In July, Harrogate will host one of the most prestigious events on the crime fiction calendar: the 2025 Theakston Old Peculier Crime Writing Festival.  Taking place between 17 and 20 July, the festival offers the opportunity for fans of crime fiction to engage with the authors they love, discover new authors and even try their hand at writing themselves.  

This year’s festival boasts an impressive lineup of guests.  Irvine Welsh will be making his festival debut, delving into Resolution, the final instalment of his 'Crime' trilogy, now adapted into a hit TV series starring Dougray Scott. 

Lee and Andrew Child, authors of the acclaimed Jack Reacher series will discuss their latest thriller, In Too Deep, and provide an exclusive preview of Exit Strategy, the 30th Reacher novel set for publication in November. 

Attica Locke will showcase her hard-hitting novel, Guide Me Home, offering a nuanced exploration of contemporary societal themes.  And Festival regular Val McDermid will be teaming up with TV presenter Steph McGovern, who will launch her debut novel, Deadline, at the event. 

Kate Atkinson fans will be thrilled to learn that she will be discussing her latest Jackson Brodie novel, At the Sign of the Rook, with Lee Child.  

Mark Billingham, Kate Mosse, and Paula Hawkins will also return to the festival, showcasing their latest bestsellers.   

In addition to talks, the festival also offers a wide range of other literary events, including Creative Thursday, during which aspiring writers can participate in a full day of creative writing workshops led by industry professionals, providing invaluable insights into the craft of crime writing. 

There will also be Panel Discussions in which contemporary issues in crime fiction are discussed. For those who love both reading and fine dining, the festival includes a number of Author Dinners, where your favourite authors discuss their work over dinner.  

Tickets for the various events do tend to sell out very quickly, so it is well worth booking early to avoid disappointment.  You can check out all the events, and book your tickets, here.

The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages are often busy during the Crime Writing Festival, which always attracts a lot of visitors to the town, so it’s definitely worthwhile booking your room with us as soon as you have purchased your tickets for the Festival events.   Booking direct with us will allow you to choose the room you prefer.  Whether you prefer the convenience of Bed and Breakfast or the flexibility of self-catering, here at The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, we have something for everyone.  

Attending the festival also presents the perfect opportunity to explore Harrogate, a town renowned for its elegant architecture, lush gardens, and rich history.  The festival venue, The Old Swan Hotel, is famously associated with Agatha Christie's mysterious disappearance in 1926 and is just a short walk from The Camberley.  

Following your Festival visit, why not stretch your legs in the nearby Valley Gardens, relax and unwind in the renowned Turkish Baths, or book afternoon tea at the famous Bettys Café Tea Rooms, renowned for its delicious cakes and elegant setting?

Whatever you choose to do, The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages provide a comfortable base from which to explore.  Situated close to a range of restaurants and café-bars, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out, before returning to your comfortable room and a well-deserved rest after the excitement of the day.

Whether you're a devoted crime fiction aficionado or simply seeking a unique summer experience, staying at The Camberley,  The Lodge or Camberley Cottages in July offers the perfect setting for a relaxing break.  

The Latest edition in the Hunger Games Series follows the story of Haymitch and slots into the timeline between the story of Snow (The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes). It tells of the reaping where Haymitch is chosen for the Quarter Quell, his allies from District 12 and the love he leaves behind in the form of the Covey girl Lenore Dove. Not to give away the story but we also see how Haymitch links in with Katniss and her family from before she was born, his surving the games with all that entails but still loosing to Snow's vicious revenge.

We are happy to share with you a new an exciting food tour business (Indie Food Tours) who are bringing a fresh approach to food tours with a self guided app. This means you can find previously undiscovered foodie gems but at an economical price. This can be an excellent option for groups or couples who like to try something new though we would recommend for larger groups that you book well ahead to make sure the restaurants involved have space and can give you the best service. Indi food tours are the unique way to find those interesting off the beaten track eaterys only known to locals as well as pushing you out of the comfort zone to try something new.

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​Harrogate is not only a charming place to visit but also has a range of excellent golf courses, making it the perfect location for the discerning golfer.  Whether you're a seasoned pro or a casual player, Harrogate offers a perfect blend of challenging fairways and stunning scenery.  The central location of The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages makes them the ideal base for your golfing holiday.  Why not try out several of the courses whilst you are staying with us?
 
Harrogate Golf Club, Forest Lane, Harrogate
The Harrogate Golf Club is just a couple of miles from the town centre and has a rich history, dating back to 1892, making this course the oldest in Harrogate.  This parkland course offers an easy walking experience and technical challenges that will test golfers' abilities.  The course will be hosting the England Gold Senior Men’s County Finals from 6-9 October 2025 too. 

The course is 18 holes, Par 69 and includes five challenging Par 3’s and a demanding back nine which provide a genuine test of golfing prowess.  The club welcomes visitors.  Green fees are £40.00 and visitor Tee times are available from 10.30 am weekdays.  Weekends are subject to availability.  Even if you plan to tee off at 1030 am, you will still have plenty of time for a delicious and leisurely breakfast at The Lodge, The Camberley, or our self-catering Camberley Cottages before your game. 
Find out more about the course here:  https://www.harrogate-gc.co.uk/
 
Rudding Park Golf Club, Rudding Lane, Harrogate
Rudding Park offers two courses, making it an excellent option for golfers looking for variety.  The Hawtree Course consists of 88 holes and is a Par 72 course.  The Repton short course is six holes.  Green fees for Hawtree start from £25 whilst Repton costs start from £9. 

The courses are open year-round and are perfect for both serious golfers and those looking for a more relaxed experience. The facility also includes a driving range and putting green. After your round, you can enjoy superb bar and dining options on-site, or indulge yourself in the Rudding Park Spa for ultimate relaxation.  Rudding Park is the perfect destination for couples who don’t have an equal dedication to golf, providing fabulous facilities for the less golf-oriented half of the partnership. 
To find out more about Rudding Park and its golf facilities, click here.  https://www.ruddingpark.co.uk/golf/
 
Pannal Golf Club
Pannal Golf Club is a popular course among more competitive players.  Green fees vary according to both the day of the week and the time of year and you can find out the costs for the dates that you plan to visit us, here:  https://www.pannalgc.co.uk/green-fees 

This 18 hole course is located on Follifoot Road, Pannal, near Harrogate.  Set in beautiful surroundings, this is one of the most interesting courses in Harrogate with undulating greens, providing a good challenge for even the most experienced golfer. 
It is best to avoid Tuesdays and Saturdays since these are both competition days.  However, the remaining days are open to visitors.  Pannal also has a golf simulator which is available at a cost of £7 per half hour. 
 
Oakdale Golf Club, Oakdale, Harrogate
Oakdale Golf Club is one of Harrogate's premier golf courses, offering an 18-hole layout that provides challenge and variety for golfers of all skill levels.  Located on the outskirts of one of the more exclusive neighbourhoods in Harrogate, the Duchy estate, this course is very popular with local regulars and visitors alike and is widely regarded as one of Yorkshire’s best golf courses.  Its main feature is the local Oak Beck which meanders alongside the 10th fairway and in front of the 9th and 18th greens, requiring a high level of concentration when playing approaches and tee shots. It is also a very friendly club and both the  bar and  restaurant are highly regarded locally.  You can find out more here:  https://www.oakdalegolfclub.co.uk/

After a day on the course you can unwind in your comfortable room at The Camberley or The Lodge or, for those who prefer a self-catering experience, our delightful Camberley Cottages.  We are perfectly positioned to explore all of these golf courses as well as the many restaurants, pubs and bars, as well as a range of both indoor and outdoor activities ranging from walking in the Valley Gardens to art galleries, literary festivals, shows and events.  Why not check out what’s on at the Theatre, Royal Hall and Conference Centres during the time you plan to visit?  You can check them all out on one website, here:   https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/

With such a wide choice of courses within a short drive, why not make a week of it, and fit in multiple rounds during your stay with us?   There are so many options for activities and entertainment within Harrogate and the surrounding district that you will be spoiled for choice and wonder why you didn’t book a longer break with us. Don't forget, if you book direct you can choose your perfect room.  Each is decorated differently and we have one room with a luxurious copper bath.  Click here to find your perfect room.  You can book direct here.  

Staying with us, you will be perfectly positioned to explore these fantastic golf courses while enjoying all the comforts and amenities Harrogate has to offer. So pack your clubs and get ready for an unforgettable golfing getaway in one of England's most beautiful towns!

https://www.nidderdalewalk.com/ - this annual event covers 3 different walks with differing lengths and difficulty levels. This year will see the 31st year of this event and it has raised over 1 million pounds for local charities. Please see the rotary club website if you wish to be involved as interest must be registered in advance due to demand.

We return to our cast of familiar characters with Daisy our fearless heroine attending the opera with her Beau Alex when the star of the show takes a sip of her drink and drops dead on the stage! Alex in his role of long suffering police detective takes charge balancing the various artistic personalities and nationalities involved. Daisy is further pulled into things as she is friends and neighbours with the deceased's sister. I have this on both Audio and Hard copy and have enjoyed both being a cosy crime thriller in the Agatha Christie Style.

For 30 Yeo Valley tokens you get these discounts on all these venues for the Summer
Action & Adventure Offer
Go Ape 10% off
Adventure Now 30% off
Bedlam Paintball 20% off
Black Hawk Laser 15% off
Boing Zone Discounted 1 hour session
Countrywide Paintball Up to 45% off
Dino Falls Adventure Golf Free drink
Hamburger Hill Laser Tag Free paintball day at Hamburger Laser Tag
Lakeside Karting 2 for 1
Zip World Treehoppers 10% off
Little Explorers Offer
LEGOLAND Discover Centre15% off web price!
Velocity 20% off jump sessions
Zip World Attractions 10% off
Adrenaline Trampoline Park 20% off adrenaline jump sessions
Dig York 20% off admission
Flip Out Eastleigh 20% off
Funky Warehouse 15% off
Geronimos 2 for 1
Hunt Fun 2 for 1
iBounce Trampoline Park 10% off
ijump 20% off
Orbital Jump & Soft Play 15% off
Stonerig Raceway 10% off 1 hour scalextric racing
Water World & Adventure M£25.99!
Flip Out Doncaster 10% off
Flip Out Portsmouth 10% off
PGL Kids Adventure Camps 15% off
Waterworld £19.99!
History & Heritage Offer
The London Dungeons 15% off web price!
Warwick Castle 15% off web price!
The Edinburgh Dungeon 15% off web price!
The Blackpool Tower Dunge 15% off web price!
Changing the Guard Tour 25% off
The York Dungeon 15% off web price!
Sightseeing, Cities & Tours Offer
Lastminute.com London Eye15% off web price!
Madame Tussauds London 15% off web price!
Blackpool Tower Circus 15% off web price!
Madame Tussauds Blackpoo15% off web price!
Harry Potter Group Tour (Pla 25% off group tour
Blackpool Pass 15% off web price!
Shrek Adventures 15% off web price!
Theme Parks Offer
Alton Towers Resort 15% off web price!
LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 15% off web price!
Gullivers World Discounted tickets
FlamingoLand Up to 30% off Tickets
Gullivers Kingdom Discounted tickets
Camel Creek Up to 38% off
THORPE Park Resort 15% off web price!
The Big Sheep £1 off each Ticket
Chessington World of Adven15% off web price!
Gullivers Land Up to 23% off
Crealy Up to 20% off
Gulivers Valley Discounted tickets
Zoos & Animals Offer
SEALIFE 15% off web price!
Highland Wildlife Park Up to 21% off
Chester Zoo Up to 27% off tickets
Wingham Wildlife Park Up to 20% off
Africa Alive Up to 27% off
Ark Wildlife Park Free child entry per full paying adult
Drusillas Park Up to 25% off
Dudley Zoo Up to 33% off
Edinburgh Zoo Up to 32% off
Exmoor Zoo Save up to 22%
Lakeland Wildlife Oasis Free child place per full paying adult
Liberty's Owl & Raptor CentrKids go free
Lincolnshire Wildlife Park Discounted tickets
Lucky Tails Alpaca Farm 50% off children's tickets
Marwell Zoo Up to 17% off
New Forest Wildlife Park 1 free child with a full paying adult
Thornton Hall Farm Country 1 Free Child Admission for Farm and Soft Play
Trentham Monkey Forest Extra 25% off online prices
Twycross Zoo Up to 25% off
Woburn Safari Park Up to 30% off
Yorkshire Wildlife Park Up to 36% off
Blackpool Zoo Up to 20% off
Whipsnade Zoo 10% off
Clyde Valley Family Park Discounted tickets
Plantasia Tropical Zoo 20% off
Pennywell Farm Up to 30% off gate prices
Howletts & Port Lympne 20% off annual passes
Stanhill Farm Maze Kids go free
Banham Zoological GardenUp to 22% off
Battersea Park Zoo Free Child Admission
Blue Reef Aquarium Kids Go Free
Colchester Zoo Up to 15% off
Dartmoor Zoo Up to 21% off
East Links Family Park Up to 27% off
Hobbledown Epsom Up to 20% off

Just collect the tokens and claim - https://www.yeovalley.co.uk/yeokens/spend/rewards/days-out

Harrogate is a haven for garden lovers, offering a spectacular array of flower shows and open garden events throughout the year. In addition, Harrogate is a floral town.  The town centre boasts the 200-acre green space that is The Stray.  Spring sees stunning drifts of crocus and daffodils on the edges of the Stray, as well as the delightful Cherry Tree Walk which attracts visitors from all over the country.  Other highlights in the town include the Valley Gardens and the RHS Harlow Carr Gardens.  All of these treats are within walking distance of The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, making us the ideal place to stay when visiting the floral delights of Harrogate. 

Check out some of the highlights of the 2025 season and plan your trip to Harrogate today.
 
Harrogate Spring Flower Show 2025
The gardening season kicks off with the prestigious Harrogate Spring Flower Show, taking place from 24-27 April 2025 at the Great Yorkshire Showground. This event is a must-visit for both novice and experienced gardeners, and features stunning show gardens, alongside live talks and demonstrations.  And, of course, a great range of shopping opportunities too.  The show also includes the country’s largest exhibition of florists and flower arrangers.

Early bird tickets are available until 8 April 2025 at £23 per adult. From 9 April, tickets will be £28 per adult. Children under 16 enter free with a paying adult.
For tickets and more information, visit www.flowershow.org.uk  or call 01423 648212.

Handy Tip:  Use the shuttle bus service from Harrogate town centre to the Spring Flower Show to enjoy scenic views of The Stray.
 
Harrogate Autumn Flower Show 2025
As summer fades, the horticultural calendar blooms again with the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show. Set in the picturesque grounds of Newby Hall near Ripon, just a short drive from Harrogate, this show runs from 19-21 September 2025, showcasing the very best of horticulture with some of the UK’s leading plant nurseries in attendance as well as impressive displays of fruit and vegetables.  Of course, plenty of advice will be available so whether you are a novice gardener or experienced, there will be something for everyone. 

Adult tickets are available at a £5 discount when purchased in advance. Newby Hall season ticket holders can enjoy special admission rates of £14 for adults, with children under 16 entering free with a paying adult.

For tickets and further details, visit the Harrogate Flower Show website.  www.flowershow.org.uk

And of course, Harrogate's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other Yorkshire gardens and attractions including the stunning Thorp Perrow Arboretum. 
 
Thorp Perrow Arboretum
Home of one of the UK’s finest collections of trees, including five National Plant Collections, and a leading centre for raptor conservation, Thorp Perrow is beautiful at any time of year but is particularly stunning in Autumn when the trees are changing colour. 

Also home to a Mammal Centre where you can hand feed the wallabies, and a Bird of Prey centre.  The tea rooms are lovely and for those of you who like to stay active, there is a Park Run at Thorp Perrow on Saturdays.  Although beautiful, this course is very muddy during the winter and you need to tie your running shoes very securely if you’d like to keep them on your feet.    It is a single loop run and although  it does not pass through the arboretum itself, it is an attractive run. The tea rooms open to allow runners to refuel after their exertions too.

Find out more about the Arboretum and the range of events and activities here:  https://www.thorpperrow.com/
 
After a day spent outdoors admiring nature, you can return to our comfortable rooms to relax before heading out to one of the many restaurants in Harrogate.  Most are within walking distance of The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages and offer the option of most types of cuisine.  To plan your dining experience, check out our blogs on the subject here and here, or ask us for a recommendation.  We are always happy to advise you, whether you are looking for a small and intimate establishment for a romantic evening together, or a more lively environment for a relaxed meal with friends, Harrogate has it all. 

Plan your stay around these horticultural events and discover why Harrogate is a true paradise for garden lovers. With its rich gardening heritage, stunning landscapes, and warm Yorkshire hospitality, Harrogate is the perfect destination for your next blooming adventure and The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages are the perfect base from which to explore everything that Harrogate has to offer. 

Don’t forget, if you book direct, you can choose your room, subject to availability.  With all the rooms individually decorated, you are sure to find one you love.