I collect cosy crime and especially winter themed mysteries so this of course caught my eye. The book is available in Paperback, Electronic and Audio. So our main character is Daphne King who is a reporter for a London Newspaper. She has recently cracked a crime ring and has previously done other risky undercover work so is wanting to take a break and be out of the lime light for a while. Her Girlfriend/Partner is Veronica who is a top theatre director. Our story starts with our reporter Daphne attending a School reunion and staying with an old friend who lives in the village & who also works at the school. I will be 100% honest and say this story is quite slow to start with a lot of setting the back ground and basic foundation of the characters - I think the murder doesn't actually happen till about chapter 26 - however once it does the action is swift and well written. Part of the twists and turns of the plot is, is it some of the crime gangs she has busted? is it something new related to the school? or is it her mind playing tricks on her? This is a cosy christmas read with a few flash  backs to Daphne 's time at the school which in turn is related to the murder. All in all a short enjoyable winter read and the audio book is well done. I would say its very light on the crime details which is fine so would be suitable for a younger reader as it is not graphic.

Winter in Harrogate offers a unique charm that is impossible to resist. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, culture, or a chance to explore the great outdoors, this vibrant town has something for everyone. If you are looking to indulge in a getaway filled with tranquillity and memorable experiences, after a busy Christmas season, Harrogate is the perfect destination.

Our Guest Houses and Cottages, located in the heart of the town, provide the ideal base to explore all that Harrogate has to offer. From historic landmarks and artistic treasures to indulgent afternoon teas and rejuvenating spas, we’ve curated a list of the top ten things to do in Harrogate this winter to help you plan the ultimate visit.
 
Relax at a Spa
Harrogate is famous for its spa heritage with a number of spas available in and around the Harrogate area.  If you fancy a relaxing day of pampering after the hustle and bustle of Christmas, why not check out our Spa Blog.  Don’t forget, The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages all offer relaxing rooms within walking distance of delightful restaurants, cafes and bars.  Book your spa, then book your stay with us. 
 
Visit the Royal Pump Room Museum
Learn about Harrogate’s history as a spa town and explore fascinating exhibits at this museum.  Just a short stroll from our hotel, this fascinating museum is sure to delight.  Click here to find out more about the exhibits and opening times.   
 
Explore Ripon.
The town of Ripon is around a 20-minute drive from Harrogate and boasts a Cathedral, Museum and a range of shops and eating establishments in and around its Market Square. 

Ripon Cathedral offers a rich history and beautiful architecture.  Whether you choose to attend a service, take a tour of the fabulous building to learn about its history, or attend a workshop or event, you are sure to enjoy your visit.  Find out what’s on. 
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Whilst you are in Ripon, do check out the three museums:  there is a Workhouse Museum, A Prison and Policy Museum and a Courthouse Museum.  All are well worth a visit and the Workhouse Museum boasts a lovely garden, perfect for a stroll on a cold but clear day.  You can find out more about the museums and how to book a ticket, here.   
 
Enjoy Afternoon Tea
Harrogate is known for its excellent afternoon teas, and there is a wide choice of options.  Check out our recent blog which details the venues where you can take tea in the town.   
 
Catch a Show
Harrogate has a number of entertainment venues, all within a few minutes walk of The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.  Tickets for events at all the venues can be booked via Harrogate Theatre.  Whether you love comedy, music or a play, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.   Check out all the shows and venues and plan your visit to Harrogate.  Don’t forget to check that we have your chosen room available too.  You can call us direct on:   to check availability and to book. 01423 561618
 
Mercer Art Gallery
Harrogate is home to the fabulous Mercer Art Gallery which is only a short walk from our accommodation.  With some fabulous exhibitions currently in place, winter is the ideal time to visit.  You can find out about the current exhibits https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/leisure-tourism-and-culture/museums-and-galleries/museums-harrogate-area/mercer-art-gallery/exhibitions-mercer-art-gallery
 
Bettys Cookery School
For the keen chef or baker, why not book a short course at Bettys Cookery School?  It’s THE place to go to learn how to whip up a batch of Macaroons, make some of the Bettys Classics, or master the art of pastry, breadmaking, cake decorating and many more baked treats.  If you would prefer to master the art of effortless entertaining, there are courses for that too.  There are even courses on chocolate making.  To find your perfect Cookery School course, check out the options here.  
 
Royal Hall Tour
The Royal Hall in Harrogate offers guided tours that allow you to explore its stunning Edwardian architecture and learn about its rich history. Tours typically run at 11 am and 2pm.  You can find out the history and book a tour, here. 
 
Royal Horticultural Society Harlow Carr
RHS Harlow Carr has several events and activities available during winter of 2026.  Both gardening and Craft Workshops are run throughout the winter and you are sure to find something you enjoy. Indoor Gardening Workshops are also available.  
Check out their website to find your ideal workshop or to book a ticket to visit this fabulous garden, here. 

 
As the crisp winter air envelops Harrogate, the town transforms into a haven of delightful experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re unwinding in a spa, soaking in history at the Royal Pump Room Museum, or creating your own culinary masterpiece at Bettys Cookery School, there’s no shortage of activities to make your visit extraordinary. Make the most of your winter escape by staying with us at The Camberley, The Lodge, or Camberley Cottages – all perfectly situated to ensure your Harrogate adventure is as seamless and enjoyable as possible. Book your stay now, and let Harrogate become your favourite winter retreat.

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Harrogate is the perfect destination for an entertaining getaway with a calendar packed with events and entertainment, whatever your preferences are.  And, of course, The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages provide the perfect base for your short break or holiday in the area.   Just minutes from the town centre, you will be just a short walk away from your chosen entertainment when you stay with us. 

Check out some of the great events that are taking place this winter.

Catch the Pantomime before it ends on 18 January.  This year’s panto is Jack and the Beanstalk and it’s bound to be a fun evening whichever date you choose. 

For those who prefer comedy, we have the regular Hyena Lounge taking place on 24 January and 7 March,   Anna Soden appears at the Studio Theatre on 7 February,  whilst Sara Pascoe and Dave Spikey appear at the main theatre on 6 and 27 February respectively.

Music lovers will be spoilt for choice with shows as diverse as The Drifters, who are at the Royal Hall on 25 January, Mozart and Strauss at Holy Trinity Church, Ripon,  a tribute to Robbie Williams on 7 February and the hugely popular Classic Rock Show at the Royal Hall on 12 February.  This one tends to sell out quickly so don’t delay if you want tickets.  Then, looking forward to April, the fabulous Fairport Convention will play at Harrogate Theatre. 

Banff Mountain Film Festival tour lands in Harrogate on 18 February if you are a film lover, and for fans of dance, we have Tap Factory on 19 February at the Royal Hall.  You can find out more about all of these events, and so many more, as well as book your tickets, here.  

A little further afield, in Leeds, just a 30-minute drive away, is the First Direct Arena.  There is really convenient parking very close by and some great shows are coming to the arena this winter.  For fans of Strictly, you won’t want to miss the Strictly Live Tour.  This runs over two nights, 29 and 30 January. 

For comedy fans, why not book tickets to see Greg Davies on 22 March?  Looking forward into April, the 17th sees the incredibly talented Yungblud take to the stage on the very first date in his Idols tour.  To book tickets for these, or any of the other fabulous acts playing at the arena, click here.

Winter also sees some great events hosted by RHS Harlow Carr, including a workshop on plant grafting, which will take place on 29 January, promising to be both hands-on and instructive. Also available at RHS Harlow Carr is a Terrarium workshop on 12 February and on 20 February there are two workshops where you can create items for the garden from willow.  For those new to gardening, or those with a new garden to plan, a workshop on garden planning is being held on 28 February.   To book places on these, and other events held at the garden, or to book tickets to visit this stunning garden during the winter, click here.

A Rock, Gem and Bead fair is taking place at Pavilions Harrogate, which is a short distance from the centre of town by car, with plenty of parking available.  You can find out more here.  

Once you have visited the fair, we highly recommend lunch at the nearby Fodder restaurant and a wander through their beautifully stocked farm shop which sells a wide range of locally produced items ranging from meat to mugs.   We highly recommend the fruit scones or the delicious cakes, if you do decide to stop at Fodder for lunch.  Check them out here.  

With so much to do, Harrogate is the perfect destination for a winter getaway. Whether you’re looking to enjoy live music, comedy, or learn a new skill in the garden, there’s something here to suit every taste.  Alternatively, if you are just looking for a quiet getaway after the hustle and bustle of Christmas, we've got your back.  With our comfortable rooms, delicious breakfasts and a range of walks, shopping options and delightful eating establishments, all within easy walking distance of The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, we are the perfect place to hunker down, get cosy, relax and unwind. 

Book your stay directly with us and choose your perfect room (subject to availability) in which to enjoy a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration.  Or, if you prefer to be more independent, book one of our lovely Camberley Cottages, for a luxurious self-catering break in Harrogate. 

Plan your visit today, and let Harrogate’s rich culture and stunning scenery provide the ultimate escape from the everyday!

Yorkshire has a proud industrial heritage which was supported and enabled by the rise of the railway.  We have a range of steam railways in the county,  and a pleasant drive of just under two hours from Harrogate through gorgeous scenery brings you to Grosmont.  A beautiful village with a steam railway station.  You could be forgiven for thinking that you have been here before, though, particularly if you are a keen movie buff.  The steam trains and station at Grosmont have featured in several films over the years.  

The village itself was a thriving centre of industry in the 19th century.  It was built around the discovery of ironstone.  Once a bustling industrial village on the route of George Stephenson’s pioneering railway between Whitby and Pickering, it is now a tranquil location and has stunning views.  the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) keeps that proud industrial heritage alive. You can watch the plumes of steam rise as heritage locomotives pull into the station and can take a scenic journey through some of the most beautiful countryside in England.  Whether you’re a railway enthusiast or simply love a nostalgic adventure, it’s an experience not to be missed.

The beauty of the village and surrounding hills has not gone unnoticed by Hollywood either.   In 2021, film crews and Hollywood legend Harrison Ford arrived to shoot scenes for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The village’s famous station, with its authentic period feel, was transformed into a 1940s setting.  Harry Potter fans may recognise Grosmont as Hogsmeade Station.  It featured in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.  The North York Moors Railway has also featured in Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning, starring Tom Cruise, who filmed some very dramatic train scenes on the railway. 

Grosmont is a thriving rural community with plenty to explore. Home to Britain’s oldest independent Co-operative store, established in 1867, the store continues to serve locals and visitors.  It’s a great place to pick up picnic essentials before heading out for a walk in the area.   There are also some very inviting places to grab a coffee and cake. The Old School Coffee Shop and Grosmont Station Tea Room are both local favourites, and well worth a visit. 

The village is just a short drive from Whitby, making it a great place to visit on your way to see Whitby Abbey, which provided inspiration for Bram Stoker’s famous novel, Dracula. In the novel, he describes the graveyard and the famous 199 steps leading up to the church.   However, the rumour that Dracula is actually buried there is false. 

It is definitely worth planning a detour to Whitby for some super-fresh fish and chips for your teatime treat.  We highly recommend the Fish and Chip shop next to the slipway.  A warning if you plan to sit on the nearby seats overlooking the harbour though, particularly if you aren’t super fond of birds getting too close to you.  The gulls have become used to being fed there, and they may land quite close to you and demand chips. 

If the tide is favourable, you can walk down the slipway for a short stroll on the beach (with or without your fish and chips). 

Whitby also boasts some delightful independent shops in the centre of the town and for those who love jewellery, don’t miss the Whitby Jet shops.   You can seek out raw jet on the beach too.  It’s not easy to find, but it’s not impossible either, so it’s well worth keeping an eye out for that, and for stones that include fossils too.  Whitby is a fossil hunter’s paradise so it’s well worth a stroll on the beach if geology is your thing.  You may wish to bring your hammer with you so you can split the likely looking rocks in search of ammonites and belemnites, both of which are regularly found in Whitby. 

Harrogate makes the perfect base for exploring both of these beautiful locations.  When you stay at The Camberley, The Lodge, or Camberley Cottages, you are assured of a warm welcome, a great breakfast and comfortable rooms, all en-suite, with one boasting a fabulous copper slipper bath.  Perfect for retaining that feeling of days gone by before heading out to one of the delightful restaurants and bars nearby.     Don’t  forget that you get the best deals when booking direct and can choose your perfect room too.  Just click here to book your stay with us.