Running Breaks in Harrogate

​​Nestled in the heart of North Yorkshire, Harrogate offers the perfect blend of scenic beauty and vibrant culture—making it an ideal destination for runners of all abilities. Whether you're training for a marathon or simply enjoy an early morning jog through rolling countryside, Harrogate’s mix of town and trail has something to inspire every stride. And for those looking to add to their Parkrun visitor tally, we have a range of options in the local area. 

Why not combine comfort with convenience?  Staying at The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages provides the perfect base to explore the area on foot.
Our welcoming guest house offers more than just a place to rest your head. With hearty breakfasts to fuel your runs and secure storage for your gear, it's tailored with active guests in mind. Whether you’re visiting solo, or with a group, we’re here to make your stay in Harrogate as enjoyable and energising as possible.

Check out our top six local Parkruns below.  Starting, of course, with Harrogate.
 
Harrogate parkrun - The Stray, Harrogate
Around a 15-20 minute walk from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.
Three loops on a mixture of grass and tarmac. 
The Stray is an open, mostly flat area of parkland in the centre of town.  It is easy underfoot and a fairly fast course but it can get muddy late in the season and after rain.  It’s a very well attended event and suitable for beginners and experienced runners alike, with a friendly atmosphere. 
There is on-street parking nearby, but you may want to procure a parking disc to take advantage of the free parking.  For your post Parkrun coffee, try the Stray View, which opens from 10.30 am. 
 
Conyngham Hall parkrun, Knaresborough
Around 3 miles from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages
This is a two-lap course which is very scenic and has varied terrain.  The turn out for this one is smaller than at Harrogate and it is a fun course but a little more challenging due to the undulating terrain.  Road shoes are generally fine, particularly if the weather has been dry. In the winter months, or after a rainy spell, trail shoes may be preferable if you have them.
Parking is in the large Conyngham Hall public car park (charges apply).  There is usually ample parking at that time in the morning but it can get busy.  Knaresborough has several cafés within a mile of the course and you are spoilt for choice when it comes to your post Parkrun breakfast.  We highly recommend the Black Mulberry.  Take the pedestrian crossing across the main road from the Conyngham car park and walk down toward the river.  The Black Mulberry is further along, facing the river. 
 
Fountains Abbey parkrun, Ripon
Around 8.5 miles from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages
This is one of the most scenic parkruns in the country and is run around a world Heritage site.  This is a real destination run and takes in both Fountains Abbey and the Studley Royal Water Gardens.  It’s a two lap course, gently undulating…. One such undulation is, unfortunately, at the approach to the finish.  This is a really atmospheric run and there is plenty of parking at the Fountains Abbey visitor centre.
Post Parkrun, don’t miss breakfast or a coffee at the Fountains Abbey tearooms which is not far from the finish.  There is also an icecream stand selling delicious Northern Bloc Icecream – perfect on hot days.  Once you have had breakfast, why not visit nearby Ripon, or Pateley Bridge, both are lovely locations for a wander and offer plenty of options for lunch too. 
The route is very well marked and run on paths so road shoes are appropriate in all weathers. 
 
Wetherby parkrun - Wetherby
About 7 miles from The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages.
This course is three loops around a park and is set close to the river.  Parking is in the town centre and is free of charge if you park at the Wilderness car park.  After your run, do grab a post-run breakfast in Wetherby and have a look around this lovely town.  We highly recommend the breakfast at Kofi and Co.  Their food is beautifully prepared and they offer smoothies, granola bowls, cooked breakfast, pastries and delicious coffee.  Well worth a visit. 
 
Thorp Perrow Parkrun
This run takes place at Thorp Perrow Arboretum, Bedale, North Yorkshire, DL8 2PS
This is a little further afield but it is a single circuit run over the private Thorp Perrow Estate on a gently undulating mixture of trail and grass. This is a trail run along field boundaries, including grazing land, woodland and estate access tracks. Some sections can be exceptionally muddy (shoes have been lost and never found) but it is a stunningly picturesque run and the start and finish are located near to a car park.  The tea room serves lovely breakfasts and has good coffee.  Birds come down to perch on the railings around the outdoor tables and beg for crumbs. 
The parkrun does not take place within the Arboretum, but the tea room is situated on the edge of it.  We highly recommend a visit to the Arboretum itself which is stunning, particularly in autumn.  near the lake can be muddy underfoot. The start and finish are located near to the car park and tea room.

Chevin Forest, Otley
The event takes place at Chevin Forest Park, Otley, Leeds, LS21 3DD.  This one has a killer hill quite close to the start, perfect if you are looking to do some difficult hill repeats as part of your training.  For those who love a good hill, you get to run up this one twice.  It’s a two-lap anti-clockwise course with an additional point-to-point at the finish.
The course is run mainly on wooded trails, and can be uneven and sometimes slippery underfoot, with some very muddy sections after rainfall.  Trail shoes are recommended, particularly during autumn and winter, or after rain.  However, this is a really lovely course to run, and it is popular without feeling overly busy.  There is also an absolutely brilliant café for a post-Parkrun breakfast, situated opposite the Upper Shawfield car park.  MISTÅL Kitchen serves the most delicious cooked breakfasts and vegetarians and vegans are well catered for.  The mushrooms on toast and avocado on toast are both highly recommended for the latter, and for those who like a traditional English breakfast, the portions are generous. 

This park run is well worth a visit as it is situated very close to the stunning Otley Chevin.  A walk on the Chevin provides beautiful views and down toward Otley.  Otley itself is well worth a visit with a mix of gorgeous architecture, independent businesses and some lovely places to lunch.   

Whichever run you choose, we are sure you will enjoy it.  All the Parkruns are recommended for their scenic nature and excellent breakfast options post-run.  Why not book a long weekend at The Camberley, The Lodge or The Camberley Cottages and make the most of the Harrogate area too.  Perhaps arrive around lunchtime on Friday, drop your bags off and register then go out to eat at one of the many lovely cafes in the town, before spending the afternoon checking out the town centre, perhaps taking a walk in the Valley Gardens then having a leisurely meal at one of the restaurants or bars before heading back to your room to relax and unwind ahead of your parkrun the next day. 

Post-Parkrun, you can explore the area around the course before returning to The Camberley, The Lodge or Camberley Cottages to freshen up before going out to eat and returning to your comfortable room for the night. 

A lazy Sunday morning breakfast and perhaps a walk, or a run, in the local area, completes your relaxing weekend.
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For the best value, book your short break directly with us here, and take advantage of the local Parkruns, beautiful running and walking routes, and delicious places to eat and drink.  And if you are trying to gain your Parkrun Alphabet, The Camberley, The Lodge and Camberley Cottages make the perfect place to stay whilst you add another letter to your tally.