Few sports events match the fun, excitement, and spectacle of horse racing, and we are lucky to have not one, not two, but three fabulous racecourses virtually on our doorstep. This makes sense since Middleham in Bedale, only a short drive away, is home to several racing stables.

Whether you are looking for an elegant day out with an excuse to dress up and sip champagne, or seeking a more family-friendly outing, there is something for everyone at our local races.   The atmosphere is always vibrant and there is a sense of anticipation and camaraderie amongst racegoers, whilst the magnificent horses are a sight to behold, beautifully turned out with coats shining with health and vitality as they are led around the paddock by their owners, with gaily clad jockeys atop them, a riot of colour in their silks. 

Witnessing muscular thoroughbreds thundering down the course with the crowd yelling them on excitedly is an experience not to be missed.  Betting is not necessary, and even if you do choose to do so, it doesn’t need to be expensive.  A pound on the nose of a horse that looks good in the paddock always gives an extra thrill to the race.  Plus a day at the races provides ample opportunity for networking and socialising, making it an excellent option for organisations wishing to reward employees with a fun day out. 

Meetings are not solely reserved for seasoned race-goers.  All our local courses offer family days with activities for younger children, whilst for couples looking for an excuse to dress up and channel their inner Kardashian, Ladies' days are superb fun, allowing you to dress up, drink champagne, and soak up the atmosphere whilst wandering around the course.  Whether you take advantage of the onsite food or bring your own delicious picnic, you will surely have a wonderful time.  With courses at York, Wetherby and Ripon, you are sure to find a meeting that you will enjoy. 

Racing at Ripon
Ripon, known as the Garden Racecourse, is just twenty minutes drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages.  The season opens with two fixtures in April, on the 17th and 26th, the latter being an afternoon meet.

For those who prefer to attend the races in the evening, there are fixtures on 9th May, 4th and 18th June, plus 7th and 29th July.

Ladies Day takes place on 19 June as part of a two-day racing fixture, with the remaining fixtures being afternoon events.

Perhaps the largest meet of the year is the William Hill Great St Wilfred meet on 16 August.   This is a prestigious six furlong Handicap race which attracts some of the country’s top sprinters. 

On 27th September, the Racecourse will be supporting local charity Ripon Community House via a Harvest Festival Initiative – racegoers are encouraged to bring along a food donation and drop it in at one of the collection points to support the amazing work they do.

Click the link to view the entire 2025 fixture list for Ripon.  
 
Racing at Wetherby.
This course is such a fun one to attend and has both National Hunt and Flat Racing.  National Hunt is particularly exciting.  Standing alongside one of the fences as these majestic creatures thunder up to the fence and sail over with the jockeys encouraging them, is a sight to behold.  The course is a 30 minute drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages and hosts several meetings which support charitable causes.   Friday, 28 March, is “Wear a Hat” day, raising funds for Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity, whilst the opening meeting on 15 October supports Spinal Research.  The meeting on 15 November is the “Peak Cap and Pearls Raceday”, which supports the CIU National Charity. 

This course has a pre-Christmas meet on 6 December where Christmas Jumpers are encouraged plus a Christmas meet with a two-day event running on 26 and 27 December.  Although you need to wrap up warmly, the atmosphere at this post-Christmas race meeting is electric, and it is, for many local people, a Christmas tradition.  The pie and peas are rather good too. 

For the perfect flat race experience, there is evening racing on 2 June and 19 June, the former being a ladies meeting and, therefore, perfect for dressing up in your finest frock. 

To check out the whole fixture list –  this racecourse does have fixtures all year round – just click here.
 
York Races
York is perhaps the most prestigious course in the group. It is around a 45-minute drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages, and is most frequently visited by Royalty. It also hosts concerts during the summer. This course is flat racing only, and the facilities are absolutely beautiful. If you are looking for a meeting that will allow you to dress up and swan around with champagne in hand, this is the one to choose.   Keep an eye out for members of the royal family as well as famous faces from stage and screen. 

Fixtures run from May to October, with the Dante Festival kicking off the season.  This fixture runs over three days from 14 – 16 May inclusive.

The  June meeting takes place on 13 and 14 June and includes the 54th Macmillan Charity Raceday on the second day. 

The John Smiths Cup Meet takes place on 11 and 12 July. 

For those who love their music, there is plenty of excitement.  Taylor Swift is playing on 31 May alongside the William Hill Bronte Cup meeting, Olly Murs is playing on 28 June, and there is a Showcase weekend on 25 and 26 July with both racing and live music.

The famous Ebor Festival runs over four days in August from 20 to 23, inclusive, with the Thursday being Ladies Day. If you are planning to attend York Races, this is definitely the day to bring out your inner Kardashian.

The season finale will be a two-day event on 10 and 11 October.   You can check out the full programme here.
 
After a day filled with exhilarating races and a vibrant atmosphere, retreat to our elegant Camberley Cottages, where you can unwind after an exciting day, count your winnings and relive the highlights of a truly fabulous day out.  The Cottages make an ideal base for exploring not only the racecourses in the area but also the wonderful landscapes and activities that are available close by.  Whether you choose some local ingredients at the local deli and whip up a feast, order in, or take advantage of one of the many delightful eating establishments in Harrogate, we are sure you will find yourself reliving the highlights of your stay for many weeks to come. 
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Whether you're a seasoned racegoer or a first-time attendee, our hotel and cottages provide the perfect home base for your racing experience. Book a stay with us and immerse yourself in the excitement of the races while enjoying unparalleled hospitality and comfort.

Harrogate is a haven for culture enthusiasts with three fantastic entertainment venues, all of which are a short walk from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.  The Conference Centre is directly opposite and just a five-minute walk away from the stunning Royal Hall.  Harrogate Theatre is a ten-minute walk.  Whichever type of accommodation you choose, we provide the perfect base for exploring the area and attending the myriad of concerts and events that draw visitors to the town. 

Harrogate Theatre
The Theatre pairs Victorian architecture with an intimate ambience. Established in 1900, it has a rich history and stages performances that range from timeless classics and drama to comedy and musicals, ensuring there's a show to suit every taste. 
Highlights of the upcoming season at the theatre include Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray on 28 February.  On 13 March, you can join author Chris Wood as he recounts tales of tragedy and treachery in the theatre.  Expect a gripping exploration into the lesser-known stories of death and tragedy that have occurred in British theatres.  From grisly accidents to murders most foul, this evening will take you on a journey through the darker side of theatre.

If you love film, the well-regarded Banff Mountain Film Festival is showing its Red Film programme on 4 March and the Blue Film programme on 5 March. 

If Jazz is your thing, you won’t want to miss the Clare Teal Seven playing at the Theatre on 15 March. Expect exhilarating swing from award-winning jazz vocalist and long-time BBC Radio 2 & Jazz FM broadcaster Clare Teal. 

4 April sees tribute band, The Rozzers, bringing the music of Sting and The Police to life.  The Rozzers have been entertaining audiences as the No. 1 tribute to Sting and The Police for over a decade.  In fact, April is a great month for tribute bands with the Bon Jovi Experience playing at the Theatre on 27 April and a Phil Collins tribute on 8 May.

Comedy lovers will not be disappointed as the Hyena Lounge Comedy Club takes over the theatre once a month throughout 2025.  Four top comedians will be on the bill but the twist is that you won’t know which four until you arrive.  For those who are a fan of bawdy comedy, the fabulous Julian Clary brings his show “A Fistful of Clary” to the Theatre on 2 May.

These are just a small sample of the shows that will be available at Harrogate Theatre.  Check out the whole list here.  
 
The Royal Hall
The Royal Hall is one of Harrogate’s most stunning architectural gems.  Built in the 19th Century, it exudes grandeur and elegance.  It is renowned for its exquisite design and exceptional acoustics, making it a prestigious venue for concerts, orchestras, and events. Visitors are transported to a bygone era of opulence and sophistication.  From the ornate ceilings to the plush seating, this Victorian gem truly is a luxurious and unmissable experience.   

What’s Love Got To Do With it – a Tribute to Tina Turner will take place on 11 April and TaylorMania, a tribute to Taylor Swift and the Eras tour, will take place on 11 May.  30 May sees the Royal Hall hosting Queen of The  Night – A tribute to Whitney Houston. 

If you love comedy, you won’t want to miss Rhod Gilbert and the Giant Grapefruit on 15 May and for lovers of dance there is Curtain Call 2025 on 8 and 9 March.  To find out what is on at this fabulous venue, just click here.  
 
The Harrogate Convention Centre
The Harrogate Convention Centre, just opposite The Camberley, has hosted rock stars, politicians, businesses, trade shows, and special interest events, ranging from ComicCon to The Knitting and Stitching Show.  

On 26 April, Robert Lamberti presents Perfectly George at the Convention Centre.  This show has wowed audiences around the UK and throughout Europe, lifting them to their feet. A dynamic show that tactfully and appropriately celebrates the career of one of the most gifted performers of a generation, George Michael.

The following evening, Guenther Steiner will be bringing his hugely entertaining access to all areas of conversation spanning a decade inside Formula 1 to the Conference Centre.  Former Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner is the star of Netflix’s smash hit docuseries Drive to Survive.

To check out all the entertainment and book your tickets for events at the Royal Hall, Harrogate Theatre and the Harrogate Convention Centre, in one convenient place, just click here.  
 
Harrogate is also the ideal place to stay if you are looking to attend an event at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.  There are frequent buses and trains into Leeds, and the stations are just a ten-minute walk away from The Cottages and Bed and Breakfast.  If you are travelling by car, the journey is around 30 – 40 minutes depending on traffic, and there is a multi-storey car park opposite the venue, which is safe and secure.  If you arrive at 6pm or later, there is a special Event parking rate available. 

Comedy highlights include Peter Kay on 7 and 8 March and Greg Davies on 20 June.

For music fans, you are spoiled for choice with a range of great bands playing at this venue.  Highlights include:
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• Sugababes (8 April)
• Michael Ball and Alfie Boe (10 April)
• Gregory Porter (26 April)
• Bryan Adams (10 May)
• Scissor Sisters (24 May)  

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Check out all the events at the Leeds Arena  

The Cottages and Bed and Breakfast make an ideal base whatever your entertainment preferences.  Just a short walk takes you into the town centre where you will find the Theatre in the main shopping area together with a wide range of restaurants.  Well-known chains such as The Ivy and Piccolino sit alongside independent establishments, providing access to most types of cuisine for your pre-event meal.  The Conference Centre is literally opposite the Bed and Breakfast whilst the stunning Royal Hall is just a five-minute walk away.  If you don’t wish to go up into the town centre, there are some great eating establishments available on Kings Road itself, including Stuzzi, serving delicious Italian cuisine, less than a minute's walk away.   
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Whether you choose the excitement of a rock concert or the side-splitting humour of your favourite comedian, the Camberley and The Camberley Cottages provide the perfect location to unwind and discuss the highlights of your evening.   

This is the 2nd book in the series taking us back to the cast of characters in book 1 with Daisy our heroine being caught up in another murder mystery. This time she has finagled a stay with an old School chum who's mother is Lady Valeria and ownes Occles Hall - manor with model village. Lady Valeria is the terror of the local neighbourhood and is in constant battles with the Blacksmith and his mountains of Junk. When photographing the Winter Garden for the town and country article the gardeners see a dead bush and in digging it up find the body of Grace the Housemade thought to have run off to london with a traveling salesman. There are various candidates for her murder and prying info from the locals or from the staff under her ladyships orders is hard work. Alex is called in by Daisy and is launched into the fray. All in all a cosy crime read - avaliable on Audio, Paperback and Electronic.

This is the first in the series of adventures of the Honourable Daisy Dalrymple who is a young lady making her own living in the 1920's as a magazine reporter. Daisy is doing a series of articles on the stately homes of the UK and as the series goes on with adventures in each location (think murder she wrote). In this first book we meet the full cast of recurring characters such as Philip Petrie child hood friend with notions of saving her from herself, her housemate Lucy and most importantly Alec Fletcher the detective inspector and later Daisy's love interest. Our story starts with a nasty bit of work Lord Stephen Astwick is found dead floating in the iced over lake - is it murder? is it a tragic accident? and what is going on with the missing jewellery in the houses of the rich and landed all over the countryside? Alex is called in to investigate as he is in the area for the robberies stretching his diplomacy to the limit as well as his detecting skills.