Great Yorkshire Show: A guide to travelling around Harrogate

Arguably the biggest event in Harrogate’s calendar, the Great Yorkshire Show, begins tomorrow.

The agricultural show, which is held at the Great Yorkshire Showground off Wetherby Road, attracts 140,000 visitors from near and far.

People can enjoy animals on display, sheep shearing competitions, cooking demonstrations, equine events, beer tents and more.

But one thing local people don’t necessarily enjoy is the congestion.

Here is information on how to get around Harrogate, and to the event, during show week (Tuesday, July 9 to Friday, July 12). 

Roads

Wetherby Road (A661): There will be a one-way system in place from the Kestrel roundabout to the junction with Rudding Lane, towards the showground. It will operate from 6.30am on show days.

This will be reversed on Wetherby Road at 2pm (between Rudding Lane and the Kestrel roundabout) to accommodate traffic leaving Harrogate. It will remain in force until 9pm.

A658: The one-way system has been extended on the A658 from Thistle Hill, near Knaresborough, to the Kestrel roundabout. This will only be in place in the morning, from 6.30am.

A61: People travelling from the west are advised to follow the A61 or A658 towards Harrogate. At the junction of the A61 and A658, following the A61 into Harrogate and turn right onto Hookstone Drive, towards the blue zone.

A59: Those using the A59 to travel to the show are advised to turn right at the junction with the B6161. Visitors should follow the show signage on the B6161, before turning left towards Harrogate on the B6162 at Beckwithshaw.

People are advised to avoid the A59 from York to Harrogate. Delays are expected at Junction 47 on the A1(M), at Allerton Park, between 7am and 11am. 

Buses

Harrogate Bus Company, owned by Transdev, will operate a free, daily shuttle bus service between the showground and Harrogate Bus Station.

It will run between 7.20am and 7pm, when the last bus will depart the showground.

Buses will depart every ten minutes and riders will be dropped off at the white gate.

The number seven bus service between Leeds and Wetherby will also stop outside the showground entrance. It runs every hour. 

Walking and cycling

There is a signposted greenway from Hornbeam Park railway station, which walkers can use to enter the showground.

Bike parking is available at blue and white gates. 

Parking

Those travelling from the north and west will follow the ‘blue zone’ directions, which will pass through Harrogate.

Sainsbury’s car park, on Wetherby Road, will be used as the designated disabled car park, with access to both the yellow and green entrances.

Parking is free and opens at 6am. 

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