Royal Pump Room Museum

The Royal Pump Room Museum occupies the octagonal building constructed in 1842 over the town's strongest sulphur well — and the well is still there, under the floor.

The collection covers how Harrogate turned mineral water into an industry: the treatments, the visitors, the hotels built to house them, and the social world that grew around all of it. There is also Egyptology and local history material.

It is a small museum and an hour is usually enough, which makes it a good rainy-afternoon option alongside Valley Gardens next door. Opening days vary through the year, so check before you go.