Harrogate Theatre
WHERE
Harrogate
What it’s like
A proper old theatre in the town centre doing family shows, with doors opening an hour before curtain up.
This is a working theatre rather than a soft play with a stage bolted on, so what you get depends on what's booked in, but the site is clear on the practical bits that actually decide your evening. Doors open an hour before the show starts, which is worth using if you've got a fidgety five-year-old who needs time to settle before the lights go down.
The auditorium itself has a couple of rules that catch families out. No pushchairs or car seats fit in there, so you're leaving them somewhere else beforehand, and no hot food or drinks go in either, even ones bought from the theatre's own café. If you've booked a box seat, know that the view is restricted and babies in arms aren't allowed in them, so they're not the spot for a first trip with a little one.
Speaking of babies in arms, anyone under 18 months at showtime doesn't need their own ticket as long as they stay on you, though this can vary by event. Breastfeeding is welcomed anywhere in the building, which is a small thing that makes a difference on a long afternoon out. Disabled patrons get a free companion seat if you call the box office ahead, and they'll sort seating to suit.
Getting there is straightforward if you're on foot or public transport, with a level walk from both the railway station and the main bus terminal. Driving is trickier: there are only four free blue badge spaces right by the theatre, and the nearest car park doesn't open until 6pm on performance days, so an afternoon show means hunting for parking elsewhere.
Facilities
Need to know
- Parking
- 4 free blue badge spaces on Cheltenham Parade
- Wheelchairs
- Level access to Stalls, Stalls Bar and accessible toilet via Cheltenham Parade
- Getting there by bus or train
- 8-minute level access walk from Harrogate railway station
- Boxes have a restricted view and aren't suitable for babies in arms
- The Studio Theatre is 44 stairs up with no lift
- Breastfeeding is welcomed anywhere in the building
- Disabled patrons can get a free companion ticket by calling the box office directly
- The Jubilee Car Park doesn't open until 6pm on performance days, so it's no good for matinees
Plan your visit
What time should we arrive?
Doors open an hour before the show's listed start time. Turning up right on the dot means you're rushing to find seats.
Can we bring a pushchair or a car seat in with us?
No, there's no room for either in the auditorium. Worth sorting that out before you head in.
Are babies allowed in for free?
Under 18 months at the time of the show usually counts as a babe in arms and doesn't need a ticket, as long as they stay on you. This can vary by event, so it's not a blanket rule for everything on.
Can we bring drinks or snacks in with us?
Cold food and drink is fine, but no hot food or hot drinks are allowed into the auditorium, even ones bought on site.
Is there parking nearby?
There are only four free blue badge spaces right outside on Cheltenham Parade. The nearest proper car park is a ten-minute level walk away but doesn't open until 6pm on show days, so afternoon performances mean parking further out.
Is it accessible if someone's in a wheelchair?
There's level access into the Stalls and the Stalls Bar, plus four wheelchair spaces at the back of the Stalls and an accessible toilet. The Circle, Balcony and Studio Theatre are stairs only, so flag it with the box office when booking if that matters.
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