Harrogate rose to prominence as a spa town in Georgian and Victorian times, when visitors came to take the sulphurous waters now available at the beautifully restored Turkish Baths. The town retains an elegant, prosperous atmosphere with manicured gardens, the famous Betty's tea rooms, and exclusive shops along the Montpellier Quarter. The Valley Gardens and RHS Garden Harlow Carr provide colourful floral displays, while the Great Yorkshire Show brings agricultural tradition to the showground each July. Harrogate makes an excellent base for exploring the Yorkshire Dales.