Need to recover from the Summer Holiday period? Relax and Unwind in Harrogate

After a bustling six weeks of looking after the kids or grandkids during the summer holidays, it’s time for some well-deserved relaxation. If you're a gardening enthusiast or simply in need of a peaceful escape, Harrogate offers the perfect retreat. Renowned for its charming flower shows and scenic beauty, this spa town promises both tranquillity and inspiration.  With plenty to do in the Harrogate area, it’s the perfect base for your relaxing long weekend.  And where better to stay than The Camberley, The Lodge or, for those who prefer self-catering, one of our beautiful Camberley Cottages.  We are centrally located and only a few minutes’ walk from a wide range of restaurants and bars. 
 
Harrogate Flower Shows are a gardeners dream.
Twice a year, Harrogate transforms into a floral wonderland with its celebrated flower shows, attracting visitors from all over the UK.  The Spring Show takes place in April at the Great Yorkshire Showground, whilst the Autumn Show takes place 13 – 15 September.  Perfectly timed following the busy summer holiday period and just prior to bulb-planting season. 
The autumn show takes place at the picturesque Newby Hall & Gardens.  Expect to see the rich hues of dahlias, asters, and other late-blooming perennials. The crisp autumn air, breathtaking displays, and of course the numerous stalls selling plants and gardening items, make it a must-visit event.  You can also visit the contemporary sculpture trail and parts of the stunning house will be open to visitors during the show.  You can book your tickets here:  https://www.newbyhall.com/event/harrogate-autumn-flower-show-13th-15th-september-2024/
 
Floral Town
Harrogate itself is a floral town with many stunning display beds dotted around the town.  The Stray, 200 acres of delightful green space, criss-crossed with footpaths, is at the very centre of the town.  As dusk falls, the trees around the Stray are lit up with fairy lights in a magical display. 
Just a ten minute walk from The Camberley, Lodge and Cottages, is the Valley Gardens.  This serene park in the heart of Harrogate offers a peaceful retreat with its beautiful collection of mature trees, colourful flower borders, and a calming mineral spring.  Don’t miss the beautiful Sun Colonnade, which is on your right as you enter the gates to the gardens and head up the slight incline toward the tearooms where you can stop for a cup of tea and a sticky bun.
For those who would like a longer leg-stretch, head up the hill past the tennis courts and you will enter the pine woods and will be able to walk to RHS Harlow Carr which boasts themed gardens, a wildflower meadow and a well-stocked garden centre and gift shop.  There is also a branch of Betty’s Tea Rooms where you can enjoy tea and cake, afternoon tea, or perhaps one of Betty’s famous Fat Rascals – a scone/bun mash-up that is as delicious as it is famous.
If you prefer to drive to the RHS Harlow Carr, there is ample parking and the journey will take around 10 minutes from The Camberley, Lodge and Cottages. 
 
Antiques, Collectibles and History
Harrogate is also home to a number of fabulous Antique Shops, some of which stock unique garden ornaments, vintage planters, and quirky tools to enhance your green space.  Check out 27 West Park, which is a huge store that stocks items from a range of eras, whilst Harrogate Antiques Centre is located in the beautiful and atmospheric Montpellier Quarter – take a right after the Slingsby Gin store on Montpellier Hill. 
If you would like to learn more about the fascinating history of the area, check out the Royal Pump Room Museum to delve into the town’s rich history.
 
Crafts
If you are a keen knitter, spinner or crocheter, you won’t want to miss Yarndale on 28 and 29 September.  This huge wool show takes place in nearby Skipton, at the Auction Mart, and whilst its around 45 minutes drive, it is well worth it as it is one of the biggest shows in the area.  Whether you are looking to learn a new craft, find just the right yarn for the garment you want to create, get a spinning wheel or buy fleece, this is the place to do it.  It is a cornucopia of fabulous woolly goodness with a dizzying array of colours and styles of yarn and fibre from all over the UK.  It’s definitely not one to miss.  You can book your tickets here:  https://yarndale.co.uk/
If you want to have a fully relaxed weekend and don’t fancy Yarndale, why not check out our lovely local yarn store, Yarn Etc, on Knaresborough Road.  They stock the most stunning range of wools and patterns so you are sure to find something you love.
For those who love to sew, we haven’t left you out either.  Our local Fabric Store, Fine Fabrics, will be holding its quarterly Pop-up Fabric store on 7 September at Oatlands Community Centre.   You can find out more about Fine Fabrics, and their pop-up shop, here:  https://www.finefabricsofharrogate.co.uk/
 
Take a well-earned break at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages, and see what Harrogate has to offer.  As you can see, there is lots to do.  And remember, you will get a better deal if you book directly with us, because you can choose the room that you would prefer (subject to availability).  To book your room, call:  07792 505910