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Why not escape city lights this winter and wander into the wonders of the universe? The 2026 Yorkshire Dales Dark Skies Festival runs from 13 February to 1 March 2026.  This annual festival gives you a chance to experience the night sky like never before. Whether you’re a devoted stargazer, a budding astronomy enthusiast, or simply someone wanting to reconnect with nature in a special way — this is an event you won’t want to miss.

When you stay with us at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages, you’ll be just a 30–45 minute drive from many of the designated Dark Sky sites used during the festival. That means you can enjoy incredible stargazing by night, and return to cosy, comfortable accommodation afterwards — the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

Dark Sky Festivals celebrate areas with very low light pollution, offering unbeatable views of celestial wonders. Imagine peering up at an inky-black sky filled with innumerable stars, planets, and constellations — a spectacle that’s increasingly rare in our modern, artificially-lit world.

This year’s festival includes a broad lineup of events taking place across the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

There is a free Planet and Constellation Trail in the woodland at Aysgarth Falls honouring the solar system and night sky (13 February – 1 March). Or why not book onto one of the stargazing talks – ideal for learning to navigate the night sky with telescopes and charts.

For the more adventurous amongst us, why not try their exciting night-time guided fell runs, or perhaps a spot of canoeing under the stars. 

And for the keen photographer, there are both astro-photography workshops and night walks — perfect if you want to capture the Milky Way or constellations with your camera.
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Find out more about what’s on offer, and book your places, here. 

Why the Yorkshire Dales?
The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the UK’s premier choices for stargazing, thanks to its designation as a Dark Sky Reserve by DarkSky International (formerly the International Dark-Sky Association).  With minimal light pollution, some of the darkest skies in Britain, and wide open horizons, it’s the perfect place to witness the Milky Way, meteor showers, and shimmering constellations in all their glory.

Plan Your 2026 Stay Now
The 2026 Festival runs 13 February–1 March, and demand for accommodation is expected to be high. While our cottages and lodgings might not sit directly inside the Dark Sky Reserve, they offer a cosy, comfortable base — just a short drive from the National Park events. After spending a magical evening gazing at the stars, you can return to warmth and comfort: modern amenities, restful bedrooms, and a friendly local vibe.

During the day, enjoy the beauty and convenience of Harrogate, with its inviting selection of cafes, restaurants, and shops — all just a short stroll from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages. We are always delighted to help with directions and recommendations for daytime adventures and places to eat.  Just ask.  Or, why not check out our various blogs which give an overview of just some of the activities and adventures that await you in Harrogate. 

Whether you’re an astronomy lover, a night-sky photographer, or simply someone looking for a peaceful out-of-the-ordinary getaway, the combination of Harrogate’s charm and the Dales’ celestial spectacle makes for an unbeatable escape. Let the stars guide you to an unforgettable adventure in 2026.  You can book your room direct with us here.  

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!