A reasonable sized and generally wealthy town in North Yorkshire, Harrogate gained it's reputation as a spa town and was developed during the 17th century. It is still a popular tourist town today as people are drawn to the spa waters and the RHS Harlow Carr gardens. Harrogate is also home of the original Betty's tea rooms, which has now become a small chain in the north of England. The town is also known as a floral town with many outstanding parks and gardens and is a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales.