Overview

Whenever I visit a new place, I like to bring back souvenirs, usually an enamel pin for my wife and a snowglobe for my daughter. That’s what led me to Artizan. While they didn’t have either, I discovered a unique store in the heart of Harrogate. Artizan is a social enterprise supporting disabled artisans in the UK and overseas by offering training, employment, and a platform to showcase their handmade products. They also run the nearby Artizan café, which I did not have time to visit, but which provides meaningful work for disabled people. The shop offers a variety of earrings, bracelets, hair accessories, and handcrafted bags and purses, along with homeware such as Ecuadorian fabric square cushions and handmade cards featuring distinctive fabric designs. There is also a selection of organic products, including natural candles, hand cream, lip balms, and soaps, all of which can be purchased through their website.

Transport & Parking

Harrogate Bus Station is 320 metres away from Artizan, and has accessible electric buses. Boarding and disembarking can be challenging, though, due to limited space on the platform when the ramp is set down. Harrogate Railway Station is slightly further up the street. On-street parking is available, though it is limited, and there are no marked accessible parking spaces. The Juliee Car park is 160 metres away, and has accessible parking spaces, though I can't confirm how many. The car park offers free parking to Blue Badge holders.

Access

I found Harrogate hit and miss for access to stores, bars and restaurants, but Artizan has a wide door and a ramp on a gentle slope. While there isn't much to say in terms of alternative formats, the space is easy to navigate, with great clearance on the shop floor and most items within easy reach. The checkout counter does not have a lowered section, but staff will come around to help with payment, answer any questions you have, or, in my case, have a good old chat. They also have an upper floor which has an events space, accessed via a lift that was in use during my visit, as some things were being moved around. The door was pinned open, making accessing the store easy.

Toilets

There were no public toilets on the ground floor.

Staff

If I could rate higher, I would. The staff were kind, lovely to speak to and happy to hear that I was reviewing the store.

Photos