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Royal Hall Open Day (23 October)
A public open day at Harrogate's Grade II* listed Royal Hall on Friday 23 October 2026, with volunteer-led guided tours at 11am and 2pm. Booking is recommended and a £3 donation is suggested.
What the open day is
The Royal Hall is Harrogate's Edwardian theatre, completed in 1903 as the Kursaal, or 'Cure Hall', and designed by Frank Matcham with the architect Robert Beale. The building closed in 2001 because of structural problems and reopened in April 2008 after a major restoration. On open days, volunteers from the Royal Hall Restoration Trust, the charity that raised money for the restoration, welcome members of the public inside. It suits anyone interested in theatre, architecture or the town's spa history, and you do not need any specialist knowledge.
Dates and opening times
The open day is on Friday 23 October 2026. The building is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Guided tours run at 11.00am and 2.00pm. The Trust's website lists this as the last open day of 2026.
For visitors
The tours are led by volunteer guides and cover the ambulatories, the rear terrace and the Grand Hall. The Trust asks for a minimum donation of £3 per head, which supports its work on the building. It also sells souvenirs and merchandise on open days. The Royal Hall is a working building, so the Trust warns that access at short notice is rarely possible. Booking a tour in advance is strongly recommended. To change or cancel a booking, email enquiries@rhrt.org.uk. The same address handles requests for private guided tours.
Getting there
The Royal Hall sits beside Harrogate Convention Centre in the centre of town. Harrogate station is about a 10-minute walk away. LNER runs direct trains to London King's Cross roughly hourly, and Leeds is about 35 minutes by train. Leeds Bradford Airport is about 30 minutes away by taxi. If you drive, the Convention Centre's parking page has the current options.
Booking early and where to stay
Tour places are limited, so book your slot before you plan the rest of the day. If you are coming from further afield, a Friday open day makes a good start to a weekend away. Short Stay Harrogate has serviced apartments and townhouses across central Harrogate, many a short walk from the Royal Hall. A flat with a kitchen is handy if you are travelling as a group or staying for a few nights. Do book early, because October weekends can be busy.
After the tour
The tours finish in the afternoon, which leaves time to explore. Harrogate has plenty of independent restaurants and cafés for an early dinner, and bars and pubs within walking distance of the Royal Hall. The town's Turkish Baths are also nearby if you would like to spend the evening relaxing.
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 (23 October)?
Anywhere in central Harrogate is convenient, as the Royal Hall is next to the Convention Centre. Short Stay Harrogate has serviced apartments and townhouses in the centre, many within a short walk of the Hall. They suit couples, friends and small groups who want a kitchen and some extra space.
Is Royal Hall Open Day (23 October) open to the public?
Yes. The Royal Hall Restoration Trust runs open days for the general public. It is not a trade event. Booking is highly recommended, particularly for the guided tours.
What time are the tours?
The building is open from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Guided tours start at 11.00am and 2.00pm.
How much does it cost?
Entry is not ticketed at a fixed price. The Trust asks for a minimum donation of £3 per head, to be paid on the day.
How do I book, change or cancel a tour?
Choose the date and time on the Royal Hall Restoration Trust's Visit Us page. To change or cancel a booking, email enquiries@rhrt.org.uk.
Can I arrange a private tour instead?
Yes, by emailing enquiries@rhrt.org.uk. The Trust says it needs at least 10 days' notice, because the Royal Hall is a working building.
