Surge in medical conferences highlights Harrogate’s growing appeal as unique conference destination
Harrogate proves to be booming as a preferred destination for conferences, as the number of medical conferences held at Harrogate Convention Centre in 2024/25 topped the past decade and more than doubled that of the previous year.
These conferences cover a wide range of medical specialities such as the study of the liver, the hip, endocrinology, pharmacology and wound treatment, to name just a few.
Other sectors holding their conferences at our venue include national and international professional associations, the corporate sector, public sector including political parties and unions, as well as religious organisations.
With durations ranging from two to four days, these medical conferences attract a significant number of medical and healthcare professionals to Harrogate. Typically taking place on weekdays, these conferences generate important midweek business for local hotels, bars, restaurants and retail shops, bringing a significant economic impact to Harrogate and the wider region.
Harrogate: The Medical Legacy
In fact, Harrogate's relationship with health care and conferences go back centuries. Since spa waters were discovered in 1571, Harrogate has grown into the quintessential “English Spa”, as dubbed by Dr. Bright, personal physician to Queen Elizabeth I. Our Yorkshire town prospered in the following centuries with an influx of affluent visitors in search of the “water cure” at the recommendation of the medical profession.
The Royal Baths were officially opened in 1897 and were considered the most advanced centre for hydrotherapy in the world. Visitors included Charles Dickens, Oscar Wilde, Winston Churchill, and members of European royal families.
With a well-developed hospitality sector, the town started to attract large-scale events. The prestigious British Medical Association held its annual conference multiple times in Harrogate in 1889, 1949, 1970 and more recently in 2014. After the Second World war, the town repositioned itself as a conference destination, capitalising on the existing hospitality and entertainment infrastructure.
Situated at the centre of the UK, equidistant from London and Edinburgh and the east and west coasts, with convenient connections by train, road and air to all major cities in the UK and Europe, Harrogate is still recognised today as a destination of choice for delegates from around the UK to “meet in the middle”.
Paula Lorimer, Director, Harrogate Convention Centre: “After the pandemic, it is clear that people are eager to meet in person. Many medical associations we have long-term relationships with started booking again and Harrogate is a highly desirable destination for their conferences.”
“Our offer is unique—premier conference facilities including a 1,977-seat auditorium, flexible breakout rooms and exhibitions space all under one roof at the heart of a clean, green and safe Victorian spa town, with 2,000-plus hotel beds, a vibrant dining scene and myriad independent shops just a short walk away. It’s a relaxing change of scenery from the busy city, and greatly appreciated by wellness-conscious medical professionals.”