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Royal Hall Open Day (12 October)
Royal Hall Open Day on Monday 12 October 2026 lets the public look around Harrogate's Grade II* listed Edwardian theatre from 10am to 4pm, with guided tours at 11am and 2pm.
What the Royal Hall Open Day is and who goes
The Royal Hall in Harrogate opened in 1903 as the Kursaal, designed by the theatre architect Frank Matcham with Robert Beale. It is a Grade II* listed building. On selected days outside the performance calendar, the doors are opened so that anyone can walk through the auditorium and see the Edwardian interior at close quarters. The open days are run with the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, whose stewards and volunteers look after visitors. The hall is owned by North Yorkshire Council and managed by Harrogate Convention Centre. This is a visitor event for the public, not a trade show.
Dates and opening times
The open day takes place on Monday 12 October 2026. The hall is open from 10:00 to 16:00. Guided tours run at 11:00 and 14:00. You can explore on your own at other times in the day. Harrogate Convention Centre lists entry on open days as free, and the Trust asks for donations towards its restoration work. Check the Trust's website for the latest details before you travel.
For visitors
Tours are the best way to hear how the building was used as a spa-town entertainment venue, why it closed in 2001, and how it was restored and reopened in 2008. Tours are booked in advance through the Visit Us page of the Royal Hall Restoration Trust website. To change or cancel a booking, the Trust has previously given enquiries@rhrt.org.uk as its contact. Because this is a single-day event, there are no exhibitors to plan around.
Getting there
Harrogate station is about a 10-minute walk from the Convention Centre. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly, and Leeds is about 35 minutes away by rail. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes by taxi. Most of our apartments and townhouses are a short walk from the Convention Centre and the Royal Hall, so you can leave the car or luggage behind.
Booking early
Tour places are booked ahead, and Harrogate can be busy when other events are on at the Convention Centre. If you are travelling from further afield and want to make a short break of it, it is sensible to reserve your accommodation soon. A self-catering apartment suits a Monday visit well, as you can arrive on Sunday evening and take your time over breakfast before the 10:00 opening. Families and small groups often find a townhouse gives them more room than a hotel.
After the open day
Once you have finished at the Royal Hall, central Harrogate has plenty to fill the afternoon and evening. There are restaurants for dinner, bars and cafes in the town centre, and the Turkish Baths, which sit in the same spa-town tradition as the Royal Hall and make a relaxed way to end the day. If you are staying with us, you will usually be able to walk to all of these.
Staying for this event?
Your base in Harrogate, a short walk from the venue
Visiting for the open day? Stay central and explore the Pump Room and Valley Gardens next door.
See available homesCentral and walkable
Our homes are spread across central Harrogate, many within a short walk of the Convention Centre, the Royal Hall and the station.
Room for the whole team
Apartments and townhouses that sleep groups, often better value than booking several hotel rooms for exhibitors or delegates.
Book direct, best rate
Self check-in for late arrivals, fast Wi-Fi and a local team on hand. Rated 4.9 from 1,500+ five-star reviews.
Getting there
Harrogate station is in the town centre, with direct trains to London King's Cross roughly every hour and to Leeds in about 35 minutes. The Convention Centre is around a ten-minute walk from the station.
Book early
Big shows and conferences fill the town quickly, especially multi-day trade fairs. Book your stay as soon as your dates are confirmed.
Make a night of it
After the event, Harrogate's restaurants, bars and Turkish Baths are on the doorstep. See our local guide for where we eat and drink.
More events in Harrogate
See what's onQuestions people ask
Where should I stay for Royal Hall Open Day (12 October)?
Somewhere central makes the day easier. Short Stay Harrogate has serviced apartments and townhouses across the town centre, many a short walk from the Royal Hall and the Convention Centre, with shops, restaurants and the station nearby.
Is Royal Hall Open Day (12 October) open to the public?
Yes. It is a public event. Harrogate Convention Centre describes the open days as free to enter, and the Royal Hall Restoration Trust welcomes donations.
What time is the open day?
The hall is open from 10:00 to 16:00 on Monday 12 October 2026. Guided tours start at 11:00 and 14:00.
Do I need to book a guided tour?
Tours are booked in advance through the Visit Us page on the Royal Hall Restoration Trust website. Check there for current availability and any change to the arrangements.
How do I get to the Royal Hall from the station?
The station is about a 10-minute walk from the Convention Centre. Direct LNER trains run to London King's Cross roughly hourly, and Leeds takes about 35 minutes.
