Harrogate away day genuinely special. bettys.co.uk

🏨 WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE ENVIROVENT STADIUM

Harrogate is one of the best overnight away-day destinations in League Two. It’s a beautiful spa town with an excellent range of hotels, from budget chains to luxury retreats. A Saturday-to-Sunday stay here gives you time to explore Valley Gardens, the Turkish Baths, Knaresborough and the Yorkshire Dales on the doorstep. Highly recommended for a full football weekend away.

🏨 Budget

Travelodge / Premier Inn – Harrogate town centre

Both chains have properties in Harrogate town centre, well placed for the pubs, restaurants and attractions. Book well in advance for weekend fixtures as Harrogate is a popular visitor destination. travelodge.co.uk | premierinn.com

🏨 Mid-Range

Cedar Court Hotel – near the stadium (official club recommendation)

A comfortable hotel about 15 minutes’ walk from EnviroVent Stadium, and the club’s own recommended matchday parking venue. Good for those wanting to stay close to the ground. A solid mid-range option. booking.com

🏨 Upmarket

Rudding Park Hotel & Spa – HG3 1JH (just south of Harrogate)

One of Yorkshire’s finest hotels and spa resorts, just a few miles from the stadium. If you’re making a luxury weekend of the away day, this is a spectacular choice — beautiful grounds, outstanding spa, multiple dining options. Pre-book far in advance. ruddingpark.co.uk

The Old Swan Hotel – Swan Road HG1 2SR (Agatha Christie connection)

One of Harrogate’s most famous hotels and a genuine landmark. This is where Agatha Christie famously checked in during her mysterious 11-day disappearance in 1926. A characterful, historic hotel in the heart of town. Wonderful for a special away day weekend. classiclodges.co.uk

🏛️ THINGS TO DO IN HARROGATE & NORTH YORKSHIRE

Harrogate is quite simply one of the most appealing away-day destinations in the Football League. It’s Yorkshire’s most elegant spa town — properly posh, full of gorgeous Victorian architecture, beautiful parks, world-class gardens and a famous tea room scene. The Yorkshire Dales and Knaresborough are on the doorstep. Make a weekend of this one — you won’t regret it.

🛀 Turkish Baths & Health Spa – Parliament Street HG1 2WH

One of a tiny number of Victorian Turkish baths still in daily operation in England. The extraordinary Moorish interior — Islamic arches, vibrant glazed brickwork, arabesque-painted ceilings, and terrazzo floors — is a genuine spectacle. Harrogate’s spa heritage is central to its identity, and this is the flagship experience. Pre-book your session online. Perfect post-match relaxation. harrogateturkishbaths.co.uk

🌼 Valley Gardens – FREE (Cornwall Road/Valley Drive, HG1 2SZ)

A stunning 17-acre English Heritage Grade II listed park just minutes from the town centre. Colourful seasonal flower displays, elegant walkways, an Art Deco pavilion, a skate park, a children’s play area, tennis, mini-golf and a Japanese garden. Free to enter and one of Harrogate’s greatest treasures. A beautiful pre-match stroll. The Pinewoods trail connects Valley Gardens directly to RHS Harlow Carr.

🌿 RHS Garden Harlow Carr – Crag Lane HG3 1QB (from £16.80)

One of the Royal Horticultural Society’s five flagship gardens and a genuine world-class attraction. 58 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, wildflower meadows, woodland trails, a log maze, adventure playground and the wonderful streamside garden. The on-site Betty’s Tea Room is superb for lunch or afternoon tea. RHS members enter free. rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr

🏰 Knaresborough Castle & Courthouse Museum – one train stop (10 mins)

Knaresborough is one of North Yorkshire’s most spectacular market towns. The medieval castle towers above a dramatic gorge, with the River Nidd flowing below and the famous railway viaduct beyond. The Courthouse Museum, Mother Shipton’s Cave (England’s oldest visitor attraction, open since 1630) and a string of riverside pubs make Knaresborough the perfect pre-match stop. Truly unmissable.

🏛️ Royal Pump Room Museum – Crown Place HG1 2RY (small charge)

Tells the story of Harrogate’s remarkable rise as a Victorian spa destination, centred on Europe’s strongest sulphur well — right below your feet as you visit. Small and beautifully curated, it’s a 30-45-minute visit that explains why this town is as distinctive as it is. Appropriately includes ancient Egyptian artefacts from the spa era. harrogate.gov.uk

🚶 The Stray – 200 acres of FREE open parkland, central Harrogate

An extraordinary 200-acre ribbon of protected open grassland that runs around the edge of Harrogate’s town centre, dating back to 1778. The station-to-stadium walking route takes you across the Stray — a genuinely lovely walk on a matchday. Locals walk dogs, picnic, and play sports here year-round. One of the great pieces of urban green space in Yorkshire.

🎨 Montpellier Quarter & Cold Bath Road – shopping & café culture

Harrogate’s most characterful shopping and dining quarter, cobbled streets lined with independent boutiques, antique shops, art galleries, jewellers, cafés and bars. Cold Bath Road and Montpellier Parade are a world away from the high street. If you’re making a day of it, this is where to wander. Charming, distinctive and very Harrogate.

⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE AT THE ENVIROVENT STADIUM

⏰ Turnstiles Open: 1:30 pm for Saturday 3 pm kick-offs; 6:15 pm for midweek evening matches. Away fans enter via the South Turnstile on the A661 Wetherby Road. To access the away terrace (Barclays LED Solutions Terrace), come through the South Turnstile and turn left. Away seating (PIB Insurance Stand) is also accessed via the South Turnstile. Both sections are covered.

🍺 Away Bar Inside Ground: A dedicated away supporters’ bar operates underneath the stand behind the goal (Kitching Plant Hire Stand area). Access once through the South Turnstile. Limited to approximately 100 fans — arrive early to get a spot. A welcome new addition for visiting supporters.

🥧 Mr D’s Pie Machine: The away end concourse is served by Mr D’s Pie Machine — widely regarded as one of the best stadium pie offerings in League Two. A proper range of pie fillings, not just the standard variety. Alongside pies, the usual burgers, hot dogs and hot drinks are available. This is the genuine highlight of the matchday food scene here — don’t leave without trying a pie.

📰 Matchday Programme: A monthly programme is available for £5.00. Available from the away cabin directly next to the South Turnstile. Also available to read for free online at harrogatetownafc.com from 24 hours before kick-off.

🎟️ Tickets: Available online via the club website. No cash machine inside the stadium — the nearest cash machine is at the Co-op foodstore on St Winifred’s Avenue West (HG2 8LS). Always buy online in advance where possible. Away fans are advised to purchase tickets through their own club’s ticket office or directly from harrogatetownafc.com.

♿ Disabled Access: Blue Badge bays are available on Lancaster Park Road (the road parallel to the hospital), first-come, first-served. For ticketing enquiries, email tickets@harrogatetownafc.com. Assistance dog owners should contact the club in advance.

🚌 Bus Home: After the match, the Number 7 bus from outside the stadium back to Harrogate town centre and bus station runs regularly. Perfect for those heading back to the train station or into town for post-match food and drinks. Show your match ticket for the discounted fare.

💭 FINAL THOUGHTS

Harrogate is quite simply one of the finest away-day destinations in the Football League. Not because of the stadium — which is perfectly pleasant but unremarkable — but because of the town itself. A genuine Victorian spa town with world-class gardens, extraordinary architecture, proper tea rooms and a charm that belongs on no other League Two ground guide. This is one to make a weekend of without question.

Take the train — from Leeds or York, it’s a quick, easy journey on the Harrogate Line. Catch the Number 7 bus outside the station (show your match ticket for £2 return), and it drops you right at the South Turnstile. Arrive early, spend the morning in the town centre, have tea at Bettys (it was founded the same year as the club — 1919), and make sure you get one of Mr D’s pies inside the ground at half-time.

Harrogate Town’s story is remarkable — from non-league obscurity to the Football League in a century, reaching Wembley in 2020 and holding their own ever since. The Sulphurites play with genuine spirit in front of a compact, loud ground. The atmosphere in the EnviroVent Stand when the away end is full is better than you’d expect. It’s not the most famous away day, but it might just be the most enjoyable.

🟡⬛ Enjoy Your Away Day at EnviroVent Stadium – One of League Two’s Finest! ⬛🟡

📞 USEFUL CONTACTS & LINKS

🏟️ Harrogate Town AFC: 01423 210600 | harrogatetownafc.com

🎫 Ticket Office: 01423 210600 | harrogatetownafc.com/tickets | Email: tickets@harrogatetownafc.com

🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk

🚂 Northern Trains: northernrailway.co.uk

🚌 Number 7 Bus (Harrogate Bus Company): harrogatebus.co.uk – Show match ticket for £2 return

🛀 Harrogate Turkish Baths: harrogateturkishbaths.co.uk

🌿 RHS Garden Harlow Carr: rhs.org.uk/gardens/harlow-carr

🏰 Visit Harrogate: visitharrogate.co.uk

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⚽ Part of the Football Nonsense League Two Away Days Collection

For more away day guides across all four divisions, visit footballnonsense.co.uk

© 2026 Football Nonsense. All rights reserved. Information researched and verified for the 2025-26 season — always check harrogatetownafc.com for the latest matchday details before travelling.

 

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