Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa, located in Retford just outside of Yorkshire, is the perfect weekend escapefor some well-earned relaxation.
Sometimes all we need is a little bit of pampering and TLC, and this hotel and spa can provide this and much more. They have been a rural sanctuary for weary travellers since the 17th century and have been ongoing ever since.
The hotel itself offers luxury accommodation in the form of individually designed, unique rooms and suites.
Think four poster beds, opulent roll top baths and top of the range walk-in power showers.
Not only this but they are home to two exceptional restaurants serving a mix of modern and classic cuisine, both securing an AA Rosette award for fine dining.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
The real selling point though is the spa. The multi-million pound venture opened in 2017 and features an array of exceptional and unique treatments, some of which are only one of three in the whole of the UK.
Feel as though you need to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life? The Ye Olde Bell spa offers a sanctuary of rest and tranquility, leaving you feeling utterly rejuvenated and invigorated.
Out of the 11 thermal treatments on offer you can experience the Salt Inhalation Room, a silent relaxation room facing a salt wall which simulates a marine climate to aid respiratory problems, and the Herbal Laconium, a steam room which provides a natural infusion of herbs to help clear your mind and relax your muscles.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
They even have a Snow Storm Walk treatment, which only a handful of spas worldwide have on offer, here you can walk through a simulated snow shower which helps to boost the immune system and eliminate toxins- if you're brave enough that is.
The list of weird and wonderful treatments for you to sample is endless, however if you're after something more traditional then do not fear. They have an Alpine Sauna built out of Swiss stone pine, an outdoor/indoor vitality pool stretching 10 metres long and a steam bath decorated with mosaic tiles and twinkling blue light.
Need a break from the thermal treatments? Step outside and snuggle into one of their rattan apple chairs, alpine chalet huts or heated loungers. It's the perfect spot to chill out and catch up with your friends whilst enjoying a glass of champagne.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
Speaking of champagne, after a hard day of relaxing you'll need to refuel and their Herb Garden Brasserie will do just the job.
Opt for a nourishing and balanced meal such as the Ginger Soy Salmon with Saffron Risotto, or go for something a little more indulgent like the Sage Stuffed Pork Fillet with apple fondant and vanilla, parsnip puree.
Each dish comes with a wine pairing if you so wish because after all, everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while.
Image: Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa
Sounds like a dream? We think so too.
A full spa day costs £180 and includes full access to the spa, one 60 minute treatment and a two course lunch. You'll also be treated like royalty and be thoroughly looked after by one of their friendly spa butlers.
For more offers and prices as well as information on how to book, take a look at the Ye Olde Bell Hotel and Spa website.
The full details of the Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift have been released - and the action will be kicking off right in the heart of Leeds.
Preparations have moved up a gear this week, with the full map of the first stage revealed, which will see the world's leading female cyclists setting off from none other than The Headrow.
Leeds will make sporting history on 30 July next year, when we host the start of the world's biggest women's professional cycle race.
When our city was added to the 2014 Tour de France route, around 230,000 people packed into the city centre, with another two million lining the rest of the Yorkshire route - so we're expecting even bigger scenes next year.
The Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will move from the centre of Leeds to travel through communities including Headingley, Kirkstall, Bramley, Farnley and Drighlington.
Now, an interactive map has been published that gives people the chance to see for the first time exactly which streets will be in the thick of the action next summer.
Riders will set of from The Headrow before travelling down Briggate and Boar Lane - then they'll head via via Woodhouse Lane, Hyde Park Corner and Otley Road into Headingley before travelling west on North Lane and Kirkstall Lane.
Key roads on the rest of the route include:
Bridge Road at Kirkstall, which will take the riders across the River Aire;
Broad Lane, Waterloo Lane, Lower Town Street and Henconner Lane in Bramley;
Butt Lane between its junctions with Pudsey Road – near Farnley Reservoir – and Tong Road at Farnley;
Whitehall Road, from its junction with Back Lane at New Farnley, to Drighlington.
From Drighlington, the riders will cross into Kirklees and then head over the Pennines into Manchester.
Leeds City Council will be keeping people fully updated about the planning involved to host the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, including road closures and other traffic management measures.
Following its visit to Leeds, the Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift will run from Manchester to Sheffield on July 31 before finishing in London on August 1.
The event will make Leeds the first place outside mainland Europe to host the start of stage one of a Grand Départ for both the men’s Tour de France and the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
Councillor James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: "The Grand Départ of the 2027 Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift promises to be a great occasion for Leeds and one that will raise our profile on the international sporting stage while also delivering a boost to the local economy.
“Today’s announcement of further route details is a reminder that the countdown to July 30 is well and truly on, with a huge amount of planning and preparation work already taking place.
“As part of that work, we will be doing our utmost to ensure residents and businesses have all the information they need about the arrangements for the day.
“People in Leeds are famed for the passionate support they show when the city hosts major sporting events and I’m sure this one will be no different. Roll on next July!”
A new bar dedicated to Guinness and games is coming to Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
Expect live music, a load of craic and plenty of Guinness at Leeds' brand-new bar.
Opening on Leeds' bustling Merrion Street, 'Love, Jackie' is the latest concept from the team behind Roxy Ball Room and King Pins.
Love, Jackie will be taking over a 7,000 sq ft space,and will be promising proper prints, late nights and plenty of Irish charm.
Pouring will be the holy trinity of Irish stouts - Guinness, Beamish and Murphy's.
Image: Supplied
These will be served alongside Leeds' own Kirkstall Virtuous IPA and a vast whiskey selection that celebrates the best of Ireland.
Games wise, try your hand at crazy pool, interactive darts, shuffleboard and karaoke. There will also be live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
The opening comes as Merrion Street enjoys a new wave of investment and hospitality openings, helping bring new life to one of Leeds' best known night life attractions.
Image: Supplied
Matt Jones, CEO of Professionals at Play, said: “Everyone knows a Jackie. She’s the one who gets everyone together, convinces you to stay for another and makes sure there’s never a dull moment.
“We wanted to create a pub with that same personality. Somewhere with brilliant drinks, live music, plenty of games and the kind of atmosphere that makes you forget you were only popping in for one.
“Merrion Street is coming back to life, and we’re excited to be part of its next chapter. We think Jackie will fit right in. And because Jackie’s never been one to turn up empty-handed, the first drink’s on her."
We'll keep you updated on opening times as and when we find out, but for now you can sign up here for a pint of free Guinness. Cheers to that!
Clementine Hall -
11th May 2022 
