Southlands Care Home

9 Ripon Road, Harrogate HG1 2JA
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9.7 95 Reviews
  • Southlands Care Home, Harrogate
Southlands offers both residential and nursing care including support for those living with Parkinson’s. The home also offers short stays for recovery and respite, tailored to suit the individual, as well as a day care service available to the local community which includes meals and activities for the day.

Southlands dates from 1870 and was formally one of Harrogate’s premier hotels. It still has much of its charm and combines homely qualities with modern care technology. Occupants enjoy having their own ballroom and traditional bar, as well as ensuite rooms.

You’ll find Southlands in the popular spa town of Harrogate, surrounded by winning landscaped gardens and close to the local shops, with the train station only a short 10-minute walk away.

Yorkshire traditions are embraced in the food menu, which includes homemade cakes and speciality teas and coffees. The chef takes a personal approach to diet, and meals are catered to individual tastes. There are always cold snacks and alternatives available throughout the day.

There’s a real sense of community at the home. The staff work to discover what residents enjoy doing and the home's social calendar is organised around those interests. Visiting musicians and choirs are examples of some of the activities residents can experience, alongside arts and crafts, sherry mornings, croquet and themed events such as ‘messy play’ with the local nursery, coffee morning or lunch clubs.
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Care Provided

Primary Care Categories

  • Older Person Care

Length of Stay

  • Permanent Care
  • Respite Care

Care Types Provided

  • Residential Care
  • Nursing Care
  • For a maximum of 70 Service Users

Other Care Provided

  • Parkinson's Disease
  • Palliative / End of Life Care
  • Convalescent Care

Facilities

  • Own Furniture if required
  • Smoking not permitted
  • Close to Local shops
  • Near Public Transport
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair Access
  • Gardens
  • Bar/Café
  • Phone Point in own room
  • Television point in own room

Funding & Fees

Pricing is subject to an assessment of care needs and the room chosen. There’s no need for your loved one to have Bupa health insurance, our Care Home is open to everyone. Please contact us for more information.

Funding Types Accepted

  • Self Funding (Private)
  • Local Authority with Top Up
  • Local Authority
  • NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC)

Good to Know

Group/Owner

Person in charge

  • Susan Sowden (General Manager)

Local Authority / Social Services

Admission Criteria

  • Ages 65+

Care Home Design/Build

  • Purpose Built: No

Room Information

  • Single Rooms (70)

Southlands Care Home Reviews (95)

9.7

Southlands Care Home has a Review Score of 9.7 (9.709) out of 10, based on 23 reviews in the last 2 years.
Over all time Southlands Care Home has 95 reviews.

Overall Experience
  • 80
  • 14
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Date Published
  • 95
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Reviewer Connection to Southlands Care Home
  • 38
  • 23
  • 6
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Total of 95, showing 81-95
Review from Sieglinde M (Wife of Resident) published on 13 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
Carers are lovely. Nurses efficient.
Food could be improved upon. A bigger variety.
Reply from Gabriella Mills, Customer Adviser at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your review of Southlands Care Home, we are pleased to hear that you have had a positive experience of our care home. We appreciate your comments on the staff working here and will pass on your feedback to the care homes manager. The Bupa Customer Care Team.

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Review from Linda G (Daughter of Resident) published on 5 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Walking through the door of Southlands was like a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. The staff are wonderful, happy, helpful people. So clean, so spacious, the atmosphere amazing.
You all shine like angels.
I thank you for all the kindness you have shown us and the incredible welcome Mum received.
Bless you all.
Reply from Gabriella Mills, Customer Adviser at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your review of Southlands Care Home, we are pleased to hear that you had a warm welcome and your Mum is being well cared for. We appreciate your comments on the staff and are glad that they have helped put you at ease. We will share your comments with the care home's manager. The Bupa Customer Care Team.

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Review from Diane L (Resident) assisted by family/friend published on 5 July 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
I have resided at Southlands for three years. This is my home, I love being here and do not want to move.


I can talk to staff if I have any worries. I can honestly say they are very caring, I cannot praise them enough.

Reply from Gabriella Mills, Customer Adviser at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your review of Southlands Care Home. We are pleased to hear that you are enjoying your home and that you are being well cared for by the staff. We appreciate your comments on the staff and will share your feedback with the care homes manager. The Bupa Customer Care Team.

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Review from Gerald A (Son of Resident) published on 17 May 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My mother has been resident of Southlands for the past three years. We are very happy with her general care and particularly the medical support she received. The only reservation we have is the poor repetitious food range offered and admittedly she is on a soft food diet which limits the choice but
also the presentation and quality is not always up to a required standard i.e Mashed potato with cold corned beef.
Reply from Holly McGough, Customer Adviser at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your review. Your comments are extremely important to us and our residents' health and wellbeing is our absolute priority. We will discuss your feedback with the home's manager to help them continually improve their service. The Bupa Customer Care Team.

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Review from Nig T (Son-in-law of Resident) published on 30 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
All I can say is I find this home extremely comfortable, staff friendly, residents seem to be very well cared for.
Thank goodness my mother in law is in such a nice place.
Reply from Natalie Krisman, Customer Service Adviser at Southlands Care Home

I am so pleased to hear this. Thank you for your review.

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Review from Susan T (Daughter of Resident) published on 27 April 2018 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My mum has been in Southlands for 6 weeks now. We have found the staff very helpful and friendly and the quality of care is excellent.
The activities they do keeps the resident's minds active.
The food is very nice here.
The building and rooms are really clean.
I am so pleased my mum is in a
home where the staff care.
Reply from Jayne Duck, Customer Service Administrator at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your review and kind words. I'm so pleased to hear that your mum is enjoying the activities. It is the little things that make all the difference.

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Review from S R (Wife of Resident) published on 6 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My husband has a challenging illness and they are very patient with him.
Reply from Jayne Duck, Customer services administrator at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear about your positive experience and appreciate your comments about our home.

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Review from David S (Son of Resident) published on 5 March 2018 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
The care home is well maintained and attractive for the visitors and residents.
However, the most important element is the kind and patient staff who continually provide an excellent service. Many of the staff have been here a long time providing experience and continuity.
The food provided for dad's
special diet is of a high standard and the medical care is excellent.
Reply from Jayne Duck, Customer services administrator at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear about your positive experience and appreciate your comments about our home.

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Review from Charlotte R (Niece of Resident) published on 4 December 2017 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My 86 year old aunt was discharged from hospital to Southlands. This followed 3 months in hospital where the care was at best minimal. In spite of a "traumatic" journey from Leeds to Harrogate for a lady who was terminally ill, and arriving looking bewildered, from day 1 the staff at Southlands were
exemplary in their care and attention for a lady with complex needs. Although she died just short of a month from when she was admitted, I cannot fault the care she received from all the staff. Nothing was too much trouble, there was always a person who could provide up to date information about her health and well-being (sadly lacking in hospital), and visitors always got a cup of tea offered! In this day and age as more older people experience being admitted to care homes, my faith in care homes has been restored by Southlands. There ARE homes that "do the right thing" by our older relatives, who of course absolutely deserve a high quality of care at the end of their lives.
Reply from Jayne Duck, Customer services administrator at Southlands Care Home

So sorry to hear of your loss, please accept our condolences. Thank you for your review and lovely words about our staff. I hope that in time to come it gives you some comfort knowing that your aunt was well cared for in our care.

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Review from A D (Daughter of Resident) published on 30 November 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
We, as a family, have been very impressed by the standard of care. The staff are friendly, supportive and treat the residents with respect and interest whilst being thoroughly professional.
As nursing care has been required, we've been informed about the treatment and consulted as and when necessary.
The
food is delicious and always beautifully presented.
The home is clean and well maintained. There are plenty of activities. It is like staying in a five-star hotel with a staff who are like family.
I think I'll move in when my time comes.
Reply from Jayne Duck, Customer services administrator at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your review. I'm so pleased to hear your kind words about our staff. It is the little things like a smile or a little chat that makes all the difference and more like a family.

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Review from M S (Son of Resident) published on 5 April 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
Overall the home is of top quality from the point of view of residents, staff and guests. Staff are friendly and dedicated, always polite and always willing to offer a cup of tea. Residents are well cared for and the entertainment is first rate. The manager is very professional and cheerful. Guests
are always welcomed and the staff word hard to ensure that they are kept aware of issues. Residents appear to be happy, settled and safe.
Reply from Emily Wilson, Customer Service Administrator at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your lovely review, we really appreciate your feedback. I am so pleased that you are impressed with Southlands Care Home and their staff. The Bupa Customer Care Team.

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Review from Susan L (Daughter of Resident) published on 19 March 2017 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
It's very difficult making a decision regarding care but from the first time we went into Southlands, we knew it was the best place for mum to go. The atmosphere is wonderful, they create an environment which is inviting and caring. The rooms are large and welcoming. The staff are open, honest and care
deeply about what they are doing.
We would have not hesitation in recommending Southlands to anyone. We want to say a big thank you for helping us through this hard time, in particular, the home manager who went over and above to help us in any way she could.
Reply from Emily Wilson, Customer Service Administrator at Southlands Care Home

Thank you so much for your lovely, kind words. I am so pleased that you are happy with our Southlands Care Home. I will be sure to pass on your feedback to the home manager. The Bupa Customer Care Team.

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Review from H S (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 3 May 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 4.0 out of 5
My sister-in-law has settled well into this care home largely due to the friendly respectful caring attitude of the staff and management. they display a positive and intuitive caring towards their elderly residents which is greatly appreciated by me as I am a retired health practitioner. The future
looks rosy.
Reply from Lydia Waller, Customer Service Administrator at Southlands Care Home

Thank you for your review. We are pleased to hear about your positive experience and appreciate your comments of our home and will share your comments with the home’s manager. The Bupa Customer Care Team

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Review from Alison D (Daughter-in-law of Resident) published on 9 March 2016 Submitted via Postal Card • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
As soon as I entered Southlands to view as a possible care home. I had a good feeling all staff are very friendly, knowledgeable and always find time to answer any questions, however small. They have gone to great lengths to ensure my father-in-law has settled in. It's reassuring to know he's in good
hands and being well cared for.
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Review from Daughter (Daughter of Resident) published on 8 March 2016 Submitted via Website • Report
Overall Experience 5.0 out of 5
My father received, compassionate, caring attention during his short time at Southlands. The family were welcomed at all times of the day and night and we saw all the staff showing concern, friendliness and commitment to the care and well being of my father. Everyone at the home supported us through
a very difficult time. Qualified nurses and carers alike always made time for my father and us. This meant a great deal, comforting us knowing that at the times we weren't there with him he was in caring and competent hands.
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Current Review Score: 9.7 (9.709)

Overview of Review Score

The Review Score of 9.7 (9.709) out of 10 for Southlands Care Home is based on a) the Average Rating and b) the number of positive Reviews.

  1. The Average Rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 23 Reviews in the last 24 months.
  2. The score for the number of positive Reviews is 5.0 out of 5 from 23 positive Reviews in the last 24 months.

Detailed Breakdown of Review Score

The maximum Review Score for a Care Home is 10, which is made up from the Average Rating of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) and the Number of Reviews (maximum of 5 points) in the last 24 months:

  1. 5 Points are available for the Average Rating from all Reviews in the last 24 months. The Average Rating of 4.709 for Southlands Care Home is calculated as follows: ( (196 Excellents x 5) + (62 Goods x 4) + (6 Satisfactorys x 3) + (1 Poors x 2) ) ÷ 265 Ratings = 4.709
  2. 5 Points are available for the number of Positive Reviews in the last 24 months. A Positive Review is defined as any Review with an 'Overall Experience' of '4' or '5' (out of a max rating '5'). The 5 Points relating to the number of positive Reviews for Southlands Care Home is based on 23 positive Reviews in the last 24 months and is calculated as per below:

    The 5 points available are broken down as follows:

    1. 4 points are available for the first 10 Positive Reviews in the last 24 months; 3 points for the first Positive Review, and then 0.125 Points for each of the next four Positive Reviews and then 0.1 Points for the next five Positive Reviews. (1st = 3.000, 2nd = 0.125, 3rd = 0.125, 4th = 0.125, 5th = 0.125, 6th = 0.100, 7th = 0.100, 8th = 0.100, 9th = 0.100, 10th = 0.100) 3 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.125 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 + 0.1 = 4
    2. 1 point is available for the number of Positive Reviews reaching 20% of the registered maximum number of service users in the last 24 months. If this number is partially reached, then that proportion of 1 point is given. eg a Care Home registered for a maximum of 50 service users has to reach 10 Positive Reviews to receive 1 point, if it has 7 reviews it will receive 0.7 points. 20% of the 70 registered maximum number of service users is 14, which has been reached with 23 Positive reviews. Points = 1
  3. When a Review is submitted by someone who has previously submitted a Review, only the latest Review will count towards the Review Score.
  4. If a Care Home does not have a review in the last 24 months, then it will not have a Review Score.

Regulatory Rating

Care Quality Commission (CQC) Rating

Date: 30 Sep 2017

Overall Good

  • Caring Good
  • Effective Good
  • Responsive Good
  • Safe Good
  • Well-led Good
Care Quality Commission is responsible for the registration and inspection of social care services in England. View Latest Report

Bed Vacancies

1 Bed Vacancy

Posted: 08 Sep 2025

Spacious rooms available for nursing and residential care both short and long term stays. Our elegant home has large spacious rooms, high ceilings and original features, all set in beautiful surroundings.

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Awards / Recognitions (7)

Meet the Team (7)

Susan

Susan Sowden

Job Title: Home Manager Joined: 2003

I have been the home manager at Southlands for 22 years and have worked in the care sector for approximately 40 years. I started my journey as a care assistant in a private care home whilst having a young family and I fell in love with all aspects of care and making a difference to so many lives.


I enjoy working in care services as I am very much a people person and enjoy engaging with staff, residents and families.


I am a Mother of 3 boys and have 8 grandchildren - family life is very important to me. In my spare time I love to go on holiday, especially Lanzarote, but I also really enjoy spending the weekend with family at my caravan in the dales.

Jane

Jane Recto

Job Title: Clinical Deputy Manager Joined: 2010

I started working at Bupa as a care assistant in 2010 whilst I was doing my nursing qualification in the University of Northampton. When I qualified as a Nurse in 2013, I became staff nurse and then progressed to Unit Manager, and now I'm Clinical Deputy Manager.


I first acquired my qualification as a nurse in 2007 after finishing my Bachelor’s Degree in one of the Universities in the Philippines. I eventually worked in hospitals, then decided to come to the UK to explore other options - I've always had an interest in Geriatric Nursing, hence why I chose to work and progress in the care home sector. I enjoy working here as I like working within the Southlands team. Making a difference in someone else’s life is the most fulfilling feeling as a nurse.


I live local to the home, in Harrogate with my 7 year old daughter. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter doing gardening, crafts and watching movies. My family and I like to travel and explore different cultures and foods.

Helene

Helene Ballinger

Job Title: Resident Experience Manager Joined: 2019

I have worked here for 5 and a half years. I come from a hotel background which links in very well with my role here at Southlands. I love working in care services as every day is different!


I live 5 minutes away from the home with my husband and our two boys. I am a keen gym goer and jogger, and enjoy walking my new puppy, Lily in my spare time.

Savina

Savina Malousi

Job Title: Head Nurse Joined: 2019

I have been a Registered Nurse for 13 years, working mostly in hospitals. I moved to the UK 5 years ago and since then have worked here at Southlands care home.


I like working in care services as it makes me feel happy knowing I have assisted in helping people to improve their health and wellbeing.


I live locally, in Harrogate, and I'm married with one son who is 12 years old. In my spare time I enjoy long walks and days out with my family and friends.

Cristian

Cristian Simon

Job Title: Registered Nurse Joined: 2016

I started my career as a care assistant in 2016, progressing to become a Senior Carer. After completing all my training and exams, I was then promoted to Registered Nurse. I love working in care services as the residents make my day - the connection I have with them is wonderful.


I am from Romania, where my family still live. My friends live in Harrogate, which is what brought me here originally. I love any kind of sport and socialising, so in my spare time you'll find me training or spending time with my friends.

Sue

Sue Pickering

Job Title: Financial Administrator Joined: 2024

I have worked in the care home sector since 2015 as a Financial Administrator. I enjoy a fast-paced environment, that gives me the opportunity to work as an individual as well as part of a team. I have a passion for the care of the residents well being and cherish the opportunity to build strong relationships with them, their families and friends.


I have one daughter, Alice, who currently lives in Australia, I live in a small village between Thirsk and Northallerton. In my spare time my garden keeps me well occupied but I do enjoy nights out with good quality food and fine wine.

Neil

Neil Ballinger

Job Title: Chef Manager Joined: 2020

I have worked for Bupa for four and a half years. I come from a restaurant/hotel background and I used to own a restaurant in the centre of Harrogate.


I enjoy working in care services as I love chatting with the residents and making them food you know they'll enjoy. I always go the extra mile to ensure they have a balanced, healthy diet.


I live locally to Southlands, in the middle of Harrogate. I am married with 2 boys. In my spare time I enjoy spending with with family, watching football & cricket, and I enjoy my holidays!

Information on this page is displayed without responsibility for its accuracy on the part of carehome.co.uk. Please contact Southlands Care Home to verify any information. View our terms and conditions. Southlands Care Home has an Enhanced Service - more info.