Harrogate is a haven for craft enthusiasts. The town and its surrounding area are home to several craft fairs throughout the year, offering a diverse range of handmade goods that appeal to collectors and hobbyists alike. These fairs present an excellent opportunity to shop small, support local artisans, and take home one-of-a-kind creations. Expect to find everything from hand-thrown pottery and delicate jewellery to textiles, woodwork, and original artwork on display, all demonstrating high-quality craftsmanship.   Each item has its own story, often with the opportunity to meet the maker and learn about their creative process. For those who appreciate the uniqueness and authenticity of handmade products, these fairs offer an unbeatable shopping experience.
Some of the most popular fairs in the region are listed below. 
 
For those of you who enjoy crafting, one of the highlights of the craft fair calendar in Harrogate is The Knitting and Stitching Show. Taking place at the Harrogate Convention Centre 21 – 24 November 2024.  This is a large show which offers a wide range of high-quality supplies. Vendors come from across the UK to exhibit, and you can expect to find everything from yarns and fabrics to specialised tools.  There are a number of workshops and demonstrations taking place across the four-day show, offering the opportunity to learn new skills or refine existing ones. 
Hugely popular with visitors from all over the UK, this is the highlight of the crafting calendar in the area, hosting a huge range of stands.  You will definitely need to set aside a whole day (or two) for this event, particularly if you are a quilter or fibre artist.  Whether you sew, spin, crochet or knit, this show is one you don’t want to miss. You can find out more, and book your tickets, here:  The Knitting & Stitching Show
The Convention Centre is right opposite The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, making us the ideal place to stay for this awesome show.  The entrance is just a five-minute walk from our door, and we know you won’t be disappointed.  
For those who prefer their crafts ready-made, there are a selection of great events taking place in the area.
Crafts in the Pen – 16 – 17 November 2024 – Skipton Auction Mart, Skipton
This highly popular event features over 230 stalls of handmade crafts, perfect for finding unique gifts.  If you enjoy shopping small and supporting local artisans, then this is the place to visit and you are sure to find the right thing for everyone on your Christmas list, plus a few things you just can’t leave behind. 
Skipton is around a 45-minute drive from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, and the drive is scenic.   Once you have looked around the crafts, you might wish to visit the nearby Farm Shop – you drive past it on the way into the Auction Mart.  Or perhaps you would prefer a visit to the beautiful Bolton Abbey Estate to stretch your legs and admire the stunning scenery, before returning to Harrogate for a meal and then a rest in your comfortable room at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages.   You can find out  more about Crafts in the Pen, and book your tickets, here:  TICKETS | Crafts in the Pen | Skipton
 
Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre Christmas Craft Fair – 30 November 2024 – 50 Bond End, Knaresborough
Henshaws is a local charity running an arts and crafts centre and college for young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities, including sight loss, supporting them to become the best they can possibly be. Services include a sight loss support service in the North West, a specialist college in Harrogate, and the Arts And Crafts Centre in Knaresborough. 
The craft fair will feature stalls with beautiful handmade gifts from the Artmakers.   Whether you’re after one-of-a-kind decorations or personal gifts, there’s something for everyone.  Festive food and drink will also be available and there are craft sessions for children and a wreath-making workshop for adults costing just £20.  These tend to be very popular though, so booking early is recommended for the workshops.
At The Camberley, The Lodge and The Camberley Cottages, we will happily store your finished wreath in a cool place until you are ready to take it home and hang it in pride of place on your front door. 
Knaresborough is a 20 minute drive from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.  Both trains and buses run regularly between Harrogate and Knaresborough so you can certainly leave your car with us whilst you explore on public transport if you prefer. 
Find out more about the fabulous Arts and Crafts centre here:  Henshaws Arts & Crafts Centre
 
Artisan Market – Sun Colonnade, Harrogate – First three weekends in December.
An Artisan Market is held in the Sun Colonnade in the Valley Gardens during the first three weekends in December.  This is well worth a visit, particularly if you love homemade items crafted locally.  It always attracts a very wide range of artisans and is a very popular market with local people as well as visitors.  Perfect for picking up those stocking fillers for family and friends.  It’s also very conveniently situated, being only a few minutes walk from The Camberley, The Lodge and The Camberley Cottages.  The gardens themselves are beautiful, even in winter, and there is a café where you can get hot drinks and snacks too.  Find out more here:  https://visitharrogate.co.uk/events/little-bird-artisan-market
 
The Great Yorkshire Christmas Fair – Yorkshire Event Centre – 30 November to 3 December 2024.
This fair features over 250 stalls including crafts, gifts and festive food.  There is live entertainment too which adds to the festive atmosphere.  There is usually ample parking at this venue, which is a little out of the town centre on the Wetherby Road.  However, there are buses which go in that direction if you prefer to leave the car in our car park.  Find out more here:  https://eventcentre.co.uk/yec-events/the-great-yorkshire-christmas-fair-2024-2/
Whichever event you choose, you will be supporting independent makers and small businesses,  and shopping sustainably by prioritising quality over mass production. The atmosphere of a craft fair is warm and engaging, making it the perfect relaxing outing where you can browse at leisure, and take home something truly special.  And don’t forget, if you book direct with us, you can choose your room.  We recommend you choose a large room …..  to accommodate all the craft items and gifts you will want to purchase.  Whether you are visiting or exhibiting at one of the events, we are sure you will enjoy your stay with us. 

​Harrogate is renowned for its elegance and charm, and this extends to our vibrant bars and restaurants.  Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or an extended stay, dining out in Harrogate is an experience to savour. From cosy tearooms to award-winning fine dining restaurants, the town offers a range of exceptional options to suit all tastes, making it an ideal destination for food lovers. 

With its central location, The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages provide a comfortable and convenient base from which to explore the culinary delights of Harrogate whether you are looking for afternoon tea, fine dining, or a more relaxed vibe in one of our delightful gastropubs and cafes.  It is well known that to dine well in a location is to dine where the locals dine.  To make your planning easier, we’ve put together a list of the restaurants, pubs and cafes that get the seal of approval from our discerning local residents.  So read on to find the perfect place to eat, drink and socialise in our lovely town, guided by our local knowledge.
 
Afternoon Tea
One of Harrogate’s most famous culinary institutions is Bettys Tea Rooms, a must-visit for those seeking traditional afternoon tea. Established over 100 years ago, Bettys continues to serve impeccable cakes, sandwiches, and its signature Fat Rascals.  The elegant surroundings and excellent service make it the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon treat.  If afternoon tea is your thing, then don’t forget to check out our blog on that very subject.  You can find it here:  Afternoon Tea:  A Timeless Tradition
 
Fine Dining
For those looking to indulge in fine dining, Harrogate does not disappoint. The town is home to several acclaimed restaurants offering modern British cuisine with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Many chefs in the area are passionate about showcasing the best produce from Yorkshire, whether it’s succulent lamb, game from the Dales, or fresh fish from the coast. Expect carefully crafted menus with dishes that combine traditional flavours with contemporary flair.
 
Orchid Restaurant at The Studley Hotel
Offering a fusion of Far-Eastern flavours in an elegant setting. It’s known for its culinary excellence and has been a staple in Harrogate since 2001. Find out more here:  The Orchid
 
William & Victoria, Cold Bath Road
An independent, family-run restaurant and Harrogate’s first wine bar, established over 40 years ago. It has a cozy, character-filled atmosphere with a more spacious dining area upstairs. They specialise in traditional British food and use high quality local suppliers.  This has long been known as an ideal date night restaurant though they also serve delicious lunches too.  Find out more here:  https://www.williamandvictoria.com/ 
 
Drum and Monkey, 5 Montpellier Gardens
The Drum and Monkey is an independent seafood restaurant located in the heart of Harrogate’s Montpellier Quarter. Known for its intimate and cozy atmosphere, it has built a strong reputation for quality and service over the years and is well worth a visit if you love really fresh seafood.  You can check out the menus here:  https://drumandmonkey.co.uk/
 
Mediterranean Cuisine
Papas Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine, 11A Princes Square
This family-run Mediterranean restaurant prides itself on fresh, daily-prepared dishes. The food is known for being plentiful and sensibly priced. Check them out here:  https://www.papasauthentic.co.uk/
 
Efes Turkish and Mediterranean Bar and Grill, 28 Swan Road
 Known for its melt-in-the-mouth seasoned lamb and delicious sharing platters, this restaurant offers a vibrant and friendly dining experience.  Check out the menu here:  https://efesbarandgrill.co.uk/
 
Indian Cuisine
Jinnah, 34 Cheltenham Parade
If you love really great Indian cuisine then Jinnah is the place to go.  Located a very short walk from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, this welcoming family-run restaurant has been serving locals and visitors for nearly 20 years. Find out more here:  https://www.jinnahharrogate.co.uk/
 
Gastropubs and Bistros
If you prefer something a little more relaxed, Harrogate has a variety of gastropubs and bistros that offer high-quality food in a laid-back atmosphere. These venues offer hearty British favourites such as steak and ale pie or Sunday roasts, as well as more international fare, from Mediterranean-inspired dishes to Asian fusion.
Some local favourites include:

Starling Independent Bar Café Kitchen, 47 Oxford Street
This relaxed venue is known for its craft beer and specialist coffee.  Starling offers a cozy atmosphere with a diverse menu and is hugely popular with locals for brunch, lunch, and dinner.  They specialise in Neapolitan-style pizzas which some locals claim are the best in town.  They also offer Yorkshire poutine as well as range of vegan and gluten-free options.  https://www.murmurationbars.co.uk/
 
Major Tom’s Social, The Ginnel
This laid-back hangout is perfect for enjoying quality food and drink in a retro setting. Major Tom’s is known for its eclectic atmosphere, complete with board games, live music, and art exhibitions.  They serve delicious stone-baked pizzas as well as meat and cheese platters, all accompanied by a wide range of craft beers and real ales.  https://www.majortomssocial.co.uk/
 
Lilypad, 134 Kings Road
A relatively new but extremely popular bar and restaurant offering a fusion of Asian and South American flavours. Lilypad’s unique sharing plates and vibrant cocktails are particularly popular.  This restaurant is just a ten minute walk from The Camberley, The Lodge and The Camberley Cottages too.  You can find out  more here:  https://www.lilypadharrogate.com/
 
Farmhouse, Unit 1, Westgate House, Station Parade
An all-day restaurant serving seasonal dishes from breakfast to dinner. Farmhouse is known for its welcoming atmosphere and extensive menu catering to various dietary preferences. This restaurant is very popular for brunch and offers handmade burgers, salads, a range of British classics, and offers vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free dishes.  It is well worth checking them out here:  https://www.farmhouse.biz/
 
Café’s, Coffee and Cakes
The town also boasts a thriving café culture. You’ll find artisan coffee houses serving expertly brewed coffee alongside an array of pastries and light lunches. Perfect for a casual catch-up or a break during a day of exploring the local shops and attractions, Harrogate’s cafés offer a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.  We recommend:

Caffé Marconi, Princes Square
Centrally located and serving excellent coffee, delicious cakes, pizza, and other hot foods, this is a popular café with locals with a friendly, buzzing atmosphere.  https://www.caffemarconi.co.uk/menu/
 
Bean & Bud, 14 Commercial Street
A cozy, independent coffee shop known for its excellent coffee and friendly atmosphere. They offer a variety of cakes and pastries, with options for different dietary needs.
 
Hoxton North, 1A Royal Parade
This café brings a touch of the big city to Harrogate with its stylish interior and focus on quality. It’s a great spot for a relaxing coffee break or a light lunch.
 
Baltzersen’s, 22 Oxford Street
Scandinavian-Inspired café whose unique menu focuses on quality and sustainability. The café is known for its welcoming vibe and delicious baked goods with their Cinnamon Rolls being a particularly popular option.  https://www.baltzersens.co.uk/
 
No35 Harrogate, 35 Cheltenham Crescent
This small, independently owned coffee shop that prides itself on serving ethically sourced coffee and freshly made bagels. It’s a favourite among locals for its quality and cosy atmosphere. Better still, it’s a short walk from The Camberley, The Lodge and The Camberley Cottages.

Dining out in Harrogate is not just about the food; it’s about enjoying a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that reflects the town’s unique blend of tradition and modernity. From fine dining to casual bites, there is something for every palate in this picturesque corner of North Yorkshire. 

The Camberley, The Lodge and The Camberley Cottages make a comfortable base from which to explore all the culinary delights that Harrogate has to offer.  Why not browse the options, pick your favourites, and then book direct with us to start your culinary exploration.  Don’t forget, if you book direct, you can choose your room (subject to availability).  Check out our website to find your perfect room.  Bedroom Information  We look forward to hearing from you soon.