Top Harrogate hotel praises rail service 'fantastic' boost on London services

A new rail service which will see a rise in the number of direct trains between Harrogate and London Kings Cross has been welcomed by a leading Harrogate hotelier.
Praising Harrogate railway's boost - DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa's general manager Matthew Hole.Praising Harrogate railway's boost - DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa's general manager Matthew Hole.
Praising Harrogate railway's boost - DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa's general manager Matthew Hole.

Matthew Hole, general manager of the DoubleTree by Hilton Harrogate Majestic Hotel & Spa, said increasing the service from one a day to six will provide a significant boost for the town’s conference and tourism trade.

Thanks to the introduction of a fleet of state-of-the-art Azuma electric engines, the extra weekday and Saturday departures from Harrogate will be at 09:36, 11.36, 13:36, 15:36 and 17:36, and from London King’s Cross at 07:33, 09:33, 11:33, 13:33 and 15:33. A different timetable will run on Sundays.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Hole, who has just overseen the completion of a major £15m upgrade of the 184-bedoom Victorian hotel - enabling it become the town’s first DoubleTree by Hilton - said: “Increasing the number of direct trains between Harrogate and Kings Cross is fantastic news for the town and will certainly be a positive factor when it comes to attracting conferences and tourists to Harrogate.

“One of the biggest gripes customers have had when arriving by train is the antiquated service that runs between York, Harrogate and Leeds. Having the new Azuma service will be a real selling point for us, and one we will certainly be taking advantage of.”

Mr Hole added: “Praise, and indeed the thanks of businesses and commuters alike, must go to those who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes for this moment to arrive. This is a major step forward for Harrogate’s transport links, and one that will be welcomed by all.”

Related topics: