Overview

I arrived at Harrogate Station after seeing four different stations on my way down from Glasgow, and generally, I was impressed. The station is small, with only two platforms, but having gone through Glasgow Central and Waverley on my way here, it was more than welcome. I find that the smaller the station, the easier it is to navigate, and after five hours of travel, I was pleased that was the case here. In operation since the 1860s, it's an old station that's been upgraded over time with many of the features you'd expect in a modern station

Transport & Parking

There's a small short-stay car park at the main entrance leading to platform one, which has three accessible parking spaces and a drop-off point. Taxis line up near the entrance. Pay and Display parking can be found next door at the Station Parade car park, which does not have any accessible parking spaces. At the entrance leading to platform 3, you'll find the Victoria Car Park, a multi-storey with 27 accessible parking spaces, which are free for use by Blue Badge holders. Just over 100 metres away, you'll find Harrogate Bus Station. The buses here are accessible, but when the ramps are set down it's difficult to board as there's little space. If possible, I'd suggest finding another local stop to board or get off the bus.

Access

All platforms have tactile paving at the edge as well as a yellow line marking the edge. I arrived at Platform 3. From here, you can exit to the Victoria Car Park. There is a sheltered waiting area on this platform with plastic seats. There are metal seats with arm rests elsewhere on the platform. There is a coffee kiosk, but it's on an elevated platform, which makes it useless to wheelchair users who cannot stand. There is yellow paint to mark the step. To go to the main entrance, you'll need to take the lift up to the bridge, cross over and take the lift on the other side. There's a short ramp to the lift on Platform 3, which has rails on either side, and should be easy for most manual wheelchair users to ascend. The lift is fairly small but can fit a power chair user and one other person. The lift has large Braille buttons and a lower emergency button for use in the event of a fall. On the other side of the bridge, the lift is the same. On Platform 1, you'll find a small waiting area with a variety of seating and power sockets to charge devices. It was rather busy when I attended. The stairs up to the bridge have yellow markings at the top and bottom step of each level, tactile paving on each level, and grab rails on either side. To exit the station, you'll need to go through the ticket gates. There are accessible gates for wheelchair users and those with buggies or large cases. This area has a small shop and a ticket office. Of the four counters, one is lowered. Hearing loops operate here and on the platforms. The exit, or entrance depending on which way you're going, has automatic sliding doors. There is a second entrance, which has a few steps, which again are clearly marked. A hearing loop operates within the station, though I didn't see any clear signage to indicate in which areas. There's a bar attached to the station, The Harrogate Tap, but it's worth noting they don't sell food. Overall, Harrogate is a small station with two platforms. It’s straightforward to navigate, signage is generally clear, and while the toilet facilities aren’t large, they are thoughtfully provided.

Toilets

The accessible toilet is located on platform 1. There are two doors here, the first leading to the toilet corridor and the second leading to the toilet just ahead. There is Braille signage outside the door, which requires a RADAR key and opens inward. The door is secured by raising the large handle. The room has vinyl flooring. Blue grab rails are fitted around both the sink and toilet, and the toilet has a blue seat. The flush is on the left-hand side when seated, and the red emergency cord is on the right, although it is shorter than it should be. The sink is small and has a lever-style tap and a wall-mounted soap dispenser. The hand dryer is to the right of the door. A baby change table is provided, along with a dispenser stocked with nappies, Sudocrem, wipes and Calpol, something I haven’t seen before. The toilet is compact but does allow space for a power chair user and a second person. I've given a lower rating as the red cord is too short.

Staff

I interacted with the staff on my return journey. When they noticed my train had been delayed, they came to find me to notify me of this and offered assurance that I'd complete my journey.

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