Looking for a unique and creative weekend getaway? ​Ignite Your Creativity with a Pyrography Workshop.   Run by Creative Workshops UK, join Craig from Side Burner at The Empress on The Stray in Harrogate.  Taking place on Sunday 24 August, this afternoon workshop is very reasonably priced and it’s perfect for craft enthusiasts, DIY lovers, or anyone keen to try something new.  It’s the perfect excuse to treat yourself to a creative escape.

You'll dive into the beautiful world of pyrography. Guided by an experienced artist, you’ll learn how to safely use pyrography tools, experiment with different techniques, and create your own decorated wooden keepsake to take home. All materials and equipment are provided for you to create a chopping board, egg board or a natural piece of wood. 

It’s the perfect activity as part of a long weekend in Harrogate.  And of course, the perfect location for your stay is The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages.  Located within walking distance of the town centre and the Empress on The Stray, you will be centrally located for a range of activities from walks in the Valley Gardens to shopping, a visit to the Turkish Baths and lots more.  Check out our other blogs for some ideas for things to do during your weekend away, ranging from events to gin tours.

Whether you're travelling solo, or with a partner, this is the perfect way to relax, learn, and discover the joys of pyrography in one of Yorkshire’s most beautiful towns.  Spaces are limited--Find out more and book your place now and spark your creativity in Harrogate!

Once you have your tickets, don’t forget to book your rooms with us.  You can choose your perfect room here, and book direct here to ensure you get the very best deal.    

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​Harrogate is a foodies paradise with a wide range of charming independent restaurants and cafes.  We even have an Indie Food Tour, which allows you to seek out the hidden gems that can be difficult to locate, providing you with the opportunity to sample the highest quality food and drink during your stay in our beautiful town.  If you are looking for a cosy, authentic experience, staying at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages offers the perfect blend of comfort and local flavour.

We offer a range of breakfasts, including the full English (of course), though you may prefer our continental breakfast on the day of your food tour.  There are two tours to choose from, the Indie Food Tour and Yorkshire Mark Food Tours.   Check them both out below.  
 
The Indie Food Tour
The Indie Food Tour is self-guided using an app, and is done at your own pace, at times that suit you.  All food is included. 

How it Works
Download the app, and buy a ticket for your tour of choice.  You can find the links on their website for both App Store and Google Play.
Then, simply scan the In-App QR code for food at each stop. 

Ideal for the independent explorer, this self-guided food tours allow you to curate your own foodie adventure and discover the most delicious spots at your own pace.  You follow a map to each location, and there are fascinating facts included as you make your way around.

Using the app, you’ll follow a map to each stop, with exquisite flavours and fascinating facts included every step of the way.  Various types of venues are included on the tours, and you may find yourself in Pubs or restaurants, wine bars or visiting street food vans.  With every stop being an independent business, you can be confident that you are helping small businesses thrive as well. 

There are tours for every budget and you can even purchase a gift voucher: perfect if you are looking for an interesting gift for the foodie in your life.
 
Yorkshire Mark Food Tours
These tours last 3 hours and cost £60 at the time of writing.  They are available on Thursdays and  Saturdays throughout the year and dietary requirements can be accommodated. 

You will walk around the town with an experienced guide who will ensure you get the most from  your time on the tour, whether you are attending one of the five delightful establishments that offer tastings or learning about the history of Harrogate from your knowledgeable guide. 

You can find out more and book your tour here.
 
Whichever tour you choose, you can be sure of a warm welcome and a comfortable bed at The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.  So why not book your break today?  If you book directly, you can choose your room, and with every room being different, you can be sure to find just the right accommodation.  

Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
The cover here is from the first edition and illustrated by Robin Macartney who went on various archaeological digs with Agatha and her 2nd husband in Egypt. Macartney would later do the covers for  Murder in Mespotamia, murder in the Mews and Appointment with Death. For those that don’t know Agatha’s 2nd husband was an Egyptologist and they spent a great deal of their time there and the experience on the steamer was one she had personally experienced.
The story is set on and Egyptian Paddle Steamer traveling the Nile River – so effectively has a closed pool of suspects. There have been several adaptations of this book – the 1978 film directed by John Guillermin, 2022 film with Kenneth Branagh and most famously the TV series with David Suchet which bring to life the 1930’s feel as well as a strong visualisation of the setting.
The first conviction using a finger print was in 1905 in the case of the Stretton brothers – so Agatha makes use of this new technology.

Cast of Characters
Linnet Doyle – the victim and USA Heiress.
Dr Bessner – Austrian Physician – says he’s sightseeing but thinks Linnet Doyle ruined his Clinic.
Andrew Pennington – American Lawyer and Linnet’s trustee – but can he be trusted with all that money at stake?
Jim Ferguson – Committed Communist – would he kill and heiress for the cause?
Cornelia Robson – seems to be a poor relation? But is she?
Jackie De Bellefort – the Ex of the deseased’s husband – she has followed them all over and has the strongest alibi – but she was observed all night – or was she?
Simon Doyle – the deceased’s husband – lots of money at stake
Salome Otterbourne – Excentric novelist  - Linette was threatening her with a lawsuit
Louise Bourget – Linnet’s maid – she had been promised money to get married but that had been withdrawn.
 
Agatha spent a great deal of time in Egypt with her mother and then 2nd husband Max Mallowan so new the country well and the life in which she set this novel’s characters. Egypt was a popular destination in the period between the wars so was familiar to the upper middle classes but was also interesting to the general reader as the finding of the Tomb of Tutankhamen had fired popular interest in the region.
 
 

This is one of Agatha’s best known works with several adaptations for TV and Cinema. It brings the luxury of 1920’s train travel on a luxury train to vivid life. I will always see David Suchet in his classic role as Poirot outside of the characters adopted home of England. The story was inspired by a famous case at the time called the Lindberg Case which occurred in the USA – even the well known gangster Al Capone offered up a ten thousand dollar reward for information as he was so appalled by the case. Sadly the little boy was found dead  two months later. This like our tail brought into suspicion everyone involved in the child or family’s life and it took nearly two years to bring the murderer to justice.
This murder mystery brings in a large cast of characters/suspects but in a classic locked room format – they are all on the train and stopped in the snow – no one can leave or arrive. However how are any of them connected to the deceased? What was their motive?

The Cast and list of suspects
The Count & Countess Andrenyi – Diplomats traveling to France
Cyrus Hardman – and undercover private detective in the employ of the deceased
Edward Masterman – Ratchett’s Vallet
Colonel Arbuthnot – A colonel from India – but he seems to know Mary Debenham but denies it
Mary Debenham – Capable woman and a governess
Greta Ohlsson – timid Swedish missionary – was previously a nursery nurse
Hector McQueen – Secretary to the deceased
Princess Dragomiroff – Russian Princess who escaped before the revolution
Hildegarde Schmidt – Ladies maid to the Princess
Antonio Foscarelli – Italian car Salesman and showroom owner
Caroline Hubbard – older American Lady
Pierre Michel – French Railway conductor of many years service.