The Harrogate Bus Company
Get your freedom. Get your free bus pass
11 months ago
The possibilities for days out by bus are endless, whether it's for shopping, sightseeing, visiting family, or just getting out and about. Passholders of the English National Concessionary Travel Scheme can travel for free on our buses.
Already have your pass? Great!
There are so many places to go and enjoy, and when you can get there for free, what's stopping you? Get your freedom and check out some of our favourite places to go with your free bus pass below.
Need to get your pass? No problem
It's easy to apply for your free bus pass online and even easier to use on our buses.
When you board the bus just hold your pass on the ticket machine card reader until it beeps, then take your seat.
The times you can use your pass, are set by your local authority. In North Yorkshire, you can use your concessionary pass after 9am on our buses, Monday to Friday, and at any time at weekends and bank holidays. In West Yorkshire, you can use your pass after 9.30am Monday to Friday, and all day at weekends and bank holidays.
Who can apply for a pass is also set by your local authority. Follow the link to see if you're eligible and to apply for your bus pass if you live in North Yorkshire or West Yorkshire.
Where will your freedom take you? Here's some of our suggestions.
Knaresborough
The picturesque town is a warren of medieval streets and stone staircases that weave their way up and down the hill. The town centre is perched on the cliffs above the River Nidd and the imposing railway viaduct across the Nidd Gorge making an amazing view from the castle. On a Wednesday stalls fill the market place offering tasty produce, wholefoods, plants and flowers, as well as pretty much anything else you can imagine.
While you're in Knaresborough, why not stop for a coffee and cake at Cafe di Lucca? Ask your driver on The1 for a bingo card and get it stamped every time you travel. Get 10 stamps and you can trade it in the cafe for a free drink. You'll have to buy the cake, though! If you fancy something a little stronger to quench your thirst, visit Blind Jack's for a unique and enjoyable pub experience. We're doing the driving after all.
You can reach Knaresborough on
Get off at the Knaresborough bus station to be in the centre of the town.
RHS Gardens Harlow Carr
As well as Bettys Cafe and an excellent shop, Harlow Carr offers a variety of growing landscapes, from running and still water, to woodland and wildflower meadows. Highlights include the lavish Main Borders, bursting with generous prairie-style planting, and the lush, moisture-loving plants around Streamside. There's even a car-free travel discount on your admission ticket when you arrive by bus.
You can reach RHS Gardens Harlow Carr on Harrogate Electrics 6, X6, get off at Plantation Road a short walk away from the front door.
Ripon
With a thriving market place and a magnificent cathedral, this busy little city will earn a place in any visitor’s heart. Reaching out from the market square are small streets and snickets that are home to the eclectic and specialist shops for which Ripon is so loved. Amongst them are cafes and pubs, offering refreshment and home cooked food throughout the day.
One of our favourite spots for lunch in Ripon is Claro Lounge, just next to the Town Hall. Or for a simpler cup of tea and something sweet, pop in to Coffee at Number 10 on queen street.
You can reach Ripon on The36 or York & Country 22, 23, get off at the Ripon bus station for easy access to the whole city centre.
Roundhay Park
As one of the biggest and most popular city parks in Europe Roundhay Park covers over 700 acres of rolling parkland with lakes and woodlands. The Park is also home to a number of beautifully kept gardens and has an abundance of wildlife to see as you explore. There are events throughout the year at the park, from concerts and farmers markets to races, festivals and more, it's always worth a visit!
The Roundhay Fox is a traditional rustic restaurant & pub on the edge of Roundhay Park, right opposite the Tropical World Greenhouses. We think it's an ideal stop for a meal and something to drink on your exploration round the park.
You can reach Roundhay Park on the X98 X99, get off at Roundhay Park Gates right outside the park entrance.
Been there, done that? We've got even more inspiration for places you can explore all over Yorkshire, and great discounts at plenty of them when you go by bus, just ask your driver for a Transdev Treats voucher. Explore more here
Need any help? You can get in touch with us on Twitter @Harrogatebus and on our Facebook page.