The organisers for the Christmas market in Leeds have today confirmed the dates which are November the 21st to December the 21st 2025.

We are a 40 minute train ride or a 40 minute bus ride from Leeds which is a vibrant city with lots going on for example The Royal Armouries in the centre of Leeds is definately worth a visit.

​​Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Harrogate offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty and vibrant culture—making it an ideal destination for runners of all abilities. Whether you're training for a marathon or simply enjoy an early morning jog through rolling countryside, Harrogate’s mix of town and trail has something to inspire every stride. And for those looking to add to their Parkrun visitor tally, we have a range of options in the local area. 

Why not combine comfort with convenience?  Staying at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages provides the perfect base to explore the area on foot.
Our welcoming guest house offers more than just a place to rest your head. With hearty breakfasts to fuel your runs and secure storage for your gear, it's tailored with active guests in mind. Whether you’re visiting solo, or with a group, we’re here to make your stay in Harrogate as enjoyable and energising as possible.

Check out our top six local Parkruns below.  Starting, of course, with Harrogate.
 
Harrogate parkrun - The Stray, Harrogate
Around a 15-20 minute walk from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.
Three loops on a mixture of grass and tarmac. 
The Stray is an open, mostly flat area of parkland in the centre of town.  It is easy underfoot and a fairly fast course but it can get muddy late in the season and after rain.  It’s a very well attended event and suitable for beginners and experienced runners alike, with a friendly atmosphere. 
There is on-street parking nearby, but you may want to procure a parking disc to take advantage of the free parking.  For your post Parkrun coffee, try the Stray View, which opens from 10.30 am. 
 
Conyngham Hall parkrun, Knaresborough
Around 3 miles from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages
This is a two-lap course which is very scenic and has varied terrain.  The turn out for this one is smaller than at Harrogate and it is a fun course but a little more challenging due to the undulating terrain.  Road shoes are generally fine, particularly if the weather has been dry. In the winter months, or after a rainy spell, trail shoes may be preferable if you have them.
Parking is in the large Conyngham Hall public car park (charges apply).  There is usually ample parking at that time in the morning but it can get busy.  Knaresborough has several cafés within a mile of the course and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to your post Parkrun breakfast.  We highly recommend the Black Mulberry.  Take the pedestrian crossing across the main road from the Conyngham car park and walk down toward the river.  The Black Mulberry is further along, facing the river. 
 
Fountains Abbey parkrun, Ripon
Around 8.5 miles from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages
This is one of the most scenic parkruns in the country and is run around a world Heritage site.  This is a real destination run and takes in both Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal Water Gardens.  It’s a two lap course, gently undulating…. One such undulation is, unfortunately, at the approach to the finish.  This is a really atmospheric run and there is plenty of parking at the Fountains Abbey visitor centre.
Post Parkrun, don’t miss breakfast or a coffee at the Fountains Abbey tearooms which is not far from the finish.  There is also an icecream stand selling delicious Northern Bloc Icecream – perfect on hot days.  Once you have had breakfast, why not visit nearby Ripon, or Pateley Bridge, both are lovely locations for a wander and offer plenty of options for lunch too. 
The route is very well marked and run on paths so road shoes are appropriate in all weathers. 
 
Wetherby parkrun - Wetherby
About 7 miles from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.
This course is three loops around a park and is set close to the river.  Parking is in the town centre and is free of charge if you park at the Wilderness car park.  After your run, do grab a post-run breakfast in Wetherby and have a look around this lovely town.  We highly recommend the breakfast at Kofi and Co.  Their food is beautifully prepared and they offer smoothies, granola bowls, cooked breakfast, pastries and delicious coffee.  Well worth a visit. 
 
Thorp Perrow Parkrun
This run takes place at Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 2PS
This is a little further afield but it is a single circuit run over the private Thorp Perrow Estate on a gently undulating mixture of trail and grass. This is a trail run along field boundaries, including grazing land, woodland and estate access tracks. Some sections can be exceptionally muddy (shoes have been lost and never found) but it is a stunningly picturesque run and the start and finish are located near to a car park.  The tea room serves lovely breakfasts and has good coffee.  Birds come down to perch on the railings around the outdoor tables and beg for crumbs. 
The parkrun does not take place within the Arboretum, but the tea room is situated on the edge of it.  We highly recommend a visit to the Arboretum itself which is stunning, particularly in autumn.  near the lake can be muddy underfoot. The start and finish are located near to the car park and tea room.

Chevin Forest, Otley
The event takes place at Chevin Forest Park, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3DD.  This one has a killer hill quite close to the start, perfect if you are looking to do some difficult hill repeats as part of your training.  For those who love a good hill, you get to run up this one twice.  It’s a two-lap anti-clockwise course with an additional point-to-point at the finish.
The course is run mainly on wooded trails, and can be uneven and sometimes slippery underfoot, with some very muddy sections after rainfall.  Trail shoes are recommended, particularly during autumn and winter, or after rain.  However, this is a really lovely course to run, and it is popular without feeling overly busy.  There is also an absolutely brilliant café for a post-Parkrun breakfast, situated opposite the Upper Shawfield car park.  MISTÅL Kitchen serves the most delicious cooked breakfasts and vegetarians and vegans are well catered for.  The mushrooms on toast and avocado on toast are both highly recommended for the latter, and for those who like a traditional English breakfast, the portions are generous. 

This park run is well worth a visit as it is situated very close to the stunning Otley Chevin.  A walk on the Chevin provides beautiful views and down toward Otley.  Otley itself is well worth a visit with a mix of gorgeous architecture, independent businesses and some lovely places to lunch.   

Whichever run you choose, we are sure you will enjoy it.  All the Parkruns are recommended for their scenic nature and excellent breakfast options post-run.  Why not book a long weekend at The Camberley, The Lodge or The Camberley Cottages and make the most of the Harrogate area too.  Perhaps arrive around lunchtime on Friday, drop your bags off and register then go out to eat at one of the many lovely cafes in the town, before spending the afternoon checking out the town centre, perhaps taking a walk in the Valley Gardens then having a leisurely meal at one of the restaurants or bars before heading back to your room to relax and unwind ahead of your parkrun the next day. 

Post-Parkrun, you can explore the area around the course before returning to The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages to freshen up before going out to eat and returning to your comfortable room for the night. 

A lazy Sunday morning breakfast and perhaps a walk, or a run, in the local area, completes your relaxing weekend.
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For the best value, book your short break directly with us here, and take advantage of the local Parkruns, beautiful running and walking routes, and delicious places to eat and drink.  And if you are trying to gain your Parkrun Alphabet, The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages make the perfect place to stay whilst you add another letter to your tally.    

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.  

The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie
This tale is set in 1935 and is after Captain Arthur Hastings (normally referred to by Poirot as Hastings) has come back from Argentina to tie up some affairs and visit with his old friend. Hercule and Hastings joke about getting the old team back together during a visit with Inspector Japp the posit the type of crime that would tempt Poirot out of retirement and provide entertainment while Hastings is in the UK. Hastings jokes he would like a scene like a detective story – ladies in peril, secret lovers, mysterious gems and multiple murders to perk up the story – little did he know it was tempting fate.
Our story starts with Hercule receiving a mysterious taunting letter concerning a murder about to be committed and it gives the town – they pass it onto the police but consider it likley to be a hoax untill the body is found.
This story is unusual as Poirot forms a sort of group of people concerned in the murder victim’s lives to help him gather evidence – they name themselves the Special Legion.

Megan Barnard – Sister to the 2nd victim
Donald Fraser – Finance to the 2nd victim and potential suspect
Mary Drower – niece of the 1st victim and the idea for the Special Legion is hers but does she have an ulterior motive for bringing them together?
Franklin Clarke – brother of 3rd victim – but does he have a motive of his own?
Thora Grey – secretary to victim 3 – but was she angling to be his wife?
Alexander Bonapart Cust – we follow him in his travels and difficulties with illness but is he the villain or yet another victim of the murder’s plotting.

Another twist in the tail is several of the friends and relatives could be potential murders as well – was it a jealious sister wanting her fiance for her own? A brother wanting an inheritance to win the beautiful girl? Or the girl herself clearing the path for her lover?

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.