 Few sporting occasions can rival the fun, excitement and spectacle of a day at the races, and we are fortunate to have three superb racecourses right on our doorstep. This is hardly surprising given that Middleham, near Bedale and just a short drive away, is home to a number of renowned racing stables. Whether you are in search of an elegant outing with the perfect excuse to dress up and enjoy a glass of champagne, or a more relaxed day out, our local racecourses offer something for everyone. The atmosphere is always lively, filled with anticipation and a wonderful sense of camaraderie among racegoers. The horses themselves are magnificent to behold, immaculately presented with gleaming coats as they are paraded around the paddock. Their owners lead them with pride, whilst jockeys in brilliantly coloured silks sit poised above, creating a dazzling display of colour and movement. Watching powerful thoroughbreds surge down the track, with the crowd cheering them on, is an unforgettable experience. Betting is entirely optional, and if you do decide to take part, it need not cost much. Even a modest wager on a horse that has caught your eye in the paddock can add an extra element of excitement. A day at the races also provides excellent opportunities for networking and socialising, making it an ideal choice for organisations looking to reward their teams with an enjoyable and memorable outing. Race meetings are certainly not reserved solely for experienced racegoers. Couples and groups seeking an occasion to dress up and embrace a touch of glamour will find Ladies’ Days particularly enjoyable. These events offer the chance to don your finest attire, enjoy refreshments, and fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere. Whether you choose to sample the excellent food available on site or bring along your own carefully prepared picnic, you are guaranteed a delightful day. With racecourses at York, Wetherby and Ripon, there is always a meeting to suit every taste. Racing at Ripon Ripon Racecourse, affectionately known as the Garden Racecourse, is located just a short drive from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages. It offers a charming and welcoming setting, with fixtures taking place throughout the season. Both afternoon and evening meetings are held, allowing visitors to choose an experience that suits their schedule. Ladies’ Day remains one of the highlights of the calendar, attracting racegoers keen to enjoy the social occasion as much as the racing itself. One of the most notable events of the season is the prestigious Great St Wilfred Handicap, a highly regarded six-furlong sprint which attracts some of the country’s finest horses and jockeys. Ripon Racecourse also plays an active role in supporting the local community, regularly hosting initiatives and charity events which allow racegoers to contribute to worthwhile causes whilst enjoying their day. The 2026 season includes:
Racing at Wetherby Wetherby Racecourse is a particularly enjoyable course to visit, offering both National Hunt and Flat racing throughout the year. National Hunt racing, with its thrilling jumps, is especially exciting to watch. Standing close to a fence as these powerful horses approach at speed before leaping gracefully over is truly impressive. Located within easy reach of The Camberley Hotel and Cottages, Wetherby hosts a variety of meetings, many of which support charitable organisations. These events combine the excitement of racing with the opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes. The festive period is an especially popular time at Wetherby. Christmas meetings are filled with seasonal cheer, and although warm clothing is essential, the atmosphere more than makes up for the winter chill. For many local residents, attending the Christmas races has become a much-loved annual tradition. During the summer months, flat racing fixtures provide a wonderful opportunity for a relaxed evening at the races, with Ladies’ Day offering the perfect excuse to dress up and enjoy the occasion. The 2026 season includes:
York Racecourse York Racecourse is widely regarded as the most prestigious of the three and is set within beautiful surroundings. It is easily accessible from The Camberley Hotel and Cottages and offers an exceptional racing experience. This course hosts flat racing exclusively, and its facilities are second to none. It is an ideal choice for those seeking a more refined and glamorous day out, where racegoers can dress elegantly and enjoy the occasion in style. York frequently attracts well-known faces and distinguished guests, adding to its sense of occasion. The racing season runs from spring through to autumn and includes several high-profile meetings. The Dante Festival marks the beginning of the season, whilst the renowned Ebor Festival later in the year is one of the highlights of the entire racing calendar. Ladies’ Day at York is particularly popular, drawing large crowds eager to enjoy both the racing and the social spectacle. York also hosts live music events alongside selected race meetings, combining sporting excitement with first-class entertainment. The 2026 season includes:
After a day filled with excitement, energy and atmosphere, there is no better place to return to than the comfort and elegance of The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages. Here, you can relax and reflect on the highlights of the day, perhaps even celebrate a successful wager. All three venues provide an excellent base not only for visiting the local racecourses but also for exploring the many attractions, beautiful landscapes and activities available nearby. Whether you choose to prepare a meal using locally sourced ingredients or enjoy a takeaway in your luxurious cottage, or dine at one of Harrogate’s many excellent restaurants, your stay promises to be both relaxing and memorable. Whether you are an experienced racegoer or attending for the very first time, The Camberley, the Lodge and Camberley Cottages offer the perfect place to stay whilst enjoying all that the racing season has to offer. To choose your room, or to book direct, click here.
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 Coming to Harrogate this May at The Harrogate Theatre is Simon Yates with stories about his adventures in mountaineering. His show includes spectacular images and film footage from Alaska to central Asia and also includes the Arctic and Antartica.
Tickets can be bought at The Harrogate Theatre - www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk.  The sound of Springsteen comes to Harrogate this June 2026, this celebration of legendary music can be enjoyed at The Harrogate Theatre and tickets can be bought at http://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk.
 A wonderful event held at The Crown Hotel in Harrogate, lots to do including a retro gaming lounge and trialing new games and toys. Food and drink are available, if you are looking for more information or if you would like to book tickets you can go to http://www.odysseygamingfestival.co.uk.
 This April at the Royal hall in Harrogate comes a thrilling fusion of storytelling from Norse mythology to life.
This story brings Thor, Loki, Freyja and Odin to life as they face prophecy, betrayal and destiny as they battle to rebuild the world. This theatre described by many as utterly unforgettable and a once in a kind experinece can be seen in Harrogate on the 19th of April 2026. Tickets can be bought through the Harrogate theatre website :- www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk.  Tickets are now on sale for this comedy thriller which is taking place in Harrogate between the 1st of April and the 4th of April 2026.
The show entails an American heiress by the name of Nella Racksole who's celebrating her birthday and looking for steak and beer at the one and only Grand Babylon Hotel , unfortunately this isn't available so her father buys the hotel! There's more to the hotel than just steak and beer as she discovers kidnapping and murder is also on the menu! Tickets can be bought at www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk  Knaresborough Museum Association brings this exciting new exhibition of the Royal Hunting Forest which includes a sound and light show. Entry to Knaresborough Forest, Community and Nature is free and it will open from 10am to 4pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays so is a great option for families during the Easter Holidays. More information: https://knaresboroughtownmuseum.org.uk/ or https://www.harrogateadvertiser.co.uk/news/people/exciting-new-show-brings-to-life-hidden-story-of-knaresboroughs-ancient-royal-hunting-forest-5623313 We are proud this interactive historical show has been put together merging history, entertainment, food, historical artifcacts and modern technology to maximum effect.   Harrogate's Pheonix players present Bake Off Musical - this family feelgood production brings elements of the TV show with 8 contestants, 2 hosts and 2 judges find their way through the ups and downs of competition.
Tickets are from www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk and as always if any friends or family are coming to view they get a 10% discount through our web site with code Bedposts. Monty one of the UK's best know and loved Gardeners comes to Harrogate Convention Centre on the 21st of March 2026.
Monty has been on TV for over 30 years and presenter of Gardeners’ World since 2003. Since 2011 the programme has come from his own garden, Longmeadow, in Herefordshire. Monty is back out on tour where he will share stories from his career in gardening, detail his favourite gardens – both ancient and modern, and reveal how he fell in love with the natural world. Discover how he created his garden at Longmeadow, the gardening practices he considers to be the most useful and important and the magical impact of the changing of the seasons on each part of the garden. With something for seasoned gardeners and green-fingered novices alike, don’t miss the opportunity to join Monty for an adventure through nature. https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/events/monty-don-a-journey-through-british-gardens/ for tickets 
For lovers of food, tradition and timeless Yorkshire charm, a visit to Betty’s Cookery School in Harrogate is a truly special experience. Whether you’re mastering classic bakes or refining your culinary skills, pairing your course with a relaxing stay at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages turns a day at the school into a memorable short break. Staying with us means you can begin your day unhurried and refreshed. After a comfortable night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, you’ll be just moments away from the excitement of Betty’s Cookery School, ready to immerse yourself in hands-on learning inspired by nearly a century of baking excellence. Many guests find that staying locally enhances the experience — no long drives, no rushing, just the pleasure of focusing on food, flavour and fun. Whether you are looking to perfect your breadmaking, improve your cake decorating skills, make chocolates, increase your pastry skills or perfect the art of cooking for a crowd, the cooking school has a course that will elevate your skills to the highest level. You can even learn how to make their fabulous Macarons. Check out all the courses. A Visit to Betty’s Tearooms No culinary trip to Harrogate would be complete without a visit to the iconic Betty’s Café Tea Rooms. Whether you choose a post-course afternoon tea or a leisurely morning visit on your free day, Betty’s offers a wonderful chance to sit back and enjoy beautifully prepared cakes, pastries and traditional teas in elegant surroundings. Arriving early or visiting mid-week often allows for a more relaxed experience, and it’s a lovely way to soak up the atmosphere that has made Betty’s famous across the country. Evening Dining After a full day of baking, you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to your evening meal, whether you want a short stroll into town (ten minutes or less from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages) or a short drive to a country pub, Harrogate offers an excellent selection of places for an evening meal. Check out our blog for a rundown of local favourites. Alternatively, why not try these popular local choices:
Things to Do on Your Free Day You will want to make the most of your stay and Harrogate has plenty to offer:
If you prefer to explore further afield, the Yorkshire Dales are just on our doorstep and we can recommend a number of outings based on your particular interests. Just ask us for details, or check out the various blogs that we’ve put together to help you make the best of your stay with us in Harrogate. Whether you’re attending for a single day or planning a longer culinary escape, staying at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages transforms your visit into a relaxing and rewarding experience — one you’ll want to repeat. And don’t forget, you can book direct. This will give you the best price and allow you to choose your preferred room (subject to availability). We look forward to welcoming you soon. |
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