 The scene of the crime for Evil under the Sun is the Jolly Roger Hotel on Smugglers Island off the coast of Devon. So to a certain extent this is a locked room mystery with our cast of characters all on an island with the only access over a private causeway. Our cast is the glamorous actress Arlena Marshal, her husband Captain Marshall and his teenage daughter Linda. Further cast members are Patrick Redfern & his wife Christine, Poirot, Emily Brewster, Rev. Stephen Lane who has a mania about sin, Horace Blatt a loud mouth with no real reason to be there, Rosamund Darnley previous Beau of Marshall and the owner of the hotel Mrs Castle. The location setting was based off the real island of Burgh off the Devon coast which was a popular holiday resort in the 1930’s. This was one of the first Christie novels brought to our screen in 1981 with an all star cast including Maggie Smith, Diana Rigg, James Mason and Roddy McDowall. So our story starts with Arlena arriving on the island and immediately turning the head of married Patrick Redfern with our full cast of characters seeing the triangle form. Soon after she is found murdered but was it the jealous husband? The vengeful lover? His wife? A priest with a religious mania? Stepdaughter who never liked he? Or was it a random stranger? For those long time fans of Agatha Christie – who love a twist, a locked room situation and a murder who’s every possibility hinges on timings and possibilities this is the book for you.  
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Harrogate is famed for its elegant spa-town architecture, Victorian history, and relaxing springs — but when the sun sets and the autumn chill creeps in, another side of this beautiful town quietly comes alive. For lovers of the paranormal, Harrogate offers more than just foliage and pumpkin spiced lattes: ghost stories, eerie tours, and spine-tingling events await. The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages, are centrally located and whilst we don’t have any ghosts of our own (that we know of anyway), we do provide the ideal place to stay as you explore the spookier side of the Harrogate district. The Harrogate Ghost Walk With Five Stars on TripAdvisor and priced at a very affordable £8, you won’t want to miss the Harrogate Ghost Walk. It’s led by paranormal enthusiast Paul Forster, and this award-winning walk winds through Harrogate’s historic streets, sharing tales of apparitions, strange noises, poltergeists, and phantom figures alongside lesser-known local history too. The walk takes place on the first and last Friday of each month and you can find out more and book your tickets, here. Paul has also written a book, Haunted Harrogate, which includes even more ghostly goings on and makes the perfect memento of your trip to Harrogate. The Halloween Ghost Walks are taking place on 24 and 31 October this year and are well worth booking. Harrogate has such a long and colourful history, and a wide range of period buildings so it is no wonder that visitors have reported strange encounters. Observers have described phenomena as diverse as hearing footsteps in empty corridors, seeing fog-like shapes, or feeling sudden chills when no draft seems to account for them. Ashville College, a local private school, has a ghostly “Green Lady” who haunts the clock tower and is believed to be a nursing sister, whilst The Harrogate Theatre is haunted by an apparition known as "Alice” whose appearance is sometimes associated with the scent of peppermints and a sudden chill falling over a person as she passes by. Harrogate gives you everything for a ghostly getaway and, of course, the combination of walks and after-dark events gives you time to enjoy the town’s cafés, gardens and spa heritage by day, and its supernatural stories by night. By day, you can expect stunning autumn colours, particularly in the Valley Gardens and RHS Harlow Carr, but also, the Stray is surrounded by trees and boasts a beautiful cherry walk too. As the light starts to fade, and night draws in, the trees on the Stray twinkle with thousands of lights. Mists are not unheard of, and add to the Halloween ambience. As you walk around Harrogate, lights from the trees and shops cast a glow that is diffused by the mist in a very spooky manner. We do recommend booking ahead, particularly if you plan to take part in the Ghost Walk, which often sells out, particularly around Halloween. Once you have your tickets, it's time to book your cosy room. On arrival, you can expect a warm welcome and the chance to order your breakfast (The Camberley only) before getting settled in. With plenty of options for eating out, you will be spoilt for choice. We have some suggestions on our blog for great places to eat. After a day exploring the streets, shops and attractions of Harrogate, and perhaps a sneaky Pumpkin Spice Latte, it's time to eat, and then wander amongst the buildings of Harrogate to see who, or what, might appear out of the darkness. This is Yorkshire, so we do recommend warm clothing and sturdy shoes if you plan to do the Ghost Walk, or indeed take a midnight wander to see what might appear. You may want to bring a small torch, or use your phone torch, particularly if you plan to explore areas that may be dimly lit. The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, are all within easy walking distance of the Ghost Walk starting points so they are the perfect base for your spooky stay. So bring that volume of Ghost Stories that you’ve been meaning to read, or buy the Haunted Harrogate book, and after your ghost tour has ended, return to your room, and read until you’ve scared yourself silly. All our rooms are very well lit, if you need them to be…. But we are sure you won’t need to sleep with the light on… will you?  The Secret Adversary Agatha Christie This is the first Tommy and Tuppence mystery which I have read – weirdly I had shied away from these books as I have always enjoyed Poirot and Miss Marple – therefore I didn’t think I would enjoy them, but I was pleasantly surprised. Our story starts just after the Great War with our brave Hero’s having been demobbed from the Army searching for work and struggling. They were childhood friends and meet again in London by chance. This being so they decide to form The Young Adventurers and hire themselves out for anything and everything that comes their way. There were many people in this situation after the war with the economy struggling and with a vast quantity of young people released from the Armed forces (and related fields) no longer having employment – they were given a severance cheque but that only goes so far. Agatha herself worked in various capacities during the war even training as a pharmacist which came in especially useful for knowledge of poisons and medical settings which feature in several of her books. The Secret Adversary is Agatha’s 2nd book and at the time brought in the princely sum of £50 as the publisher was unsure of the style working as a genre. I would describe this book as more of a spy thriller than the murder mystery genre Agatha is known for. Weirdly the style seems more in the line of PG Woodhouse’s work than Agatha’s other books though there was some overlap time wise (ie Woodhouse published earlier 1908 for his Jeeves and Wooster series) it was more a product of the times than any conscious effort. In their search for work Tommy and Tuppence are caught up in the affair of Mr Brown a shadowy underworld figure working against the British Government & the mysterious character of Jane Fynn. The story has all the elements of the time – is it Fascists? Is it Bolsheviks? Trade Unionists? Russians? Germans? Standard thugs? Or is it a combination of all of the above making strange bedfellows?   Endless Night – Agatha Christie
This book follows the story of a young couple Mike Rogers and his millionaire American wife Ellie Goodman. They meet seemingly by chance at a property called Gipsy’s Acre in England having seen an advert it is up for sale by auction. They are told by a local woman Mrs Lee that the land is cursed and no good ever comes of living there. The young couple commission an architect Mike met on his travels called Rudolf Santonix to build them a house, and with his indomitable style he does taking the best advantage of the site. Shortly after moving in Ellie has an accident and calls for her old friend and confidant Greta to come and stay while she recovers. Also added to our cast are Andrew Lippincott one of Ellie’s legal guardians , Cora Van Stuyesant Ellie’s glamorous stepmother and Major Philpott the local landowner. However none of our cast of characters seems to have a direct motive to commit murder – so the twist in this particular tale is that no one seems to have a motive. Endless night was adapted for cinema in 1971 with the film's chilling score being written by Bernard Hermann who was famous for writing many of Alfred Hitchcock's scores.  Throughout October, Harrogate hosts its annual Comedy Festival featuring a wide range of well-known acts, including Henning Wehn, Maisie Adam, Suzi Ruffell and Nigel Planer, to name just a few. If you love a good giggle and enjoy the cosy charm of boutique guest-house stays, then pack your best comedy attire and head to Harrogate this autumn. The Harrogate Comedy Festival 2025 is back in town, promising belly laughs, sharp wit, and top-tier performers. Dubbed the “Comedy Capital of the North”, Harrogate has been cracking up audiences throughout October for over 16 years. The festival blends comedy giants with new voices, offering a mix of stand-up, satirical set-pieces, and themed showcases. On the Line-Up: Stars, Rising Talent, and Club Nights You’ll find a brilliant mix of household names and up-and-comers, including: Jack Dee, Stewart Lee, Maisie Adam, Suzi Ruffell, Ardal O’Hanlon, Jason Byrne, Tez Ilyas, John Shuttleworth, Paul Coulter, P Burton-Morgan, Nick Helm and many more. The Hyena Lounge Comedy Club (Saturday 4 October) delivers an evening of top-tier club comedy, featuring Ian Stone, Carl Hutchinson, and the award-winning Nina Gilligan, hosted by Dave Twentyman. It is sure to be one of the highlights of the festival. For a truly local twist, Harrogate-born Maisie Adam hosts the Frank’s Fund Comedy Gala—a hilarious fundraiser featuring her and comedians like Pierre Novellie, Scott Bennett, and Jen Brister, all supporting a great cause. Sample Itinerary Friday Arrive and check into The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages. Unpack, unwind, explore Harrogate’s tea rooms before heading to a pre-festival bar or grabbing an early dinner before an evening show. Saturday Sleep late, enjoy local bakery treats, and stroll through Valley Gardens. In the evening you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing which show to see. Sunday Linger over brunch, perhaps with some boutique-style shopping to follow before spending the evening at another show, perhaps timing your visit to allow you to attend Maisie Adam’s Frank’s Fund Comedy Gala which is sure to be a great evening. Monday Reflect on the weekend’s best lines, enjoy a slow check-out, and maybe a spa treatment before heading home—refreshed and giggling. Booking Tips & Notes Acts are spread across October, so check show times and book in advance for the shows you really want to see. Some of the tickets do sell out quickly, so don’t delay. And, of course, ensure you book your room at The Camberley, The Lodge or a self-catering break at Camberley Cottages. Whichever you choose, you are assured of a very warm welcome and all our accommodation is within easy walking distance of the comedy festival venues as well as a range of cafes, bars and restaurants. We have some blogs which provide recommendations for eating out too, so do check those out, here. From smart satire to side-splitting silliness, Harrogate offers a perfect playground for comedy lovers. Check out who is on when, here. Whether you stay for a few days to see a number of shows, or just book a long weekend so you can see your favourite comedian, you’ll get the best deal on accommodation by booking directly with us so why not click here and choose your room.  If you love life on two wheels, Harrogate offers the perfect blend of relaxed charm, invigorating landscapes, and world-class cycling routes. Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, our town is known for its beautiful gardens, fine architecture, and friendly cafés – but for cyclists, it’s also a gateway to some of the UK’s most rewarding rides. Staying at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages makes the experience even more appealing. You’ll get that personal touch – a hearty breakfast tailored to fuel your ride, somewhere secure to store your bike, bike washing facilities, and somewhere to hang your wet kit if the weather lets you down. We are also happy to put up packed lunches for you too. With the practicalities sorted, you can fully immerse yourself in long days of exploration, returning to a warm welcome and a comfortable room, before heading out to sample some of the delights of the Harrogate culinary scene. We have a number of blogs providing tips on where to eat, so don’t forget to check those out too. Harrogate rose to cycling fame when it hosted the opening stage of the 2014 Tour de France, and has since been a regular feature in the Tour de Yorkshire. The Yorkshire Dales offer a great mix of sweeping views, undulating roads, and quaint stone villages – all easily accessible from the town centre. You’ll find routes for every mood: challenging hill climbs if you’re chasing a Strava crown, or leisurely spins through green valleys if you prefer a gentler pace. Road surfaces are generally good, and the variety of terrain keeps each ride interesting. There are plenty of cyclist-friendly café’s and pubs along the way, providing an ideal base for a cycling-centred getaway. There are many options for rides from Harrogate, but these three are particularly pleasant. 1. The Nidderdale Loop (Approx. 35 miles) For a medium-length ride that captures the beauty of the Dales, head out towards Ripley – a picture-perfect village with a castle backdrop – before following the River Nidd up into Nidderdale. The route takes you through Birstwith, Summerbridge, and Pateley Bridge, a charming market town where you can stop for tea and cake or a cone of Dales Icecream before taking on the gentle but steady climb out of the village. Expect wide-ranging views from the moor tops and thrilling descents that will put a huge grin on your face. You will find a map here. 2. Tour de Yorkshire Taster: Harrogate to Masham (Approx. 45 miles) If you fancy a ride with a professional pedigree, follow part of the Tour de Yorkshire route north out of Harrogate, looping through rolling countryside to Masham. This small market town is famed for its breweries – Black Sheep and Theakston – so you might want to plan a longer post-ride stop here. The ride includes a few challenging climbs and sweeping descents, with plenty of quiet lanes to keep the ride calm but interesting. It’s a brilliant blend of challenge and enjoyment with stunning views throughout. You can find a map of the ride here. 3. Greenway to Bolton Abbey and Back (Approx. 50 miles) For a longer day in the saddle, join the Nidderdale Greenway cycle path from Harrogate to Ripley, then head west towards Bolton Abbey. This estate has it all: riverside meadows, woodland, and the romantic ruins of a 12th-century priory. The tea shop serves fabulous cakes too. This route takes you past dry-stone walls, grazing sheep, and rolling hills before taking you through both Ilkley and Otley, both ideal locations for a well-earned rest and a slice of something sweet and tasty. If you are stopping in Ilkley, why not visit the famous Bettys Tea Rooms for your coffee and cake. Or perhaps try their famous Fat Rascals… a delicious scone-like confection, decorated with a smiley face and ideally served with lashings of butter and a delicious cup of tea. You can find a map of this route here. Practical Tips for Your Stay
Whether you’re chasing the thrill of a challenging climb, seeking peaceful lanes through the Dales, or just want to soak in Yorkshire’s charm between leisurely coffee stops, Harrogate is the perfect starting point for your adventures and The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages, are the perfect place to stay. Choose your routes and then book your room here.  And then there was none. One of Agatha's most famous works with stunning Theatre & TV dramatizations. Our cast is drawn to a remote Soldier Island where they are lured there with cryptic notes pertaining to be from people they know in a complicated and elaborate set up. 10 little Soldier Boys went out to dine; One Choked his little self, and then there was 9. 9 little Soldier Boys sat up very late; One overslept himself and then there was 8. 8 little Soldier Boys traveling in Devon; One said he’d stay there, and then there was 7 7 little Soldier Boys chopping up sticks; One chopped himself in halves, and then there was 6 6 little Soldier Boys playing with a hive; A bumblebee stung one, and then there was 5 5 little Soldier Boys going for law; One got in Chancery, and then there was 4 4 little Soldier boys going out to sea; a red herring swallowed one, and then there was 3 3 little Soldier boys walking in the zoo; A big bear hugged one, and then there was 2 2 little Soldier boys sitting in the sun; One got frizzled up, and then there was 1 1 little Soldier boy living all alone; He went and hanged himself, and then there was none. So like the poem we have 10 strangers all drawn to Solder Island via a series of curious invites – all couched to lure the person – be it a job offer, a letter from an old friend etc – every letter tailored to bring the person to this location, Thomas & Ethel Rogers – 2 domestic staff Emily Brent – an older lady full of religious extremism General Macarthur – a retired soldier lured with the idea of a reunion with old friends Tony Martin – A hedonistic playboy with a tendency to drink too much and drive too fast Justice Wargrave – known as a Hanging Judge Vera Claythorne – a games mistress on a private secretary position Philip Lombard – an adventurer with an eye to the main chance – freely admits he doesn’t have a lot of morals William Blore – an ex policemen – left the force under a cloud. Dr Armstrong – sees a lot of neurotic lady clients since he gave up surgery, So we meet our cast of suspects or is it victims? And who is this M Owen who is supposed to be their host? And so the deaths begin – following the rhyme which ties in with the name of the Island (Soldier Island) and is displayed in every bedroom. The deaths follow the methods of the poem but who is the murderer?   We return to adventures with Hercule and Hastings meeting by chance in the country - this is at the very start of their partnership. Hastings is recovering from a war injury and has been invited by friends to stay at Styles for a short break. Our cast includes Emily Inglethorp & her husband Alfred who is a recent addition and much younger than his rich wife. Her two step-sons John, Lawrence and John's wife Mary. Also within the household is Evelyn the Secretary a bluff older woman, Dorcas the housmaid, Cynthia an impoverished relation living with them and working as a Pharmacist at the hospital and last but not least Dr Bauerstein. Our mystry starts with the death of Emily - but how was it done? she was in a locked bedroom by herself? Was it one of the sons who both were in a financial hole? was it the new husband? every member of the cast has a motive or opportunity for murder, there is various ways the poison could have been aquired - but who was it?
There are several events happening at The Great Yorkshire Events Centre this September.
The following events are happening:- On the 13th & 14th of September there is The Harrogate health healing & wellbeing festival. - https://healthhealingfestivals.com/product/harrogate-festival-13-14-sept-2025-2/ On the 27th & 28th of September there is The Le Creuset factory to table sale https://www.lecreuset.co.uk/en_GB/factory-to-table/cap0234.html On the 27th of September there is The yorkshire baby show. https://greatyorkshireeventscentre.co.uk/yec-events/yorkshire-baby-show-autumn-2025/ Looking ahead to November there is The Harrogate toy and train collectors fair. https://greatyorkshireeventscentre.co.uk/yec-events/harrogate-toy-and-train-collectors-fair/ You can find further information on each event via the link:- Events from 13 September – 6 December – Great Yorkshire Events Centre |
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