Harrogate the base for Craft Enthusiasts.

 
Harrogate is a haven for craft enthusiasts. The town and its surrounding area are home to several craft fairs throughout the year, offering a diverse range of handmade goods that appeal to collectors and hobbyists alike. These fairs present an excellent opportunity to shop small, support local artisans, and take home one-of-a-kind creations. Expect to find everything from hand-thrown pottery and delicate jewellery to textiles, woodwork, and original artwork on display, all demonstrating high-quality craftsmanship.   Each item has its own story, often with the opportunity to meet the maker and learn about their creative process. For those who appreciate the uniqueness and authenticity of handmade products, these fairs offer an unbeatable shopping experience.
Some of the most popular fairs in the region are listed below. 
 
For those of you who enjoy crafting, one of the highlights of the craft fair calendar in Harrogate is The Knitting and Stitching Show. Taking place at the Harrogate Convention Centre 21 – 24 November 2024.  This is a large show which offers a wide range of high-quality supplies. Vendors come from across the UK to exhibit, and you can expect to find everything from yarns and fabrics to specialised tools.  There are a number of workshops and demonstrations taking place across the four-day show, offering the opportunity to learn new skills or refine existing ones. 
Hugely popular with visitors from all over the UK, this is the highlight of the crafting calendar in the area, hosting a huge range of stands.  You will definitely need to set aside a whole day (or two) for this event, particularly if you are a quilter or fibre artist.  Whether you sew, spin, crochet or knit, this show is one you don’t want to miss. You can find out more, and book your tickets, here:  The Knitting & Stitching Show
The Convention Centre is right opposite The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, making us the ideal place to stay for this awesome show.  The entrance is just a five-minute walk from our door, and we know you won’t be disappointed.  
For those who prefer their crafts ready-made, there are a selection of great events taking place in the area.
Crafts in the Pen – 16 – 17 November 2024 – Skipton Auction Mart, Skipton
This highly popular event features over 230 stalls of handmade crafts, perfect for finding unique gifts.  If you enjoy shopping small and supporting local artisans, then this is the place to visit and you are sure to find the right thing for everyone on your Christmas list, plus a few things you just can’t leave behind. 
Skipton is around a 45-minute drive from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, and the drive is scenic.   Once you have looked around the crafts, you might wish to visit the nearby Farm Shop – you drive past it on the way into the Auction Mart.  Or perhaps you would prefer a visit to the beautiful Bolton Abbey Estate to stretch your legs and admire the stunning scenery, before returning to Harrogate for a meal and then a rest in your comfortable room at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages.   You can find out  more about Crafts in the Pen, and book your tickets, here:  TICKETS | Crafts in the Pen | Skipton
 
Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre Christmas Craft Fair – 30 November 2024 – 50 Bond End, Knaresborough
Henshaws is a local charity running an arts and crafts centre and college for young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities, including sight loss, supporting them to become the best they can possibly be. Services include a sight loss support service in the North West, a specialist college in Harrogate, and the Arts And Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. 
The craft fair will feature stalls with beautiful handmade gifts from the Artmakers.   Whether you’re after one-of-a-kind decorations or personal gifts, there’s something for everyone.  Festive food and drink will also be available and there are craft sessions for children and a wreath-making workshop for adults costing just £20.  These tend to be very popular though, so booking early is recommended for the workshops.
At The Camberley, The Lodge and The Camberley Cottages, we will happily store your finished wreath in a cool place until you are ready to take it home and hang it in pride of place on your front door. 
Knaresborough is a 20 minute drive from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.  Both trains and buses run regularly between Harrogate and Knaresborough so you can certainly leave your car with us whilst you explore on public transport if you prefer. 
Find out more about the fabulous Arts and Crafts centre here:  Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre
 
Artisan Market – Sun Colonnade, Harrogate – First three weekends in December.
An Artisan Market is held in the Sun Colonnade in the Valley Gardens during the first three weekends in December.  This is well worth a visit, particularly if you love homemade items crafted locally.  It always attracts a very wide range of artisans and is a very popular market with local people as well as visitors.  Perfect for picking up those stocking fillers for family and friends.  It’s also very conveniently situated, being only a few minutes walk from The Camberley, The Lodge and The Camberley Cottages.  The gardens themselves are beautiful, even in winter, and there is a café where you can get hot drinks and snacks too.  Find out more here:  https://visitharrogate.co.uk/events/little-bird-artisan-market
 
The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair – Yorkshire Event Centre – 30 November to 3 December 2024.
This fair features over 250 stalls including crafts, gifts and festive food.  There is live entertainment too which adds to the festive atmosphere.  There is usually ample parking at this venue, which is a little out of the town centre on the Wetherby Road.  However, there are buses which go in that direction if you prefer to leave the car in our car park.  Find out more here:  https://eventcentre.co.uk/yec-events/the-great-yorkshire-christmas-fair-2024-2/
Whichever event you choose, you will be supporting independent makers and small businesses,  and shopping sustainably by prioritising quality over mass production. The atmosphere of a craft fair is warm and engaging, making it the perfect relaxing outing where you can browse at leisure, and take home something truly special.  And don’t forget, if you book direct with us, you can choose your room.  We recommend you choose a large room …..  to accommodate all the craft items and gifts you will want to purchase.  Whether you are visiting or exhibiting at one of the events, we are sure you will enjoy your stay with us.