Feature

Five cosy train carriage getaways near Leeds for a Yorkshire staycation

There are some brilliant train carriage staycation spots perfect for solo travel, couples and family getaways - all under two hours from Leeds, .

Sophie Smith Sophie Smith - 1st October 2021

After some time away from the city? A weekend away in a cosy train carriage in the countryside might just be that unique staycation you need.

The trains across Yorkshire have been busier than usual this week and we're wondering if the petrol shortage has anything to do with the increased traffic onboard.

Rather than wrestling passengers for a seat, or anxiously wondering whether there will be a delay in departure, the thought of staying in a private train carriage for the weekend seems much more appealing.

Planning a staycation away from Leeds? Why not book a train carriage staycation for a cosy escape from the everyday. Our favourite picks are no more than two hours away from Leeds city centre, perfect for that weekend away you've been planning but not quite booked yet.

Wally's Wagon has a private hot tub is set to the back of the carriage, overlooking rural paddock land / Image: Wally's Wagon / AirBnB

For couples: Wally’s Wagon

This quirky and intimate space hosts a full-size double bed and is heated by a small wood burner. Set in a private garden away from other guests, this quaint accommodation has all the modern amenities needed for a first-class stay.

There is a private hot tub is set to the back of the carriage, overlooking rural paddock land. This is an ideal setting for couples that appreciate the countryside and its inhabitants, with many guests describing tame llamas and donkeys that love to meet new guests.

Wally’s Wagon is located in Green Hammerton, near York, making it a fifty-minute journey from Leeds city centre.

The Flying Yorkshireman train carriage accomodation overlooking a purple sunset
The Flying Yorkshireman II is perfect for escaping the city / Image: AirBnB / The Flying Yorkshireman II

For watching the sunset : The Flying Yorkshireman II

Ever wanted to ride on a traditional steam train? The Flying Yorkshireman II railway carriage has been designed to give guests an authentic train-living experience. The 24 X 9 ft carriage looks over the Nidd Valley railway line, with picturesque views of the countryside.

It’s location makes it perfect for sunset spotting, use the decking ‘platform’ area or watch from traditional carriage seats installed inside.

Just 60 minutes from Leeds city centre, it can be found in the Glasshouses, north Harrogate.

Kimberlina Carriage boasts sea views, cooking appliances and a full-size bathtub / Image: AirBnB / Kimberlina Carriage

For budget-conscious travellers: Kimberlina Carriage

Hidden on private land of a working farm, Kimberlina Carriage offers guests bespoke train carriage living on the Jurassic Coast of Ravenscar National Park. The holiday home boasts sea views, cooking appliances and a full-size bathtub, demonstrating the size of the carriage. The amenities are perfect for travellers on a budget that want to upgrade from regular caravan accommodation.

The natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast is footsteps away from Kimberlina Carriage. Nearby, seal colonies proudly rest in the rockpools, whilst the skies turn from amber to lilac.

Kimberlina Carriage is located north of Scarborough in the village of Ravenscar. Though this takes around two hours by car or train, the fresh sea air is worth every mile travelled.

Outside the Helmsley Railway Carriage, there is a swing and lots of plants
The Helmsley Railway Carriage is full of hidden wonders / Image: AirBnB / Hemsley Railway Carriage

For families: Helmsley Railway Carriage

Family-friendly carriage accommodation is hard to come by, but Helmsley Railway Carriage hosts one of the largest carriages on AirBnB in the North East and boasts two bedrooms for four guests.

The property is an authentic 1887 3rd Class Victorian carriage recently brought into the twenty-first century, complete with designated workspace, a full-sized kitchen and bunk beds on a large plot of garden.

The Helmsley Railway Carriage is around a 75-minute drive from Leeds city centre, located in Helmsley, York.

The Staffordshire Train Carriage Staycation is the epitome of rural living / Image: AirBnB / Staffordshire Carriage Stay

For Staffordshire staycations: Staffordshire Carriage Stay

Laid on a bed of track, the Staffordshire Carriage Stay offers rustic carriage accommodation saved from 1937. The Great Western Railway carriage is full of original features and holds just as much old-school charm as it would have done in the twentieth century.

The caravan-sized carriage hosts a mini kitchen, saving space for the double bed and bathroom with shower. Guests are invited to use the outdoor decking and chairs and cook on the gas barbecue.

Staffordshire Carriage Stay is located in Dilhorne, Staffordshire. 100% of recent guests have given the location a 5-star rating, suggesting the two-hour drive from Leeds city centre is more than worthwhile.

Feature Image: Wally's Wagon, AirBnB.

Feature

Inside the historic Leeds mill transformed into a thriving hub for creatives

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

Nestled in Armley, Assembly House is an independent creative hub bringing artists together.

Assembly House, based on Canal Road in Armley inside a historic Victorian mill, has become a home for creatives across Leeds since launching in 2013.

The artist-led organisation combines working studios with an independent gallery and project space, hosting everything from exhibitions and workshops to community events and live music.

The space is currently home to 80 creatives who make up their community, comprising of professional practitioners including educators, performers, painters, sculptors, illustrators, video artists and designers.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Their aim is simple - to offer affordable studios to emerging artists alongside technical support, producing support along with access to workshops, internal film screenings and events.

Assembly House offer a yearly program of exhibitions designed to showcase the studio holders and get their work out there. It's all aimed at helping the artists, whether it's their first show or tenth.  

It has also helped bring art into the wider neighbourhood through community murals, public sculptures and activities for local people.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

They believe art has the power to bring people together and to evoke emotion and thought, and we've got to say that we absolutely agree.

The space can also be hired by students and independent creatives looking to put on their own exhibitions or bring a project to life.

The fabulous venue is generally open to visitors during exhibitions, workshops and events, with visits by appointment at other times, so it's worth checking its website before heading over.

To have a look at their current programme and to find out more about what Assembly House are doing for Leeds and the community, you can take a look at their website here.

Read more:

Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

Feature

A Miami-inspired deli serving Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and cigars has opened in a Leeds suburb

Clementine Hall Clementine Hall

After making a name for itself over in Leeds city centre, Alfonso's Deli 2.0 has touched down in Horsforth.

Famed for it’s toasted Cuban sandwiches, stacked subs and loaded breakfast bagels - Alfonso's Deli in Leeds' beautiful Grand Arcade serve up some of the best sandwiches in the city.

They've built up such a good reputation in fact, that they have now opened a second deli in the up-and-coming suburb of Horsforth.

Located in a prime location on New Side Road, this deli has a slightly different look to their original space, complete with a beautiful red awning and stuffed to the brim with American memorabilia.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Here you can find fresh Cuban coffee which goes wonderfully with their authentic toasted Cubano sandwiches, perfectly crafted with their house-made bread which are then pressed made-to-order.

New for Horsforth, they're now serving New York deli sandwiches on brand-new house schiacciata bread.

And the bread is as fresh as it gets, made in their own bakery downstairs alongside a selection of New York deli bakes.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

Stuffed with toppings such as smoked deli meats, cold cuts, fresh cheese and whatever else you fancy.

Oh and it doesn't stop there, you can also buy a cigar if you fancy it alongside a selection of merch, hot sauces and provisions like tinned fish.

So whether you're stopping by on your way to work for a morning coffee or treating yourself to a stellar sandwich for your lunch, Alfonso's Deli is here to whisk you away to Miami for the afternoon.

Images: The Hoot Leeds

They're officially opening their doors to the public this Thursday 15 October, and we just know it's going to go down and absolute storm.

Make sure to pop down and give them a big warm welcome to the neighbourhood.

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Featured image - The Hoot Leeds

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